ACES Academic Programs
128 Mumford Hall
1301 West Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61801
217-333-3380
cacesoap@illinois.edu
1301 West Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61801
217-333-3380
cacesoap@illinois.edu
Agronomists conduct experiments or investigations in field crop problems and develops new methods of growing crops to secure more efficient production, higher yield, and improved quality. They plan and carry out breeding studies at experiment stations or farms to develop and improve varieties of field crops, such as corn, soy, cotton, or cereal grains with respect to characteristics, such as yield, quality, adaptation to specific soils or climate and resistance to disease and pests. Also, they study crop production to discover best methods of planting, cultivation, harvesting, and effects of various climatic conditions on crops. Agronomists develop methods for control of noxious weeds, crop diseases, and insect pests. They may specialize in specific field crop, group of field crops, or specific agronomic problem.
Source: National FFA
Biotechnicians do routine lab and clinical tasks, record information and assist in procedures. They are employed by research institutes and pharmaceutical companies that conduct research. In general, Biotechnicians work in research, development and testing. They are concerned with the laboratory work that goes on during the development and the manufacture of products. They help create new products and find new ways to introduce biotechnology from different starting materials. Biotechnicians serve in a supportive role to biotechnologist. Their job is to conduct tests and to gather data on questions such as the content, structure, strength, stability, purity and other characteristics of a broad range of materials. They may plan or conduct tests on thousands of consumer products such as foods, drugs, paper, paints or fuel. In their work, biotechnicians not only collect data but also interpret it.
Source: National FFA
The Biotechnology Regulatory Affairs Specialist compiles all material required for submissions, license renewals and annual registrations. An incumbent monitors, improves tracking and control systems and keeps abreast of regulatory procedures and changes. The specialist may work with regulatory agencies and recommend strategies for earliest possible approvals of clinical trial applications.
Source: National FFA
An entomologist is a scientist who studies insects. They study the classification, life cycle, distribution, physiology, behavior, ecology, or population dynamics of insects. Other entomologists study urban pests, forest pests, agricultural pests, or medical and veterinary pests and their control; some work with beneficial insects like honey bees, silkworms, ladybird beetles, and parasitic wasps. Many entomologists are also involved with research in IPM (Integrated Pest Management). IPM is a system that utilizes environmentally sound pest control techniques that are compatible with producer and user objectives. IPM is more than chemical pesticide management; it also includes biological, cultural and sanitary control practices. Entomologists are researchers, teachers, or consultants, and may work for private companies, universities, or government agencies.
Source: Gary A. Dunn
Molecular geneticists conduct research on genes and gene mapping. Mapping a gene is usually the first step in isolating it, determining its structure in detail, and figuring out how it works. The international scientific community is currently engaged in an effort to learn the location of every one of the 50-100,000 human genes, and then determine the DNA sequence of the entire human genome. Similar projects are being conducted for corn, rice, hogs and many other plants and animals. Population Geneticists are concerned with the dynamics of inheritance within whole populations of organisms. They seek to explain the origin and nature of natural variation and the relationship of such variants to their environment. The activities of Population Geneticists range from field biology through intensive laboratory investigation, to mathematical model-building and computer simulation.
Source: National FFA
Golf Course Superintendents ensure proper care and maintenance of a golf course. They plan, assign, and supervise work of subordinates; supervises mowing, watering, weeding, rolling, spiking, and fertilization of greens, tees, and fairways and manage control of fungus, weeds, and rodents. They may also be responsible for planning construction greens, tees and fairways, including gathering of estimates and requisitions materials, supplies, and equipment needed. Many also analyze soil conditions and devise formulas to correct unhealthy conditions. Administrative tasks, such as keeping records, producing written reports, and preparing and controlling a budget, are also important. In addition, supervisors train workers in their tasks; keep employees' time records and record work performed; and even assist workers when deadlines are near.
Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook
Lawyers, also called attorneys, act as both advocates and advisors in our society. As advocates, they represent one of the parties in criminal and civil trials by presenting evidence and arguing in court to support their client. As advisors, lawyers counsel their clients about their legal rights and obligations and suggest particular courses of action in business and personal matters. Whether acting as an advocate or an advisor, all attorneys research the intent of laws and judicial decisions and apply the law to the specific circumstances faced by their clients. Lawyers may specialize in a number of areas, such as probate, international, agricultural, or environmental law. Those specializing in environmental law, for example, may represent interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction firms in their dealings with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other Federal and State agencies. These lawyers help clients prepare and file for licenses and applications for approval before certain activities may occur. Some lawyers specialize in the growing field of intellectual property, helping to protect clients' claims to copyrights, biotechnology, product designs, and other discoveries.
Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook
Molecular Biologists work with genetic materials and biological agents or systems to modify or create new products or processes for specific uses in the fields of medicine, agriculture, food and beverage processing, specialty chemicals, and environmental science. Through molecular manipulation or engineering, biotechnologists can alter the genes and change the makeup or behavior of organisms. The biologists can then turn these altered organisms into industrial or technical products for use as fuel, medicine, or food. About one-third of the researchers in biotechnology are molecular biologists and immunologists. Most molecular biologists focus on animal and bacterial systems because this research is related to human health.
Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook
Plant Breeders work to improve specific characteristics, such as yield, size, quality, maturity, and resistance to frost, drought, disease and insect pests in plants. They utilize the principles of genetics and their knowledge of plant growth to develop variety and select the most desirable plants for crossing. In breeding plants, breeders utilize methods such as inbreeding, crossbreeding, back crossing, out crossing, mutating, or inter-specific hybridization and selection. They select progeny having desired characteristics and continue breeding and selection process to reach desired objectives.
Source: National FFA
A Regulatory Affairs Specialist works within regulated industries, such as food, agricultural, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health care, energy, and banking. Regulatory Affairs professionals usually have responsibility for Ensuring that their companies comply with all of the regulations and laws pertaining to their business. They work with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and personnel on specific issues affecting their business, such as the Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, or Department of Homeland Security. They advise their companies on the regulatory aspects and climate that would affect business activities.
Source: Wikipedia
Science/Technical Writers present information and instructions in clear, understandable language for non-technical readers. They research, write, design, edit, and prepare publications in wide-ranging fields. The publications may be technical reports, instruction manuals, newsletters, articles, papers, proposals, brochures, and booklets. These writers explain and illustrate complex procedures in simple terms people can understand. They may be responsible for supplying illustrations such as schematics, pictures, charts, tables, or graphs to go with the write-up. They may create these illustrations themselves, or they may work with photographers, technical illustrators, drafters, and publishers. Technical writers employed by one company or organization may prepare pamphlets or booklets on job procedures, worker benefits, and company rules.
Source: National FFA
Soil scientists study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as it relates to plant growth. They also study the responses of various soil types to fertilizers, tillage practices, and crop rotation. Many soil scientists who work for the Federal Government conduct soil surveys, classifying and mapping soils. They provide information and recommendations to farmers and other landowners regarding the best use of land and plants to avoid or correct problems, such as erosion. They may also consult with engineers and other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of, and solutions to, soil problems. Because soil science is closely related to environmental science, persons trained in soil science also work to ensure environmental quality and effective land use.
Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook
Sales representatives are an important part of manufacturers' and wholesalers' success. Regardless of the type of product they sell, sales representatives' primary duties are to make wholesale and retail buyers and purchasing agents interested in their merchandise and to address any of their clients' questions and concerns. Sales representatives demonstrate their products and explain how using those products can reduce costs and increase sales
Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook
Viticulturists breed and cultivate grape stock. They are concerned with the growing of grapes to produce quality wines. A large winery may employ professional viticulturists while in a small winery the winemaker may be the Viticulturist. Viticulturists keep records on sugar content, kinds of grapes used, weights, and other details. These records add to the body of knowledge and experience useful in wine making.
Source: National FFA