As the semester concludes, thousands of Colorado State University Rams are preparing to cross the commencement stage and step into their futures. Meet just a few of the outstanding students graduating from the College of Agricultural Sciences who have brought their ingenuity, creativity, and lived experiences to the table during their academic careers. Now, they move forward as successful leaders, global citizens, and innovators prepared to collectively solve the grand challenges of feeding the world and sustaining our natural resources.
Charissa Grixby, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics
B.S. in Agricultural Business and with a minor in Horticulture
Denver, Colorado.
In 2019, I started a health and wellness journey that fundamentally changed my perspective on food. I became more conscious of what goes into the foods we eat and how it affects our health. This awareness led me to explore food systems more deeply, and I quickly found myself appalled by the additives and chemicals allowed in our food. One discovery led to another, and soon, I had transformed our backyard into a mini food forest, driven by a desire to grow clean, nutritious produce. This experience turned me into an advocate for healthier, more sustainable food systems, inspiring me to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful impact in the lives of others by promoting access to safe and nourishing food.
The next generation of leaders. During my time at CSU, I’ve met many passionate individuals in the field, each dedicated to making agriculture more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable. This generation is focused on innovative solutions to long-standing issues, from regenerative agriculture and food sovereignty to climate adaptation and equitable food access. Their commitment is infectious, and it’s thrilling to be a part of this movement toward a future that values our planet and people over profit.
One of my biggest “light bulb” moments has been realizing the power of trusting my passions and knowing that following my curiosity can lead to real change. During my studies, I’ve delved into everything from water equity to regenerative farming. These experiences taught me that my voice and unique perspective as a non-traditional, first-generation student can contribute to meaningful change. Embracing this has allowed me to focus on my goal of becoming an advocate for equitable food access and responsible agricultural practices.
Currently, I’m awaiting a decision from the State Department on a 10-week internship for spring 2025, where I hope to gain hands-on experience in policymaking. My goal is to attend graduate school for public policy or international affairs, with a focus on food and agricultural policy. Ultimately, I want to influence policy at a national level and contribute to a global focus on sustainable agriculture, equitable food access, and diplomacy. I hope to serve as a diplomat, bringing agricultural issues to the forefront of global conversations.
Luis Orozco, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics
B.S. in Agricultural Business
Tres Lagunas, Landa de Matamoros, Queretaro, Mexico.
What got me interested in agriculture was planting the fields with my grandfather when I was a kid. He planted primarily corn and beans. With what he would harvest from the land and a little that he would sell at the farmers market, he was able to sustain his big family.
I think is exciting to see more people being interested in agriculture and the food system. That became more evident after the pandemic.
As an agricultural science student, I realized that I can still make use of advanced technology, use data analysis, leadership skills, and get a good return on my investment in college. All of these in an industry that has a special meaning for many of us.
After graduation, I hope to get exposed to the real world, learn as much as I can, and meet people. Also, I hope that I can do good things for the people in agriculture and give back to the community and my family that have always been there to support me.
Amara Moscinski, Department of Agricultural Biology
B.S. in Agricultural Biology with a concentration in Plant Pathology
Machesney Park, Illinois.
At my community college, I took a class called Plants and Society. The professor was very passionate about agriculture and the issues that we face. I remember her talking about rust diseases in wheat and Panama disease in bananas. She really inspired me to pursue my interest in solving issues within agriculture, especially problems with pathogens. As I continued my education at CSU, I fell more in love with plant pathology and agriculture. I am excited to continue to learn more about agriculture post-graduation and how I can contribute to the industry.
I am so excited to see what innovations there will be in the future to combat pest and disease problems. With the rise of AI and our increasing understanding of disease and how they spread, I am very eager to see how we will solve these issues in the future! There also seems to be more of an acceptance of change within agriculture about how we grow our food, and I am very eager to see how much agriculture will change.
During my internship at the Plant Diagnostic Clinic, I really grew to understand how important plants are for people. Yes, many plants provide us with food, so they are important to us in a survival sense, but there’s much more beyond that. Plants make our living spaces brighter, they give us purpose, and they can be reminders of loved ones. Seeing how important plants are to people really inspired me to continue helping people keep their plants healthy.
I want to continue pursuing my interest in plant pathology to find out what “my thing” is. One day I hope to continue my education and research something in plant pathology. For now, I am going to explore my career options and see where life takes me.
Kennedy Tyrell, Department of Animal Science
B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Chemistry
Melville, New York.
Ironically, I never liked grass as a kid, so much so that I felt disconnected from agriculture. Yet, here I am, passionate about a career in this field. So how did I get here? Despite coming from a family dedicated to working with people, I never felt a true calling there.
I found myself drawn to animals, caring for strays, and spending hours watching Animal Planet. Animals seemed to encompass my life, and I shocked my family by randomly blurting out my interest in veterinary medicine. I found myself captivated by the innovations in veterinary medicine and eventually shadowing veterinarians, scribbling down every observation I could.
Throughout my college education, I’ve learned how significant veterinary medicine is to agriculture. It’s more than just a career; it’s a way to support communities, contribute to sustainable food systems, and make meaningful changes. I’ve grown from a kid who once avoided grass to embracing agriculture as an essential part of my identity.
When I first stepped on campus, I was struck by how few people looked like me, whether on campus or in my classes. My initial hopefulness turned into a sense of dread. It seemed like every grade indicated whether or not someone like me, who didn’t fit the traditional “face of agriculture,” could truly belong, let alone succeed. I questioned whether my career choice in agriculture was a farfetched dream reserved for others who “fit” the picture better. Fast forward to today: as a senior, I look around and see a different picture. The College of Agriculture has changed and is filled with students from diverse backgrounds. I’ve had the privilege to connect with students like me who come from around the world, representing various perspectives and cultures, each bringing unique stories to this field. The future of agriculture depends on diversity. It’s more than numbers; It’s different perspectives that will result in innovative approaches to challenges. The more inclusive agriculture becomes, the more capable we are of redefining who belongs in this field. Today, the faces I see in my classes are reshaping the image of the “modern farmer” and the “animal scientist.” We’re creating an industry where the next generation will feel welcomed and empowered to pursue their dreams. As I look around at the diversity in Agriculture, I’m optimistic. This is what excites me about the future of agriculture: A field that embraces everyone, thrives on diversity, and a field that we can all call home.
Growing up, I rarely saw Black women in white coats and stethoscopes, especially not in agriculture; that image felt distant, unreachable. Yet, as I entered the College of Agricultural Sciences, I realized that the lack of representation shouldn’t be a deterrent but rather a motivator to challenge that narrative. With only 31% of Black women earning bachelor’s degrees, a mere 2.2% of veterinarians being Black, and fewer than 5% of black women with a PhD, I knew pursuing my goals wouldn’t be easy. Still, I also wanted to make a difference—not just for myself, but for the young Black girls who might see their dreams reflected in mine. I hope to be the image I once needed, a Black woman in a white coat confidently making strides in veterinary medicine. I want to show these girls that their presence is needed and valued; representation has power. I hope to inspire young black girls to be celebrated in white coats.
I recently applied to veterinary school, and I’m hopeful and excited about the opportunities that await. While I’m still determining which school I’ll attend, I am confident that wherever I end up, I’ll be able to explore a range of paths within veterinary medicine. Currently, I am interested in domestic and exotic animals with a specific focus on ophthalmology—a field I’ve long found mesmerizing and one I hope to incorporate into my future career. Additionally, during or after Veterinary school, I would like to expand my academic journey by pursuing a master’s or PhD program. I’m interested in environmental sustainability and would love to contribute to understanding the effects and implications of climate change.
Tigist Brunson, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences
B.S. in Soil and Crop Sciences with a concentration in Sustainable Agricultural Management
Gilbert, Arizona.
What got me interested in pursuing a career in agriculture was the documentary, “Kiss the Ground.” After watching, I become inspired by regenerative agriculture and the potential for this field to create a positive impact both locally and globally.
What excites me about the future of agriculture is the innovation development and the global influence this field holds. Agriculture is evolving beyond traditional farming practices to include activism, education, and innovations. With the expansion of international partnerships and new markets, there are numerous opportunities to share ideas and establish businesses that address agricultural challenges on both local and international scale.
The biggest “light bulb” moment I experienced was realizing the complexity of rebuilding healthy soil. To truly see the impact of regenerative agriculture, patience is essential. The restoration of degraded soil may take 10 years or more, highlighting the importance of long-term commitment and perseverance in this work. Patience is key!
After graduation, I aspire to work with farmers around the world, learning their practices and gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of global agriculture systems.
Susana Villasenor, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
B.S. in Horticulture with a concentration in Floriculture
Laramie, Wyoming.
My family has a rich history of farming and ranching, with a strong emphasis on the value of knowledge. I am a first-generation college student and was fortunate to grow up immersed in programs like 4-H and FFA. Alongside raising and showing livestock, I also participated in various Career Development Events (CDEs). These experiences provided a solid foundation for my passions and exposed me to the deeper roots of agriculture. While I initially enrolled at CSU to pursue a degree in veterinary sciences, my decision to switch to horticulture became clear after reflecting on the global experiences I gained through these programs. I became inspired by the ways agriculture, particularly horticultural cultivation, can contribute to environmental stewardship, motivating me to be part of that important conversation.
So much! I think we’re at an exciting time for innovation in agricultural technology, along with having meaningful conversations about how we understand each other and the systems we depend on. I’m really looking forward to helping share clear and accessible information about agriculture and its role in our lives.
My biggest takeaway as a student has been learning to have and share grace. Going through an unconventional path toward my degree taught me that some things are just out of your control, and that’s okay. I see this lesson play out every day, especially when working outside with different plant species. True understanding takes patience—just like plants, we’re all still growing.
After graduation, I hope to continue working as a horticulturist and bringing valuable information to the public. I am also looking forward to starting my life on the west coast and hopefully completing a master’s program in the future.
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