2026 SMADC Summer Interns

Meet Our Interns

2026 Cohort

 

  • Katelyn Bullock

    • Education: Rising Junior at Oklahoma State University (Agricultural Education) | Southern High School Alumna (Anne Arundel County)

    • Background: Served as the Maryland FFA State Reporter after high school, discovering a strong passion for agricultural education and advocacy.

    • Career Goal: High school agricultural education teacher.

 

  • Serenity Mitchell

    • Education: Undergraduate at Towson University (Environmental Science and Studies)

    • Background: Focused on sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

    • Career Goal: Agricultural sustainability and community environmental work.

 

  • Angelina Perez

    • Education: Rising Sophomore at College of Southern Maryland (Biology) | Incoming Transfer to University of Maryland Institute of Applied Agriculture (Fall 2027)

    • Background: National FFA competitor in Prepared Public Speaking and Poultry Production.

    • Career Goal: Agricultural business and politics.

 

2026 Intern Projects & Initiatives

SMADC’s 2026 Summer Intern cohort led impactful research, educational development, and outreach initiatives designed to support local producers, engage students, and promote long-term agricultural sustainability across Southern Maryland.

Featured Intern Projects

1. “Farmer for a Day” Interactive Educational Game

Lead Developer: Katelyn Bullock (Rising Junior, Oklahoma State University – Agricultural Education)

Developed by Katelyn Bullock, “Farmer for a Day” is an interactive educational game created to build agricultural literacy and help students navigate real-world farming decisions.

  • How It Works: Players step into the role of a crop, dairy, beef, or produce farmer where they encounter daily operational challenges. Each choice impacts economic stability, environmental health, and management success.

  • Interactive Deployment: Designed for touchscreen kiosks at local agricultural events, county fairs, and school educational programs. SMADC plans to make the digital display available for regional loan.

  • Coming Soon: SMADC will soon provide direct access to this project! Please contact our team at info@smadc.com to learn more.

“Many students have little exposure to the complexities of agriculture. My goal was to create an engaging experience that helps participants understand the critical decisions farmers make while highlighting the importance of agriculture in our daily lives.”

— Katelyn Bullock

2. Evaluating AI Tools for Sustainable Farming

Lead Researcher: Serenity Mitchell (Undergraduate, Towson University – Environmental Science & Studies)

Serenity Mitchell conducted a comprehensive feasibility study titled “Evaluating the Feasibility of Artificial Intelligence Tools for Sustainable Farming in Southern Maryland,” examining how emerging AI technologies can support small to mid-sized farms.

  • Core Research Focus: Evaluates practical, cost-effective AI solutions for crop monitoring, soil health assessment, pest identification, and resource planning.

  • Visual Operations Flyer: Includes an illustrative infographic detailing:

    • Smart crop and soil monitoring

    • Drone-assisted field analysis

    • AI-driven farm management apps

    • Cost-efficiency and labor optimization strategies

  • Impact for Regional Farmers: Helps local producers navigate variable soil types and shifting weather patterns, laying the groundwork for future AI pilot programs in Southern Maryland.

Share Your Input: Farmer AI Tools Survey

As part of this ongoing research, Serenity Mitchell, a SMADC 2026 Summer Intern is gathering feedback to better understand farmer awareness, interest, and potential barriers related to AI-based agricultural tools. Your input will help shape future training and support resources for local farms across Southern Maryland.

3. Sustainable Poultry Practices & Profitability

Lead Researcher: Angelina Perez (Rising Sophomore, College of Southern Maryland – Biology / IAA Transfer)

Angelina Perez authored a research piece exploring how sustainable poultry management balances environmental stewardship, animal welfare, and economic viability for regional producers.

  • Key Focus Areas:

    • Climate-Adapted Breeds: Recommends heritage breeds like Barred Rocks for Mid-Atlantic weather resilience and natural foraging capability.

    • Rotational Free-Ranging: Demonstrates how shifting paddocks every 3–5 days prevents overgrazing, restores pasture vegetation, and distributes manure naturally.

    • Economic & Ecological Balance: Outlines practical solutions to overcome land, labor, and disease management challenges for small- and large-scale operations.

Project Inquiries & Contact

For inquiries about any of these intern projects, educational tools, or research materials, please contact info@smadc.com.

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