Senior Chelsea Maupin just keeps moving toward her degree

Just reading through Chelsea Maupin’s resume is exhausting. The Purdue University senior, majoring in sustainable food and farming systems and minoring in international studies in agriculture, doesn’t like to stay still for long. In addition to a demanding course load, she is active in a variety of student groups, including the Purdue Student Farm Organization, the Purdue Swing Dance Club, and the Purdue Outing Club.

“This semester I’ve just kept moving,” she says.

It’s fitting that the Kokomo, Indiana native is in constant motion. One of her passions is travel. She has already completed three study abroad programs, including a Maymester in China, a summer in France, and a semester in England, where she found time to volunteer at a bicycle repair cooperative.

“It’s important to see other places and meet different people in order to be more self-aware,” she says. “Being out of your comfort zone is a good way to open yourself up to new experiences.”

Another one of Maupin’s passions is agriculture. Her love of growing things started as a child working on gardens with her grandparents.

“We always had a garden growing up,” she says. “And every year the garden got a few square feet bigger.”

But her interest isn’t just in raising plants. Maupin sees agriculture as another way of understanding people and their culture.

“I’ve always been interested in agriculture,” she says, “but increasingly also in what influences people’s behavior.”

She’s been involved with the Purdue Student Farm all four years, serving as an intern, employee, and then club president.

“I enjoy being outside, and being able to take a break from sitting and focusing is very important,” she says. “It’s nice to get out and stretch, but it’s not a complete break. You will get dirty and you will get cold, or hot. But that’s part of farming.” Plus, she says with a smile, “You get free vegetables.”

Maupin is scheduled to graduate in May 2018 and hopes to pursue a career in international agricultural development – combining her interests in travel, growing things, and building communities.

Reflecting on her four years at Purdue, she says her most meaningful experiences have been networking and the relationships she’s been able to build.

“I might not remember all the facts I’ve learned,” she says. “But I’ve learned how to learn.”

Featured Stories

Paul Ebner, head, Purdue Department of Animal Sciences (photo provided by Josh Clark, Purdue Agricultural Communications)

New animal sciences head appointed by Purdue College of Agriculture dean

Paul Ebner, professor of animal sciences, has been named head of Purdue University’s...

Sugar sweet: Making maple syrup

Warm, fluffy buttermilk pancakes. A comfort classic that rouses us from our slumber into the...

Jay Akridge, former Purdue provost and Agriculture dean, announced as 2024 Hovde Award recipient

The Purdue University College of Agriculture presented the 2024 Frederick L. Hovde Award of...

Purdue, Agricultural Retailers Association, ASU to host management workshop for ag retail leaders

Agricultural retail managers, agronomists and sales professionals will convene at Arizona State...

Person holding box of food standing outside.

Consumers report impact of hurricanes Helene and Milton on their food supply

Nearly 21% of households in states heavily affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton report...

Tyler Finley stands in front of tractors

Behind the Research: Tyler Finley

Many people are involved in the remarkable range of programs, services and facilities that...