Graduate Student Profile
Erica Ballmer is pursuing a Masters of Science in the department of Youth Development and Agricultural Education, specializing in Agricultural & Science Communication. During her undergraduate career, Erica also had the opportunity to gain professional work experience with internships with the University of Wisconsin – Extension: Dairy Youth Program, the Wisconsin State Legislature, and Case IH (CNH Industrial). As a graduate research assistant, Erica works with Dr. Linda Pfeiffer on the public communication of science. This work includes mixed methods analysis of how media outlets construct science issues for optimal public engagement, with the goal of developing more effective messaging of science.
Education Degrees
BS Dairy Science/Life Sciences Communication University of Wisconsin-Madison
Professional Activities
National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA); Association of Women in Agriculture, Benefit Corporation (AWABC); Midwest Association of Public Opinion Research (MAPOR)
Research Interest
Food and agricultural marketing; consumer attitudes, choices & purchasing behavior; public opinion on science issues
Funding Sources
YDAE Assistantship
Advisors
Linda J. Pfeiffer, Ph.D. (Chair)
Mark A. Tucker, Ph.D.
Torsten Reimer, Ph.D.