Meet the New Members of the AGNR Alumni Board
CHRIS BROSCH, ENST ’07, most recently served as the deputy secretary for the Delaware Department of Agriculture. He was an undergraduate and graduate student during formation of ENST. He was involved in student leadership within the ENST and enrolled in nearly every undergraduate natural resource conservation course. His favorite memories were the course offerings from Bruce James (retired, founding ENSP director). The course “Soils and Civilization,” which expanded on lessons from Jared Diamond’s book Guns, Germs, and Steel, solidified his drive for lifelong learning. Currently, he is also serving as co-director of the LEADelaware Fellowship, drawing on these experiences to build local leaders in agricultural sciences and policy.
BRET BUCCI, ANSC ’15, is a live production planning manager and poultry farmer. While at AGNR, he was involved in Block and Bridle (hands-on animal experience), Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR), Collegiate 4-H, and interned at the Wye Research & Education Center. One of his favorite AGNR experiences was organizing the grilled cheese fundraiser with Block and Bridle, which raised enough money to send a team to the Northeast Student Affiliates (NESA) annual competition for the first time in nearly a decade. Bret joined the board to give back to the college that gave him a foothold in his career and to help foster stronger connections between students and professionals in the field.
JANNA CHAPMAN, ENST ’23, is a faculty specialist in the Department of Geographical Sciences at the University of Maryland (UMD). As a student in AGNR, she was actively involved in AGNR Ambassadors (recruitment, PR, and outreach), RESTORE (service, recreation, and education), and MANRRS (ethnic minorities in the agricultural sciences). Some of her favorite experiences were attending social events like Pick and Treat and the Fall Welcome Back Bash. Janna joined the board as an alumna to stay connected and continue contributing to the vibrant community she loves.
SAM HARRISON, AREC ’23, works as a nutrient management advisor with University of Maryland Extension. During his time in AGNR, he was an active member of the AGNR Student Council and the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, experiences that helped shape his academic and professional path. His favorite experience was attending the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA), which he credits for sparking his interest in continuing his education at UMD and ultimately pursuing his bachelor’s degree something he hadn’t initially planned to do. The IAA provided him with lifelong friends and a solid foundation for his academic success. As a member of the UMD Alumni Association, he hopes to serve on the board to support current and prospective students as they navigate their agricultural education and future careers. Having graduated recently, he aims to share relatable experiences and help guide the next generation of Terps.
MARY CATE PARENT, ANSC ’23, is a flock supervisor for Perdue. During her time in the college, she was an active sister of Sigma Alpha, serving as external relations chair, and was involved in Block and Bridle, holding both secretary and president positions. She served as an undergraduate teaching assistant in ANSC103 Laboratory, was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa for her academic achievements, and participated in AG Day planning. Her favorite AGNR experience was joining Sigma Alpha during her first semester, where she became part of an amazing network of like-minded women in agriculture, a connection she continues to value in her professional life as she meets Sigma Alpha alumni across the country. Mary Cate joined the board because she enjoys returning to campus to support students, staff, and faculty, sharing her experiences and helping current students discover the many opportunities available through the college.
JACK TRIMBLE, ENST ’14, now works as an environmental consultant. While at AGNR, Zach was involved in the Maryland Filmmaker’s Club and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. During his time in AGNR, he also worked for the ENST Project Development Center, where he gained hands-on experience in welding, metalworking, woodworking, and plumbing, skills that have proven valuable in his professional life. One of his favorite classes was “Treatment Wetlands” with Dr. Brandon, which deepened his appreciation for applied environmental design. Jack hopes to give back to the college that set him up for success and to help foster a stronger community among alumni and current students on the board. He hopes to help connect fellow Terps, support student opportunities, and strengthen professional networks.