AGEC Student Envoys
Stephanie Atkinson
Hometown: Huntington, IN
Graduation Year: May 2025
While at Purdue I have been actively involved in Purdue Dance Marathon as well as the Director of Philanthropy for my sorority, Tri Delta. This last may I had the opportunity to study abroad in Italy, it was a trip that I will never forget. Purdue has given me so many unforgettable experiences in the last year!
Cai Chen
Hometown: Elmont, New York
Graduation Year: May 2023
This summer I will be interning with ADM as a Grain Merchandiser. I have been involved with the Purdue Datamine as an undergraduate researcher working with Beck’s Hybrid to analyze supply chain data in R and python. I am also currently an intern at a food science lab at Purdue where we conduct research on developing new food safety material and people’s perception on food safety. One of my favorite things that I have been able to be involved in at Purdue is the Purdue Student Soybean Innovation Competition where I worked with a team of talented individuals to create and pitch a novel soybean product to the Indiana Soybean Alliance. Last year I worked with a team on a soy-based clothing tag, this year I am working with a team on a soy based bio-stimulant that will enhance plant growth.
Cassidy Colbert
Hometown: Tipton, IN
Graduation Year: May 2024
While on campus I have had the opportunity to try many new things. I am involved in Collegiate 4-H, Agribusiness club, Cru, Mentor for freshman, and now serving as an Envoy. I have interned with Co-Alliance in the Ag-Tech position and as a scout. I was able to take a study abroad to Italy, where I was able to make amazing memories. Being involved on campus allows for new connections and can positively impact your future.
Maria Dirksen
Hometown: Bryant, IN
Graduation Year: May 2024
In addition to being an Envoy, I am also a part of the Executive Board for Shoemaker Cooperative and the Agribusiness Club. I plan to go on a study abroad trip this year and over the summer I interned at Helena Chemical as a field scout.
Makinzie France
Hometown: Macy, IN
Graduation Year: May 2024
On campus I have been involved with Agriculture Council, Purdue Grand Prix, Ag futures of America and Purdue Collegiate Farm Bureau. I have had the privilege of completing two internships that I was able to find at the career fair, ps go to it this fall! And this semester I am in Virginia completing an internship through the American Angus foundation! Although you won’t find me on campus this fall I am still very involved in student organizations and would love to chat with potential students about Purdue!
Morgan Hinz
Graduation Year: May 2024
During my time as an undergraduate student in the department, I've been grateful for the opportunity to be involved in academics, research, and organizations. I am the Teaching Assistant for AGEC203: Introductory Microeconomics for Food and Agribusiness. I am also a member of a research team under Dr. Todd Kuethe evaluating food price inflation forecasts conducted by the USDA. Through the department, I've attended AAEA conferences and actively serve as the Vice President of the AAEA Undergraduate Student Section. Aside from my activities, I am a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity where I've served as Secretary, member of the Bylaws, and Recruitment Logistics committees.
Madison Kerr
Hometown: Brookville, IN
Graduation Year: May 2025
Growing up on a third-generation farm, I knew that the agriculture industry was where I was meant to be. During my time at Purdue, I have interned with Zimmer Tractor. My time at Zimmer Tractor was spent as a sales rep. On campus I am a member of Agribusiness Club, a member of Colligate Farm Bureau, and an Agriculture Economics Envoy! Don’t be afraid to get involved early because Purdue will surely become your home away from home!
Ellen Laffoon
Graduation Year: May 2023
Through my time at Purdue, I have gotten involved in Sigma Alpha, Agribusiness Club, Horticulture Society, AFA Leader’s Conference, as well as institute opportunities through AFA. The summer between my first and second years at Purdue, I interned with Nicholson Ag Consulting out of Morton, IN, as a Crop Scout. This past summer between my second and third years, I interned with Hoosier Heartland State Bank in Crawfordsville, IN, as a Retail Banking Intern.
Jackson Lusk
Graduation Year: May 2025
Alongside being an Envoy, I am the Vice President of the Purdue Economics association and am a member of the Purdue Ag Econ Quiz Bowl team. This past summer I worked at Purdue doing a program about data science in agriculture learning about R, Python, SQL, and arcGIS. It was a phenomenal experience working alongside some of the faculty at Purdue to learn the interesting applications of programming to agriculture. I love the opportunities that Purdue has provided me, and I hope many of my peers in our department feel the same!
Kassidy Oliger
Hometown: Hagerstown, IN
Graduation Year: May 2024
Coming to Purdue, I knew that the best way to make a large campus feel like a small community was to get involved in the college of Ag and extracurriculars, so that is exactly what I did! Outside of being an envoy, I currently serve as the President of Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Sorority, the President of Dairy Club, and member of the Purdue Agricultural Council. During spring break 2022, I studied abroad through the College of Ag in Costa Rica learning about their sustainable agriculture and ecotourism! I have also completed two summer internships. The summer after my freshman year I was an Agricultural Lending Intern for Farm Credit Mid-America, and this past summer I was a Cattle Field Sales Intern for Merck Animal Health in Western Pennsylvania.
Elizabeth Peila
Hometown: Norwich, NY
Graduation Year: December 2023
Transferring from a small college in New York, I knew I needed a university that would make me feel welcomed. Purdue did just that for me. I got involved in Dairy Club and Sigma Alpha last year and this year as an Envoy. I spent this past summer working at a vet clinic helping with the day to day tasks and cannot wait to see what I do this summer!
Ashley Porter
Hometown: Livermore, CA
Graduation Year: May 2023
Coming to Purdue from California, the College of Agriculture and the Ag Econ department has given me a home away from home. On campus, I am currently the president of Ag Week Task Force and Vice President of the Purdue Grand Prix Foundation as well as a member of Ag Council along with being an Envoy. Through these experiences and my time at Purdue I have been exposed to many different people and companies which lead me to an internship with Farm Credit Mid-America this past summer. I hope every student is able to gain experiences outside the classroom that help them narrow down their path.
Olivia Reynolds
Hometown: Bluffton, IN
Graduation Year: May 2025
Growing up on my family’s row crop farming operation, I developed a passion for agriculture and a fascination with the grain market. This past summer I had the opportunity to intern with Advance Trading, Inc. in a commodity trading role, which sparked my interest for a future career in the industry. Aside from being a part of the Envoys team, I am serving on the Purdue Agricultural Council, a member of Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, and am involved in the College of Agriculture Dean’s Scholars program. I am pursuing a dual major in Accounting which has provided me with the opportunity to be active in the Larsen Leaders Academy where I serve as the Vice President of Signature Events. I would encourage all students to get involved outside of the classroom because these leadership roles will only enhance your Purdue experience!
Luke Stockel
Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN
Graduation Year: May 2024
On campus, I’m in Navy ROTC, which takes up most of my time. Outside of that, I’m also involved in Ag Council and Ag Econ Envoys. In my free time, I like playing guitar, making music, and working out. Last summer, I had a field scout internship with Co-Alliance, where I got to learn about crops, crop disease and protection methods, talk to farmers, and work at the ag center.
Kaylee Uebelhor
Hometown: Ferdinand, IN
Graduation Year: May 2024
Growing up on my family farm, I quickly discovered my love for the agricultural industry. After coming to Purdue, my passion for the industry grew with the help of my involvement and internships. I am involved in Agronomy Club and Agribusiness Club at Purdue and previously, I have interned at Superior Ag and German American Bank. My experience at Purdue has been great thus far and each day I continue to grow my network! My biggest piece of advice is to get involved on campus because there are so many great opportunities Purdue has to offer!
Blayne Vandeveer
Hometown: Wolcott, IN
Graduation Year: May 2025
As an incoming sophomore, I have started to find my groove in a couple different organizations and activities. In addition to recently joining the Envoy family, my involvement includes being on Purdue’s Agricultural Economics Quiz Bowl team, Farmhouse Fraternity, and participating in the 2021 Purdue Old Masters program as a host. Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to be able to take part in a study abroad program in Italy for two weeks. I currently work as an intern for Geswein Farm & Land, which has turned into a part-time job for the school year. These opportunities are all thanks to Purdue and the phenomenal staff that resides in the Ag Econ department.