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Student Spotlight: Meghana Kotraiah!

March 14, 2023

Are you an AREC current student or alumnus that is interested in being featured on the website and sharing your experiences? Fill out this form to be featured! 
If you have any questions, reach out to tkachroo@umd.edu.
 

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Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Meghana Kotraiah and I am a junior Dual Degree student in Government & Politics and Agricultural & Resource Economics, with minors in Asian American Studies and Secondary Education from Gaithersburg, Maryland! I am super involved on campus with student government, College of AGNR student leadership, as a campus tour guide, and in the professional agricultural sorority Sigma Alpha. In my free time, I love to cook and take care of my houseplants (I have over 40)!

What made you interested in the AREC major?
I became interested in the AREC major after I worked at a local restaurant during my junior year of high school where I learned about food sourcing and local agriculture. That sparked my interest in learning about agriculture and the environment in college, especially with the robust and supportive College of Agriculture and Natural Resources that we have here. I have always been interested in government and economics, so combining the AREC major with my other academic pursuits was the perfect combination for me!

What are you involved in on and off campus (jobs, research, internships, clubs)?
On campus: Student Government Association, Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, Maryland Images, College of AGNR DSAC and Student Ambassadors, Student Alumni Leadership Council.

What are your future aspirations after you earn your undergraduate degree?
My future aspirations are to work in federal natural resources or agriculture policy, particularly in Congress. I would also love to pursue law school eventually. 

Do you have any other comments about your experience as an AREC student that will be helpful to other students in making their academic/professional journey a success?
I love the AREC major and the flexibility within it to specialize in more of the business side or environmental side, and I have enjoyed taking a wide variety of courses that I am interested in and enjoy!