This week we spotlight one of the newest members of the Wheat Marketing Center (WMC) team; Saksen Hathaway. Saksen filled the role as the new Seasonal Laboratory Assistant in June 2024 to assist with this year’s crop quality process.
“I applied for the this position because it was similar to a previous job as a research assistant for an Oregon State University Extension Center. I liked the idea to further my research experience through the combination of hands-on and computer work the job entails,” said Hathaway.
Saksen earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is working towards a career in food and agricultural sustainability. Out of the numerous candidates who applied for this position, “her enthusiasm for learning new skills and exploring new areas made her stand out from many candidates during the initial interview,” stated Operations & Proprietary Projects Manager Liman Liu.
Saksen’s first few weeks at WMC involved getting acquainted with the crop quality (CQ) process and laboratory training. She has been trained how to run the basic CQ analytical tests with accuracy, such as falling number, wet gluten, moisture, and ash. Saksen has also learned how to use the dockage machine and the falling number mill.
“In her first month here, Saksen’s practical experience and adaptability have confirmed that choosing her was the right decision, making her a useful member of our team at Wheat Marketing Center,” said Liu.
Saksen says that the most interesting thing about working at WMC is learning about the significance of wheat quality and the competitiveness of the US wheat market. Her goals are to gain more experience in the laboratory and improve her skills. She also desires to learn more about the end-product testing and how the results are used in decision making.
To learn more about her and the rest of the team, visit https://wmcinc.org/about-us/our-people/staff/