MSU grant boosts student research and career development in agriculture

By Andi Anderson

Michigan State University (MSU) has been awarded a $720,978 grant to provide undergraduate students with opportunities to engage in agricultural research, focusing on data analytics and practical solutions to issues like agricultural finance, food safety, and food insecurity. The initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, is part of a larger $11.6 million national effort across 17 projects.

Led by Assistant Professor Jeta Rudi Polloshka of MSU’s Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, the program collaborates with Auburn University, Oregon State University, and the University of Georgia. The program aims to prepare students for successful careers while addressing significant agricultural and food industry challenges.

Students will apply each fall, with 60 participants divided into five cohorts over the program’s five years, starting in January 2025. Recruitment prioritizes underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students, including community college transfers.

Participants will engage in research projects, data collection, and extension activities, working with faculty and mentors to strengthen their skills in communication, analytics, and stakeholder engagement.

The program includes lectures, group projects, and mentorship from industry experts. A key example of a research project involves evaluating costs and benefits of alternative livestock management practices, such as disease management and feeding routines.

Students will present their findings at the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association’s summer conference, providing valuable professional exposure.

Throughout the program, students will receive feedback and assessments to enhance their learning experience. This initiative not only prepares participants for graduate studies or industry careers but also contributes to solutions for pressing national agricultural challenges.

“This experience strengthens students’ problem-solving and leadership skills, preparing them to excel in their chosen careers or academic pursuits,” Polloshka said. The program is set to run through 2029, aiming to create lasting opportunities for undergraduate research and professional growth.

Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu