Jackie Miller, a recent graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Agricultural Communications, reflects on her transformative college journey, which included a unique academic year at Oklahoma State University through the National Student Exchange Program. During her time at Iowa State, Miller actively engaged in various campus organizations, leveraging networking opportunities to gain diverse perspectives on the agriculture industry. 

More recently, Miller participated in the prestigious Next Gen Innovation Impact internship through America’s Cultivation Corridor. This fall internship challenged Miller and her peers to explore groundbreaking agricultural products and develop targeted marketing strategies to attract new companies to the Ames area. Partnered with Antonio Reyes-Munoz, Miller focused on the Plant Science Market Segment. Their research encompassed critical areas such as grower technology, biologics, manufacturing, crop protection, and grain storage and handling. Together, they identified 20 innovative products, crafted comprehensive marketing plans, and presented their findings to the board of directors. 

As part of the internship, participants embarked on industry tours, gaining firsthand insights from entrepreneurs and professionals at the forefront of agricultural innovation. A standout experience for Miller was attending the 2024 Borlaug Dialogue in October. This event provided her with the invaluable opportunity to connect with leading innovators in agriculture and contribute to discussions about the industry's future. “I am grateful to be an Iowan and to play a role in advancing our industry for future generations,” Miller shared. 

Throughout her academic career, Miller was intentional about seeking out meaningful experiences and embracing new challenges. She encourages current students to consider the Next Gen Innovation Impact internship as a way to expand their professional networks and deepen their understanding of agriculture’s potential. “This experience allowed me to explore unfamiliar aspects of the industry, broadening my knowledge and diversifying my perspective on agriculture,” she said. 

Following her graduation this fall, Miller is set to begin her professional journey as a Retail Sales Associate with Elanco Animal Health in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Best of luck to Jackie Miller as she embarks on this exciting new chapter, continuing to innovate and inspire within the agricultural industry!