2024 Outstanding Students
The Department of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication is pleased to announce their Outstanding Students for 2024. Congratulations to the seven students selected for this honor.
Freshman
Camille Thopy - Agricultural Education
“While Purdue itself is a big place, I have enjoyed getting to know many of my peers across the College of Agriculture, networking, and becoming familiar with many of the faculty and staff in ASEC. I enjoy being able to support and grow the agricultural industry. My education here at Purdue will prepare me to teach students, helping to prepare them to be the talent and leaders the future of agriculture needs.”
Sophomore
Lucas Lyons - Agricultural Education
“My favorite aspects of being a Purdue student are the genuine connections I make with the faculty, industry professionals, students, and the coveted Purdue traditions. Agricultural Education has always fascinated me because it gives students the unique ability to bridge gaps between the agricultural industry and the public through educational outreach initiatives. This is why the major and curriculum are so crucial in today’s world and to future generations of students.”
Junior
Ainsley Kratochvil - Agricultural Communication
“The best part about being a Purdue student is knowing that you are receiving the highest education and making the best memories, all while surrounded by students, faculty, and staff who truly care about and support you. Agricultural Communication allows me to share the story of agriculture. I have not only strengthened my passion for agriculture, but also learned how to better share agricultural knowledge with those who have not grown up in the industry.”
Senior
Kayla Bonert - Agricultural Education
“Purdue has given me the ability to expand my personal and professional network with people who I know will continue to have positive impacts in my life. Through student clubs, classes, and leadership conferences, I have been able to build upon this network and set myself up for success in the future.”
TRANSFER STUDENT
Erin Anderson - Agricultural Communication
“Ag Com is a very diverse major that has allowed me to advance my skills in every area. Through each class I have taken, I have found the niche within my industry that I want to focus on. These experiences have given me the skills to set me up for success in my future career.”
OUTSTANDING THESIS
Sarah Thies - M.S., Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication
“I hope that the relationships among variables from my thesis can continue to be explored, extending the scope of study to encompass various high school contexts. The paramount aspect of my experience in ASEC was defined by the individuals who both challenged and supported me, as well as the diverse range of research conducted within the department.”
OUTSTANDING DISSERTATION
Lauren Murfree - Ph.D., Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication (Science Communication)
“ASEC provides a wide range of expertise across various topics with professors who are both kind and intelligent. I hope to publish the findings from my dissertation as scientific article(s), so that it can contribute to foundational understanding of my topic in the field of science communication and the broader social sciences.”
Featured Stories
It wasn’t until she was actually in a veterinary hospital, attempting to give an injection...
Dr. Kristin Floress, who earned her PhD from Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources in 2008, has...
Marissa Hake, DVM, encourages students to embrace unexpected career paths in animal agriculture.
Dr. Ted Cable, Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources’ 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award...
Indiana farmland prices remained relatively stable in 2026, according to the latest Purdue...
In a new molecular genetics course, freshman and sophomore biochemistry majors emulate graduate...