Lincoln, Neb. —The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln launched the third annual CASNR Change Maker Competition for students who dare to dream big and do the extraordinary to address worldwide issues. The video competition was held Nov. 1 through Feb. 1 and attracted students from Nebraska and across the United States, each pitching their big idea to address our global society’s grandest challenges.
Eight full-tuition scholarships for incoming CASNR students for the 2022-2023 academic year were awarded on Feb. 18. The following students’ videos were evaluated on their creativity in tackling the grand challenge(s) of their choosing, how they will achieve it and leave their mark on the world, and alignment of their idea with one or more of the University of Nebraska’s aspirations. A committee comprised of emeriti faculty, CASNR faculty, staff and students have selected the following individuals:
- Lily Brummel, plant and landscape systems; Plano, Ill.
- Giles Frederickson; PGA golf management, Overbrook, Kan.
- Logan Greeno, fisheries and wildlife; Kearney, Neb.
- Joe Herrera, agribusiness; Wahoo, Neb.
- Nevada Mitchell, agricultural economics; Crook, Colo.
- Heather Riensche, microbiology; Firth, Neb.
- Camille Shifrin, environmental studies; Castle Pines, Colo.
- Christina Van Haren, animal science; Omaha, Neb.
In addition, two full-tuition scholarships for current CASNR students were also awarded on March 3:
- Brytany Gama, agricultural education – leadership; Omaha, Neb.
- Kaitlyn Richards, environmental studies; Ankeny, Iowa
“CASNR is blown away by the innovation and creativity all applicants have shown us during the competition. These students are enthusiastic about making a change and dedicated to their education. We are extremely excited for them to make their big ideas a reality in our college,” said CASNR Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss.
CASNR Change Maker scholarship recipients will be paired with mentors to begin turning their ideas into reality. This program is made possible with support from Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and Corteva Agriscience.
For more information about the CASNR Change Maker scholarship competition or the opportunities offered in the College, contact Sue Ellen Pegg at 402-472-0615 or spegg2@unl.edu.