Kristen Koehler
Kristen Koehler is a dedicated and passionate student in the field of horticulture, with a focus on plant breeding and biotechnology.
With a rich and diverse background, Kristen has spent 16 years of her life as a veterinary assistant. However, her journey took an exciting turn when she discovered her deep-rooted love for all things related to plants. This newfound passion ignited a career shift from working with animals to working with plants, as she embarked on a journey to explore the vast and fascinating world of horticulture.
One of Kristen’s primary objectives is to contribute to the improvement of crops, particularly in terms of enhancing their nutritional value. She recognizes the crucial role that plants play in providing sustenance and nourishment to people around the world, and she is determined to make a positive impact by working on crop improvement projects that can help address global nutritional challenges.
Her roles in Dr. Ashrafi’s blueberry lab have consisted of data collection, and she is currently working on a database to be a repository for all things blueberry!
Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Kristen enjoys spending time hiking at Umstead or making crafts.