My name is Michaela Turner, and I am a senior studying Crop and Soil Management here in the Agronomy Department at Purdue. I am from Van Buren, Indiana.Purdue has been such a blessing to me. I have accomplished more things than I ever could have imagined in college, and I have met some of the most incredible people here. I can't believe that I am a senior already! 

Over the summer I had an internship with DuPont Pioneer as a Sales Agronomy Intern. I lived at home on my family's farm and covered all of northeast Indiana. I worked alongside account managers and agronomist coaching reps, assisting in agronomy service calls, and collecting data on plots. I also worked on a project over customers perception of seed quality and presented it 3 times to various Pioneer employees, including presenting at the headquarters in Johnston, Iowa. I had an awesome summer and I learned a ton about both sales and agronomy. 

I am graduating in December, a semester early. Over the summer I interviewed with Pioneer for their Emerging Leaders Program. This is a full time position with Pioneer specifically for people just out of college. I am so happy to say that I have officially accepted a full time position in the Emerging Leaders Program. I will work as a Production Agronomist in Plymouth, Indiana. I am super excited for this experience, and it is so relieving to already have a job lined up. 

That is what is new in my life! 

Best,

Michaela Turner 

Hi everybody!

My name is Kathryn Graf and I am a senior at Purdue majoring in Agronomic Business and Marketing with a minor in Food and Agribusiness Management. I am actually graduating a semester early so I will be done this December. Yes, I am already becoming nostalgic when I think about leaving, but that means my past three years here at Purdue have been awesome! Without the knowledge I learned in the classroom and the skills I have gained from being involved with different things on campus, I would not feel as competent and confident in myself as I do today.

This summer I was blessed with a wonderful opportunity to intern with BASF on their Midwest Research Farm in Champaign, IL.  On the farm they conduct research looking at product performance on products that have not hit the market yet, product performance compared to competitor products on ones that are being currently sold, and do agronomic research. Over the course of the summer then, they host over 1500 people in multiple tours showcasing the different aspects of research that is being done. As an intern, my duties consisted of maintaining ten different research plots. I was to growth stage them, looking for the correct application timing, apply the product, and then rate the product following the application. For all applications, we wore a Tyvek suit for safety, used a back pack sprayer and handheld boom, I am spraying a plot pictured above.

During tour season, I helped out with setting up and preparing for the tours, registration, guiding people to the correct locations, and I even given the opportunity to speak at several of the tours about the plots I was in charge of. This really was a step outside of my comfort zone, I am not a public speaker but I rose to the challenge and discussed the importance of planting early plantings of soybeans to many farmers. As an intern we did several other things such as plant corn and soybeans, travel to other research facilities, mixed chemicals, networked with all of the people coming through the farm, and rode with BASF tech reps and business reps. My summer with BASF was a blast, I learned so much while experiencing many great things. I am one of many Purdue ag students who have had wonderful experiences with their internships and this is one thing the College of Ag prides         themselves on, just another reason why Purdue is an exceptional institution to attend!

As I graduate at the end of the this fall semester, I am over joyed to announce that I will not be leaving Purdue. I will be staying to earn a masters degree in soybean agronomy. This is another thing my internship with BASF helped me achieve, direction into what I wanted to study for a masters. I went into the summer thinking I would study weed science, but after working with both weeds and soybeans throughout the summer I decided I was much more interested in soybeans. This directional guidance for me was a huge help and it would not have been possible without the in field experience of an internship. Also, the people I worked with had connections across different universities so I had several options of where to attend.

So to anybody looking to attend Purdue, do it! You will not make a mistake of attending this university, it will actually be one of the best decisions you have ever made. It surely was for me!

Until next time,
Kathryn

NRES Ambassador - Veronica Yager

Hello all!

My name is Veronica Yager. I am currently a junior majoring in Natural Resources and Environmental Science and minoring in Wildlife. I am from a small town close to Greensburg, Indiana in the southeastern part of the state. Before leaving for Purdue, I  lived at home on the family farm. I plan to graduate in May of 2017.

Velvet gecko caught during field work
in Queensland, Australia. 

The spring semester of my sophomore year I studied abroad in Townsville, Queensland, Australia at James Cook University. While in Australia I took classes that transferred back directly as concentrations for my major, so I am not behind in my studies at all! Purdue Study Abroad is awarding grants of up to $3,000 for students wanting to study abroad for a semester. How awesome is that!?

For the past two summer seasons I have worked at Versailles State Park as the Interpretive Naturalist. My job consists of operating the nature center, organizing programs for the public, reaching out to the park visitors, and understanding the different aspects of the environment. I have learned more working at this job then I could have ever imagined. The experience that I have been getting by working at the park makes applying what I learn at Purdue practical. I can take what I learn and apply it to real world situations. Next season I am hoping to attain a position as a backcountry ranger in Yellowstone National Park. 

4th of July celebration with Smokey the Bear at
Versailles State Park. 

Currently, I am working with the Purdue Hellbender Research team. Hellbender's are the largest aquatic salamander in North American, and they are endangered in Indiana. This past weekended my team and I went down to Corydon, Indiana to snorkel the Blue River in search of male Hellbenders guarding their nest rocks.


I am very passionate about everything that I do and extremely excited to see what the future has in store for me!

Until next time,

Roni

Snorkeling the Blue River in search of Hellbenders with Purdue research team. 

Hello Agronomy followers,

My name is Christy Kettler. I am a junior studying Agronomy: Crop and Soil Management in the College of Agriculture here at Purdue University. I also have a minor in Agricultural Economics and a certificate in Leadership Development with plans to graduate in May 2017. This past summer I was an Agronomy and Sales Intern for Beck’s Hybrids in central and northern Indiana. I had the opportunity to travel the state and learn from senior agronomists while collecting observations and photos for weekly scouting reports in Indiana Prairie Farmer. From corn emergence to blister stage, I scouted fields for insects, diseases, deficiencies, and adverse growing conditions. Later in the season, I utilized UAVs to observe patterns in the fields. This past summer, I also attended the AFA Crop Science Institute in Des Moines, Iowa where I learned about the future of crop science careers and the impact of production agriculture on the growing population. Back on campus, I am finishing up my term serving on the Student Council for the College of Agriculture and beginning my time as an Agronomy/NRES Ambassador. I am also a cheerleader for football and basketball. Go Boilers! I have been a part of various campus activities and trips throughout the country and have completed two internships. I have studied abroad in Costa Rica and Ireland through Purdue Agriculture. I love being a Boilermaker and hope to share my story while encouraging younger Boilers to be the best they can be. I love agriculture and am so proud to be where I am. I will be Ever Grateful and Ever True, all Hail Purdue!

Photo from a farm on my Costa Rica study abroad in May 2013.

Photo in uniform from a football game at Ross-Ade Stadium at Purdue University.

Hello!

My name is Nicole Smith, and I am a senior here at Purdue University. I am studying Natural Resources/Environmental Science with minors in Ecological/Environmental Engineering and Soil Science. My plans are to graduate in May of 2016, which is just around the corner! My hometown is Plainfield, Indiana, which is a suburb just southwest of Indianapolis. 

Throughout my time here at Purdue, I have been blessed with multiple opportunities to get involved on campus. Currently, I am an Agronomy/NRES ambassador and a Resident Assistant (RA) at Windsor Halls. Being an RA and student takes up a good chunk of my time, so I can’t be as involved on campus like I previously have! But, I have been fortunate to be involved with Purdue University Dance Marathon, Windsor Hall club, Boiler Green Initiative, Student Office Staff, Wabash Sampling Blitz, and Issues 360. Issues 360 is a fellowship program for students in the College of Agriculture where you can engage on controversial topics within agriculture and the environment. For someone who didn’t grow up on a farm, this was a great experience for me to see parts of agriculture I’ve never seen before! There are so many avenues on campus to get involved with if you are at all interested. Being involved on campus definitely heightens your experience as a student here at Purdue!

Over the summer, I had the great opportunity to study abroad! Through the School for Field Studies, I traveled to Australia and New Zealand. This was a huge personal growth experience for me because of the fact that I never had been outside of the US (or even on an airplane!). During my time there, I had an amazing experience of living in the middle of the rainforest, practically in the middle of nowhere. We would have class in the morning, and then go out into the field in the afternoon. The purposes of our studies were to contrast the economical, ecological, and social factors of Australia and New Zealand with a focus on sustainability. We also had the opportunity to participate in multiple indigenous cultural activities in both countries. One of my favorite memories was staying with a Maori family in New Zealand. We were able to learn about their culture, history, and family while living in their home. When we had to leave, we realized how quickly we became connected with their family and New Zealand. We also had the opportunity to do volunteer work through planting and tending to trees for restoration projects. Studying abroad this summer was definitely one of the best decisions I have made during my time here at Purdue!

For those of you who are interested in agriculture or the environment, Purdue is ready to welcome you with open arms! The friendliness and openness of the College of Ag’s faculty is what attracted me to this department. Professors genuinely want to get to know you, and want to see you succeed! Like I said before, there is SO much to get involved on campus with. Purdue has your niche! Boiler up!

Hey there everyone!

My name is Sarah Letsinger and this is my second year here at Purdue. Even though I am only in my third semester, my goal is to be able to graduate within three years. I am studying agronomy with a concentration in crop and soil management and a minor in horticulture.  I grew up on a grain farm in Tipton Indiana (which is about an hour north of Indianapolis). I am proud to say that our farm has been in the family for over a hundred years!

Over the summer I worked as a field scout intern for Crop Production Services. I was located in Arcadia, Indiana which is in Hamilton County. It was a great hands on experience where I learned much about crops, diseases, and insects. I was able to have weekly meetings with the other Northern Division interns, most of who are Purdue students. It is awesome to come back to school and be able to recognize another face among the many here on campus. One of the main reasons I was employed by CPS was because I attended the College of Agriculture Career Fair. The career fair is an amazing opportunity that should not be missed by any! It gives you an opportunity to network with many industry professionals and helps to build your confidence and reputation. In addition to working I was also able to take some time off to help my brother during the Tipton County 4-H Fair, visit the Indiana State Fair and also take a vacation to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. Even though working is a great way to gain real world experience as well as earn money for college, taking time to enjoy the summer with friends and family is very important!   

For those of you who are interested in everything agriculture you have come to the right place! Purdue has an esteemed reputation as an Ag school and for many reasons. The professors, faculty, and staff are amazing! They will take the time out of their day to discuss courses, careers, and about life in general. There are many different clubs and organizations, so there is no reason for anyone to feel like they can’t fit in somewhere! In addition to being an Agronomy Ambassador, I am the president of Soil and Water Conservation Society, a member of the Purdue Soils Team, the Agronomy Club, and Purdue Quality Deer Management Association. During your years at Purdue you will be getting a well-rounded education while at the same time meeting people that are just as passionate about agriculture as you are. If you come to Purdue (which I hope that all of you do!) don’t ever be afraid to change your mind about your major or your career path. College is where you can find yourself and figure out where life will take you, or at least in the general direction!

Boiler Up!  

First Ag Ambassador Blog

                                         Hi everyone my name is Gina Zaccagnini and I am a sophomore here at Purdue studying Natural Resources and Environmental Science. I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania... (yes, I am a huge Steelers/Pirates/Penguins fan), and I plan on graduating from this incredible university in May of 2018! Here at Purdue, I am involved in several different clubs/organizations such as being an Ambassador for the College of Agriculture,Team Leader position for Boiler Gold Rush, member of the University Choir with Purdue Musical Organizations, and many more! I was pretty busy over the summer between working two jobs, taking some summer classes, and ultimately being able to be with family and friends whom I did not get to see very much throughout the school year. However, I was able to go on a much needed vacation to Fort Lauderdale, Florida with my family, on top of attending two family reunions for both my dad and mom's sides. In addition, I went to many concerts with some of my closest friends, such as, my favorite...Luke Bryan, as well as Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift. I had to come back to campus earlier than usual because I had the amazing opportunity to be a Team Leader for the freshmen orientation program here at Purdue, known as Boiler Gold Rush, and that took place a week before classes started for the semester. All in all, after a great summer, I am extremely excited and happy to be back at Purdue to take on another year.
                                      For those who are looking to attend Purdue in the coming future, all I can say is that you are making a fantastic decision by choosing this impeccable institution. Yes, this university will challenge you in every way possible; however, it also makes you into an independent, responsible, and successful adult. Some advice that I would like to give to these prospective students is that this college offers anything and everything. From internships, to study abroad opportunities, to being able to decide on what club, out of 900 clubs on campus, would you want to be a part of during your years here, Purdue has it all. If you have questions about anything, there is always a faculty member or even any upper classmen who would love to help you in any way, shape, or form. Every student here at Purdue takes pride in the fact that we have the incredible opportunity to attend such a prestigious, well-known university. Do not be afraid to put yourself out there and achieve your goals!