USDA 2018 Agricultural Outlook Forum Student Diversity Program winner

When Caitlinn Lineback began her freshman year as a pharmacy student, she says she quickly learned that was not her niche. Instead, she chose a program where she could combine her love of science with her experience in agriculture and she says, “I found my home.”

Now a junior in the Department of Food Science, she also works as an undergrad research assistant where she is currently studying issues related to bacteria in retail environments.

Based on her essay about agricultural careers and challenges, Caitlinn Lineback is a winner of the USDA 2018 Agricultural Outlook Forum Student Diversity Program.

As an AOF winner, Caitlinn will travel to Washington, D.C. where she will network and experience real-world opportunities in agribusiness, research and agricultural policy. On Feb. 22-23, her week-long tour will conclude at the USDA’s largest annual meeting in Arlington, Virginia where she will hear current leaders share their vision for the future of agriculture.

Caitlinn is excited about her role in the future of agriculture and ways to feed a growing global population. “I like the fact that there are no defined answers. Every day is a new challenge and keeps me on my toes,” Caitlinn said.