Rachel Close-Sawyer worked as a seasonal research assistant at the NMSU Agricultural Science Center from 1998 to 2006. She was responsible for various tasks related to agricultural and horticultural research projects, including collecting and analyzing plant growth data. She helped establish a xeriscape research plot and maintained turfgrass plots. Rachel showed excellent work ethic, maintaining equipment and identifying problems through independent research. She mentored summer students and has knowledge of landscaping from completing the Master Gardener's Program. Her former supervisor highly recommends her based on her qualifications, work ethic, and ability to successfully complete job goals and objectives.

1. 4/20/2015
NMSU Agricultural Science Center
Farmington, NM County Extension
Please consider this letter as a very positive recommendation for Ms. Rachel Close-Sawyer. I am a
college professor and research scientist here at New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science
Center at Farmington. Rachel was employed as a seasonal research assistant at the center between
1998 and 2006 and was one of the most responsible, talented, energetic, and hard-working employees
that I’ve hired during my 30-years at the center. Her duties and responsibilities were diverse as they
focused on accomplishing the objectives of several different agricultural and horticultural research and
demonstration projects. She was responsible for collecting, organizing, and analyzing plant growth and
irrigation-fertilization data. She developed appropriate directives and techniques for accomplishing the
objectives with limited supervision.
In 2002 and 2003, Rachel and I planted and established a xeriscape research/demonstration plot at the
center. Thanks to the meticulous care in planting, watering, and post-plant maintenance provided by Ms.
Close-Sawyer, more than 95% of the transplants survived and became successfully established. Rachel
was also responsible for maintaining turfgrass plots at the center. Job duties included mowing, pruning,
irrigating, fertilizing, and integrated pest management. Rachel showed excellent mechanical ability and
she maintained all of the equipment and tools she used to keep them clean and in good working order.
Rachel is very intelligent and resourceful. Through independent literature reviews, she was able to
identify and rectify problems associated with plant growth. She also prepared a bibliography of the plants
grown in the xeriscape garden and during limited slack time would be busy searching for valuable
information related to these plants and others. Rachel understood the importance of accuracy and
completeness related to various horticultural and agricultural research objectives and knew how to
successfully accomplish the objectives. Rachel completed the Master Gardener’s Program and when it
comes to landscaping and gardening, she knows what needs to be done and why. She is not afraid of
hard work and was always willing and eager to assist other researchers at the center. Rachel is friendly
and personable but also professional and focused. Rachel demonstrated successful supervisory skills
here at the center when she mentored summer students.
Based on these qualifications, including Rachel’s energy, determination, and foresight, I am confident in
her ability to successfully complete the goals and objectives of any job that requires these qualifications.
Sincerely,
Daniel Smeal
College Professor