As a Ph.D. Candidate, Becky Mackelprang studies the molecular mechanisms that plants use to defend themselves against pathogens. Her professional pursuits also include science communication, community engagement, and agricultural policy.

During graduate school, she has found that public perception and understanding of research determine its applicability to modern challenges. As she finishes graduate school, she seeks to move into a position in the realm of science policy, communication, and/or literacy. She wants to disseminate honest and unbiased information to policy makers and the general public so they are equipped to objectively evaluate information and make evidence-driven decisions. As a graduate student, she has created and sought opportunities to this end from teaching in elementary and middle school classrooms, to meeting with top California State policy makers in Sacramento.