David Abel

Experience

• 

  Kansas State University

  Jan 2016 - Dec 2016

  As a Research Assistant I was in charge of establishing the Kansas Agriculture Watersheds (KAW) research site. Dirt work was the first order of business. The research to come demanded perfect precision when it came to slopes and shaping terraces. My trusty companions were skid-steer, backhoe, dump truck, and shovel. The research instruments came next. Installing H-Flumes, automated water samplers, data-loggers, and rain gauges. Of course this was agriculture research so soil sampling, fertilizing, tilling, planting, spraying, and harvesting were my duties as well. Specifically, this was agriculture runoff research. Therefore, every time it rained I was out there slopping through the mud collecting water samples. It was a boy's dream come true, big equipment, cool gadgets, and mud. What more could you ask for? It was too much fun for one guy to have all to himself. Throughout the project, I managed seven undergraduate workers. I expected to be in the role for only a year, but my supervisor made me an offer to continue with the appointment while studying for my master's degree and I didn't refuse. Show less As a GRA I taught thirty students basic crop and soil nutrition. I had to communicate effectively to students with many different backgrounds. Complex concepts had to be broken down into understandable components so students could grasp the larger picture. Illustrations and analogies often had to be developed on the spot to help students understand. Quick thinking was necessary to address questions beyond the scope of my lecture. When questions arose that I didn’t have an immediate answer to, I was able to maintain credibility as an instructor by admitting I didn’t know, finding the answer, and following up with the students. Show less

  • Research Assistant

    Jul 2014 - Dec 2016

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant

    Jan 2016 - May 2016
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  Valley Coop, Inc.

  Jan 2017 - Mar 2020

  Agronomist

  I considered continuing in research role after completing graduate studies in 2016 but I felt like it was time for a change. I wanted to directly help farmers implement best management practices that are good for the environment and good for their operation. Thus, I accepted an agronomy position at Valley Coop Inc. I negotiate with suppliers to ensure the farmer gets a great price, I work with our agronomic staff to ensure the farmer gets a great service, and I work with the farmer to ensure he or she gets a great crop. Show less

• 

  Indigo

  Apr 2019 - Sept 2020

  • Associate Field Research Technical Lead

    Mar 2020 - Sept 2020

  • Research Agronomist

    Oct 2019 - Mar 2020

  • Regenerative Agronomy Specialist

    Apr 2019 - Mar 2020
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  Syngenta

  Sept 2020 - now

  Key Account Lead