Meet the Ag Econ Envoys

Anna Bohbrink

Major: Agribusiness
Hometown: Pittsboro IN
Email: abohbrin@purdue.edu
Graduation Year: May 2023

I am involved with Alpha Chi Omega, College Mentors for Kids, Envoys, and I interned with the National Swine Registry as the Events & Education Intern.

Cai Chen

Major: Agribusiness Management
Hometown: Elmont, New York
E-mail: chen3431@purdue.edu
Graduation Year: May 2023

This summer I will be interning with ADM as a Grain Merchandiser. I have been involved with the Purdue Datamine as an undergraduate researcher working with Beck’s Hybrid to analyze supply chain data in R and python. I am also currently an intern at a food science lab at Purdue where we conduct research on developing new food safety material and people’s perception on food safety. One of my favorite things that I have been able to be involved in at Purdue is the Purdue Student Soybean Innovation Competition where I worked with a team of talented individuals to create and pitch a novel soybean product to the Indiana Soybean Alliance. Last year I worked with a team on a soy-based clothing tag, this year I am working with a team on a soy based bio-stimulant that will enhance plant growth.

Brooke Evans

Major: Agribusiness Management with HR minor
Hometown: Corunna, IN
E-mail: bkevans@purdue.edu
Graduation Year: May 2022

Purdue has given me the opportunity to be involved in many things around campus. I currently serve as an International Agriculture Ambassador, Ag Econ Envoy, a member of Purdue Cooperative Council, and a member of Twin Pines Cooperative. I am also a TA in AGEC 331 and have studied abroad in Italy. These leadership experiences at Purdue have allowed me to build network connections and a strong resume for my professional career. I have interned with Carlex Glass Company, Purdue Extension, and Eli Lilly and Company. When I graduate from Purdue, I hope to work in Human Resources.

Larissa Johnson

Major: Agribusiness
Hometown: Lagro, IN
E-mail: john2038@purdue.edu
Graduation Year: May 2022

Growing up on a farm, I knew that I loved agriculture and wanted to have a career within the industry. Throughout my time at Purdue, I have interned with Nutrien Ag Solutions and BASF, and have grown extremely passionate about the chemical sector of agriculture. On campus, I am a member of Ag Week Task Force, Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, and I am a Teaching Assistant for AGEC 331. The most important aspect of college is to get involved and connect with others. Do not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try something new because you never know how those relationships can positively impact your future.

Emma Melcher

Major: Agribusiness
Hometown: Roanoke, IN
Email: emelcher@purdue.edu
Graduation Year: May 2022

Before coming to Purdue, I was overwhelmed with the size of campus. Being apart of the college of ag and more specifically the department of ag econ has made a big place feel like home. Here on campus I am involved with Glenwood Cooperative and the Agribusiness club. I also was chosen to study abroad in Ireland, but unfortunately, due to covid, I wasn’t able to go. My biggest piece of advice is to get involved early, Purdue has so many great opportunities!

Kassidy Oliger

Major: Agribusiness & Animal Sciences
Hometown: Hagerstown, IN
E-mail: koliger@purdue.edu
Graduation Year: May 2024

I knew coming to Purdue I would want to get involved on campus quickly, as well as find a path for my future career through internships. On campus I am currently a member of the Purdue Agricultural Council, the Assistant New Member Educator for Sigma Alpha, and the President of Dairy Club! Last summer I worked as an Agriculture Lending Intern for Farm Credit Mid-America, and I am looking forward to two more summers of internships as I continue my time at Purdue!

Ashley Porter

Major: Agribusiness, Agrifinance Concentration
Hometown: Livermore, CA
E-mail: porte153@purdue.edu
Graduation Year: May 2023

Coming to Purdue from California, the College of Agriculture and the Ag Econ department has given me a home away from home. On campus, I am currently the president of Ag Week Task Force and Vice President of the Purdue Grand Prix Foundation as well as a member of Ag Council along with being an Envoy. Through these experiences and my time at Purdue I have been exposed to many different people and companies which lead me to an internship with Farm Credit Mid-America this past summer. I hope every student is able to gain experiences outside the classroom that help them narrow down their path.

Grant Sanchez

Major: Agribusiness Sales and Marketing
Hometown: New Paris, IN
E-mail: sanch165@purdue.edu
Graduation Year: 2022

In addition to serving as an Envoy, I have been honored to serve as the Secretary of Ag Council, as well as a National Teach Ag Ambassador for the National Association of Agriculture Educators. I also have made memories in Jamaica and Slovakia through the study abroad programs, where I taught brief agriculture classes to students in those countries. This past summer I had a blast working with Farm Credit Mid-America, dealing with equine lending in Lexington, KY. The opportunities and memories that Purdue University has given me is something that I hope every student gets to experience!

Emma Swain

Major: Agribusiness, Agrimarketing Concentration
Hometown: Fishers, IN
Email: swaine@purdue.edu
Graduation Year: Spring 2022

In addition to AgEcon, I am also majoring in General Education with a concentration in Educational Studies in the College of Education! I am very involved in Fraternity, Sorority, and Cooperative Life, I am a member of Sigma Kappa, and I currently serve as President of the Panhellenic Association! I have been a member of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) where we make a business and marketing plan for an agriculture product and compete against other schools around the country! This past year, I joined the Old Masters organization as a host to distinguished alumni coming back to Purdue to share their knowledge and experience! I have had internships in different areas of agriculture including the seed industry at AgReliant Genetics, LLC and in fresh pork sales at Indiana Packers Corporation. I truly love the support from faculty and staff, as well as the connections I am able to make in the Agricultural Economics Department!

Maggie Thomas

Major: Agribusiness
Hometown: Michigan City, IN
Email: thoma869@purdue.edu
Graduation Year: 2022

While on campus I have had the pleasure to serve as the Vice-President of Recruitment for Sigma Alpha, the Treasurer for the Purdue Agricultural Council, and an Agricultural Economic Envoy! After my first year at Purdue, I interned with College Works Painting as a Branch Manager selling and producing over $70,000 in work and ranking in the top 10 of my division. Last summer I worked with Aldi as a District Management Intern. While I have not completed undergraduate research yet, I look forward to beginning to work in that area in the Fall of 2021.