Hello! I'm Caroline
Plants are a passion of mine and I am always looking for opportunities to expand my knowledge regarding them. Plant genetics and biotechnology are of particular interest to me, which is why I've started the Master of Microbial Biotechnology program at NCSU. I am on track to finishing this degree in May 2026 and begin more hands-on work in these fields.
With prior experience working in greenhouses, fields, labs, and providing market analyses, I am a well-rounded student aiming to lend a hand to the agricultural biotech field.
Caroline Sechler
Graduate Student
Email:
Location:
North Carolina State University, Raleigh
EDUCATION
August 2024 - Present
N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY
Master of Microbial Biotechnology
August 2019 - May 2023
N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY
B.S. Plant Biology
Minor in Environmental Science
WORK EXPERIENCE
June 2025 - August 2025
Microbiology Intern
Ocean Spray Cranberries
This served as my required internship experience for the MMB program. As an intern, I completed a project regarding the growth of mold and production of mycotoxins in final-product juices under extreme conditions. I worked directly under Ocean Spray's Senior Microbiologist and alongside numerous members of their Food Safety and Quality Assurance group.
Skills: Liquid Mold Culture, DNA Extraction, qPCR, HPLC, Hemocytometer, Data Analysis and Communication
August 2024 - April 2025
Part-Time Student Worker
USDA-ARS in affiliation with NCSU Food Science
When I started the MMB Program in August 2024, I also started working part-time in Dr. Fred Breidt's food safety lab on the NCSU campus. Here I aided in proprietary research under a CRADA agreement related to preventing spoilage bacteria in commercial pickle jars. Within this position I have received microbiology and BSL2 pathogen lab training.
Skills: Bacterial Cell Culture, Titration, BSL2 Safety
May 2023 - July 2024
USDA-ARS ERSGGL in affiliation with NCSU Plant Science
Full-Time Temp. Research Technician
My student position turned into a full-time position after graduation in May 2023. I continued working in the doubled-haploid lab and additionally at a USDA-ARS / NCSU field site for small grains research. Here, I made breeding program selections, harvested, and conducted numerous post-harvest processes. In April 2024 my NCSU position transitioned to a temporary USDA employee (LA Hire).
Skills: Wheat Pollination, Automated Lab Equipment, Grain Quality Analysis, Wheat Breeding Program Selections, Inventory Management, Oat Crossing
March 2022 - May 2023
Part-Time Student Worker
USDA-ARS ERSGGL in affiliation with NCSU Plant Science
I worked part-time in the USDA-ARS Eastern Regional Small Grains Genotyping Lab (ERSGGL) as research credit for my B.S. degree. I aided in the development of a high throughput protocol for doubled-haploid winter wheat.
Skills: Plant Tissue Culture, Aseptic Technique, Media Preparation, Greenhouse Management, General Field and Lab Experience
Career Objectives
The MMB program and my internship experience have equipped me with a wide array of knowledge ranging from navigating industry needs to handling materials with precision in lab environments. With these skills, I aim to begin my career amongst the many local plant biotechnology and food science companies at Research Triangle Park! . It is my goal to have a career where I can support the development of better crops and ensure that safe and nutritious foods are reaching consumers. With my graduation soon, I am currently looking for full time and contract positions.
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Master of Microbial Biotechnology
The Master of Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) program at N.C. State University isn't your typical masters program. MMB offers an even blend of both MBA and technical scientific experience to leave you with a well-rounded professional science degree. Within this program are the options to achieve certificates that compliment your degree, as well as the option to achieve your MBA through the dual degree program. Over the course of the typical 2 years, we complete practicum projects every semester where we work alongside local biotechnology companies. We are given a goal by the company where we end up researching anything from market projections to potential manufacturing partners to FDA regulations. With these projects we are able to gain experience connecting with business collaborators, conducting outreach, giving professional presentations, and familiarizing ourselves with the needs of current biotechnology companies.