Kaileigh Wright’s (‘18, Champlain College) lifelong interest in responsible agriculture took root at her family’s small hobby farm in the Ottawa Valley, but it’s been her journey in Trent’s School of the Environment that gave her the confidence to chase her passions. 

As an undergrad student in Trent’s Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems program, Kaileigh quickly took advantage of the internship opportunities in Dr. Karen Thompson’s Agricultural Soil Health Lab. In these internships, Kaileigh built valuable skills from hands-on experience at the Trent Research Farm, and ended up receiving the School of the Environment’s Undergraduate Research Assistant Award. 

Now an M.Sc. candidate in Trent’s Environmental & Life Sciences program, Kaileigh is conducting research at the Trent Research Farm focused on formulating nature-based fertilizers that have the potential to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.  

“Taking the step to get involved ended up sparking a new passion for nutrient management, so I'm thankful for the opportunities at the Farm that led me to where I am today. It’s been key to my personal and professional growth at Trent, and I want students to know these options are available to them, even in their undergrad,” said Kaileigh. “It's right there, and Trent has such a great community. So, if you're curious, or shy, or you want to get involved and aren't sure how, just go for it, everyone will be eager to answer your questions.” 

Visit the Trent Lands website to learn more about the Trent Research Farm. 

For more information on Trent's’ Environment & Sustainability Area of Study, visit our Future Students webpage.