My name is Marissa Blankenburg and I am originally from Redmond, Washington but I’ve currently been living in Raleigh, North Carolina. I spent 6 years in the United States Air Force and 3 of those years I spent in Germany. While serving in the military I was a full time student and I graduated from Colorado State University and got my Bachelors of Science in Horticulture. After graduating I was accepted into the MIAP program at Oklahoma State University. My interest in the program will focus around Sustainability and Rural Development. I have always had a love for traveling, helping people, and I hope to see myself living overseas again in the future while working in the agriculture field.

My name is Stephanie Gripp. I am from Sheffield, IL where my family owns and operates an agribusiness specializing in custom farming and pesticide, fertilizer, and seed retail. I grew up showing reining horses and am a member of OSU's equestrian and ranch horse teams. I began my masters degree this summer after graduating with a bachelors in Animal Science from Oklahoma State in May 2023.  I have a deep passion for all aspects of agriculture and rural development. When I learned of the Master of International Agriculture Program at OSU, I knew the program would allow be to further my knowledge and prepare me for a future career in agricultural policy.  I am currently a graduate assistant in the MIAP office. We love having visitors in the office, so feel free to stop by!