K-State Agricultural Communications ANRC

Dive into the ecosystems beneath Kansas ponds with Dr. Joe Gerken in episode 15 of Every Corner of Kansas Ag – Naturally Speaking. We explore water quality, aquatic biodiversity, invasive species, and human–wildlife conflict research. Dr. Gerken, K-State’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension specialist, shares practical, evidence-based insights for healthy aquatic systems.

Listen now: https://open.spotify.com/show/7yRJHtmP6oa6vqs4xyrB75

Student Podcasts Host: Ainsley Viets

Carlos Avelino completed an internship with the Division of Communications at the Kansas Department of Agriculture in Manhattan, Kansas. His work included creating handouts, social media and website content, along with filming and editing videos for education and outreach.

Carlos says “Just ask questions. The team at KDA was incredibly supportive and always willing to help. If they didn’t have an answer right away, they made sure to find one. That level of support made a big difference in my experience.”

ANRC student Erin Driscoll shares her story about how moving to Manhattan “has changed my life for the better, and I will always encourage others to come to Kansas State University.” 💜

Before falling in love with K-State, Erin Driscoll considered other universities around the country. However, after a final visit to campus, her heart bled purple.

Driscoll shares how seen and welcomed she felt by the K-State College of Agriculture faculty, staff and students. Today, she’s making the most of every opportunity through involvement in Sigma Alpha, Collegiate Cattlewomen, Block and Bridle and as a College of Agriculture ambassador.

“I truly love being involved on campus because it allows me to hear everyone’s stories and build meaningful connections,” Driscoll says. “It has changed my life for the better, and I will always encourage others to come to Kansas State University.”

To read more about Erin, click the link: https://kstate.ag/erindriscoll

K-State Agricultural Communications ANRC

Get ready to take your sunglasses off and head back to K-State! 💜

Elizabeth Chambers was a social media and marketing intern at Mayes MarCom where she worked on International Association of Operative Millers and Grain Milling Careers initiatives. In her role, she created monthly social media calendars, designed graphics, videos, and infographics, coordinated client approvals, scheduled posts and monitored analytics.

"This internship showed me how much strategy goes into communication, especially when working with different audiences like industry professionals and students. I learned how to take technical information and turn it into content that people understand and connect with, which is something I know will help me in my future career in agricultural policy. My favorite part was creating content that supports an industry while also helping bring new people into it. My pro tip would be to ask questions early and not be afraid to take ownership of your work, because that is where you learn the most."

Another great day for our K-State Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) students at Ag Media Summit! 💜

The chapter was recognized with the Community Service Project of the Year award. We also want to give a shoutout to Erin Driscoll, a finalist for the Forrest Bassford Award, and Mindy Wells, a finalist for the Dr. Jim Evans Scholarship. Although they weren't selected as this year's recipients, being recognized as finalists is a huge honor. We're proud of everything they've accomplished.

We're also proud of all the students and alumni, the way they represent K-State is amazing!

In the newest episode of the Every Corner of Kansas Ag podcast, we talk with Dr. Sarah Jackson about her path into conservation, how people connect to nature, and why that connection matters. She shares stories from her work in national parks and how she’s helping students find their place in protecting natural spaces.

Listen now: https://open.spotify.com/show/7yRJHtmP6oa6vqs4xyrB75

Student Podcasts Host: Kinsley Bonura

Day 1 at Ag Media Summit is in the books, and what a way to kick off this week!

From taking in the sights at the Gateway Arch (and catching a beautiful rainbow 🌈) to connecting with fellow K-Staters, it was a memorable first day in St. Louis.

We're also proud to celebrate Ag Communications students, who were presented four ACT Awards:
⭐ Lexi Studebaker: First Place, Public Relations Single Item and First Place, Short Video Production
⭐ Jordan Lamb (not pictured): First Place, People Photo
⭐ Samantha Selliers (not pictured): First Place, Editorial or Single Blog Entry

Congratulations to the award-winning students and all K-Staters on an outstanding start to this year's Ag Media Summit! We can't wait to see what the rest of the week has in store. 💜

Chancey Hauck is a photo/video intern with Martinez Media Marketing Group. Her work includes assisting with in-field shoots, covering sporting events, creating reels for the College of Agriculture and editing podcasts for clients.

“My internship with MMMG has given me a sneak peek of what my future career could look like. I enjoy the hands-on experience and getting to work with real clients. This experience has helped me grow the skills I already had and develop new ones I didn’t expect. What I enjoyed most was being treated like part of the team. My advice is to go in with an open mindset, ask questions and learn from those around you.”

Ag Media Summit is less than one week away! 💜 If you're attending the AMS this year, join fellow K-Staters for a group photo during the AMS Welcome Party!

📍 AMS Welcome Party
🕢 7:30 p.m.

Whether you're an alumnus, student, faculty or staff member, or K-State fan, we'd love to have you in the photo. And don't forget to pack something purple to wear on Monday, July 20! We want to show off our purple pride and fill AMS with K-State spirit.