International Agriculture Ambassadors

​An Intern​ational Ag​riculture Ambassador represents International Programs in Agriculture and is an advocate for study​ abroad​. The main responsibilities for ambassadors are to assist with incoming international excha​n​ge​​ students, ​promote study abroad, assist with international visitors, give presentations, and increase global awareness.

Application

The application​ to be an International Ag Ambassador for the 2025-2026 academic year is due on March 22, 2025 by email to agabroad@purdue.edu by 12:00 pm. This PDF presentation explains more information about the ambassador program.

2024-2025 International Agriculture Ambassadors

The current International Agriculture Ambassadors are: Ashlan Kingery, Emily Harker, Jack Nelson, Emily Reeves, Abi Bothwell, Maleah McClellan, Emily Waling, Allison Schimpf, Kylie Soniak, Ava Ralston. Learn more about the ambassadors below.
Ava Ralston

Ava Ralston

Semester in Greece, Costa Rica Spring Break

Major(s): Food Science

Minor (if any):

Hometown:  Batesville, IN

Ask Me About:  Christian clubs on  campus, lab-work on campus, short or semester study abroad, food science or interest in the food industry, and adjusting from a small town to huge Purdue.

A Little About Me:  I am from a small town in southeastern Indiana. Coming to Purdue was a huge change, but one of the best experiences of my life. Being a part of the Food Science and Agriculture community in Purdue helped me adjust and find a family with similar interests as me. Furthermore, studying at Purdue gave me the opportunity to expand my horizons. Since I've never been outside of the country before, I wanted to start with a shorter program. I was lucky enough to spend my spring break last year in Costa Rica studying their agriculture and sustainability. During this week, I was able to immerse myself in the Costa Rican culture and grow personally. I learned about their practices, and about myself. This experience taught me use each others differences to strengthen people instead of drive them apart. I also learned to appreciate what I have and the opportunities I come across. After experiencing an amazing spring break in Costa Rica while furthering myself personally and academically, I decided to continue my study abroad journey by spending this semester (spring 2023) at Perrotis College in Thessaloniki, Greece. Here I am able to study food science and learn the Greek culture. So far, I am able to see how the Greeks study food science and compare it with what I have learned at Purdue. I have also been immersed in their culture with orientation and excursions. All of my travels have influenced who I am today and taught me to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunities they are presented and fully explore everything Purdue has to offer. 

Ally Schimpf

Ally Schimpf

Galapagos Islands Short-Term Summer

Major(s): Animal Sciences with a Concentration in Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Minor (if any): Biological Sciences and Horticulture

Hometown: Greencastle, IN

Ask Me About: Christian Student Life, Animal Sciences, Studying Abroad, The Unhurried Club, Having Multiple Jobs on Campus, Campus Resources, Gardening

A Little About Me: I am a senior in Animal Sciences studying Pre-Veterinary Medicine. I have a passion for improving animal welfare and plan on working in the One Health Field. When I first came to Purdue and learned about all the amazing study abroad opportunities, I knew I needed to get out of my comfort zone and go for it! The Galápagos had always been on my bucket list and Purdue helped me achieve that goal. I firmly believe that the best way to learn about another culture is to immerse yourself in it through travel and hands-on experience. The best advice I have is to take a chance and try something new! Whether going on a study abroad trip or joining one of the various organizations on campus, broadening your horizon is sure to bring lasting memories.

Kylie Soniak

Kylie Soniak

Galapagos Summer

Major(s):  Animal Science (Pre Vet)

Minor (if any): Wildlife Biology and Biological Sciences 

Hometown: Raleigh, NC 

Ask Me About: I love questions about anything wildlife related especially when it comes to finding opportunities to get hands-on experiences with exotics abroad:) 

A Little About Me: Hi guys I’m Kylie! I’m a current Senior pursuing Animal Science with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary medicine and minors in Wildlife biology and Biological Sciences. Coming from North Carolina I grew up being an avid nature enthusiast who enjoys activities such as surfing, hiking, and painting. However, my biggest passion is traveling. As a freshman, I had the chance to study conservation and sustainability in the Galapagos during spring break, then as a rising Junior, I did a summer study abroad in Trieste, Italy ! I strongly believe that studying abroad in college is a unique and invaluable experience that everyone should consider. I'm eager to share my experiences and encourage others to seize similar opportunities.

Jack Nelson

Jack Nelson

Semester in Spain

Major(s):  Animal Sciences, Spanish

Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Ask Me About: Study Abroad, Animal Agriculture, Education, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Spanish Language and Culture

A Little About Me: Taking my Purdue education abroad was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It offered me invaluable opportunities to develop adaptibility and independence while immersing myself in a Spanish-speaking country. Engaging in new agricultural practices and perspectives allowed me to develop the global mindset necessary in the increasingly international world of agriculture, something that has and will continue to shape my academic and professional life. I strongly encourage you to explore study abroad opportunities that align with your interests - it is sure to be an unforgettable and valuable experience!

Emily Reeves

Emily Reeves

Semester in Greece, Short-term Summer in Italy

Major(s):  Food Science and Fermentation Science

Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan

Ask Me About: Study Abroad, Marathon Training (While Traveling), Where the Best Cafe is, How to Make Filo Dough From Scratch

A Little About Me: Hey everyone, I'm Emily! I love to be involved on Purdue's campus by working an on-campus job and getting involved in more clubs than I probably have time for (like Run Club, Outing Club, and some comedy here and there). However, I also love traveling and experiencing new people, places, and foods. Studying abroad has been such a rewarding experience that has furthered my personal and academic growth. Along with learning about viticulture in Greece and animal production in Italy, studying abroad has allowed me to learn many useful life skills, such as how to book weekend trips using budget airlines or how to improve my work-life balance. Currently, I am preparing to head to Thailand for a Maymester abroad before heading to Idaho for a summer internship. After graduation, I plan on getting my master's degree in food or fermentation science and seeing where life takes me. If you're considering studying abroad, let these words from one of my professors in Greece be your answer: "Why not?"

Abigail Bothwell

Abigail Bothwell

Semester in New Zealand

Major(s):  Agriculture Economics and Public Policy Pre Law

Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Ask Me About: Study Abroad, Skiing, Good Books

A Little About Me: As an out of state student, Purdue was an amazing place to come to for school, with so many different options for clubs and organizations as well as resources to study abroad, I really have found a home away from home. I was bitten with the travel bug from a really young age, but studying abroad for a semester in a country across the world really allowed me to grow and experience the world in a new way, while meeting lifelong friends and making incredible memories. I have a goal to go to law school and work in water rights in small rural farming communities in the west. I hope to continue to travel with a goal of reaching 100 countries by the time I am 45!