People of International Agriculture
Meet the MIAP Graduate Students
McKenzie McCaleb
My name is McKenzie McCaleb and I am from Sulphur, Oklahoma. During my undergraduate
degree in Global Studies, I studied social sciences and focused mostly on Latin American
indigenous groups. After I graduated, I found myself driven to pursue a career in
agriculture and therefore decided to join the Master’s in International Agriculture
Program. My focus area in the MIAP program is Sustainability and Rural Development.
Since the beginning of my undergraduate degree, I was aware that I felt driven to
work with and help people, especially those residing in rural communities, but unfortunately,
I often felt confused on just how I would pursue a career in this area. The MIAP program
has made this dream possible as it has given me the opportunity to prepare for a future
career in international agricultural development. I hope to one day have a career
where I will have the opportunity to assist rural communities through sustainable
development and sustainable agricultural practices.
Marissa Blankenburg
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.
Mikayla McKenna
My name is Mikayla McKenna, and I am from Hudson, IA, where I grew up on my family’s
corn and soybean operation. I recently graduated from Iowa State University, where
I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Communications and International
Agriculture. After graduating, I started the MIAP program here at Oklahoma State,
focusing on international trade and agriculture policy. I hope to someday find a career
that utilizes my communication, policy, and international experiences in representing
American agriculture and the farmers and producers that make up our industry.
Quincy Lamp
My name is Quincy Lamp, of Moville, Iowa. Though I did not grow up on the farm, my
love for agriculture came from my grandparents' farm near Aspinwall, Iowa. In December
2016, I graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy
with a minor in Naval Science. For the last 5 years, I have been serving our nation
as an Active-Duty Naval Officer stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Currently, I am a
Naval ROTC instructor at the University of Oklahoma (BOOMER!) with the goal of working
overseas focusing on sustainable agriculture following my retirement from the United
States Navy.
Blaire Moore
My name is Blaire Moore and I am originally from southeast Iowa but just recently
moved to Davis, Oklahoma. I spent the first two years of my undergrad experience at
the University of Wyoming in Laramie and then transferred to Iowa State University
where I received my Bachelors of Science in Animal Science. The MIAP program has been
instrumental in the connections I've made and exposure to global insights. My focus
area is in livestock production; the MIAP program has allowed me to build a personalized
program while taking a wide array of animal science classes at Oklahoma State that
further my passion for the agriculture industry. I work in the MIAP office in Ag Hall
with the lovely Ms. Pam, feel free to stop by!
Lacey Desserault
My name is Lacey Desserault, and I am a first year MIAP student focusing on food security
and communications. I moved to Stillwater from Washington state where I grew up and
received my Bachelor's degree. I am currently a graduate assistant for OSU Career
Services. I love to travel and experience new cultures, especially surrounding the
world of agriculture.
Moriah Donica
My name is Moriah Donica. I am originally from a small town in southwest Missouri
where I was raised on a small cattle operation and was involved heavily in agriculture.
I grew up being involved with 4-H and showing livestock. I graduated from Oklahoma
State University with a bachelor's degree in animal science with an emphasis in production.
I am continuing my education by getting my master's degree in International Agriculture
with a focus on education and extension. My future goals include being able to share
my love for the agricultural industry with the rest of the world.
Cole Spain
My name is Cole Spain, of Castalia, Iowa. I grew up on a diverse crop and livestock
farm in northeastern Iowa raising beef cattle, pigs, sheep, corn, hay, soybeans, and
various small grains. In May of 2021, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree
from Iowa State University in Agriculture and Life Sciences Education - Teacher Certification.
I enjoy traveling, assisting on my family’s farm, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones!
My future goals are to work within agricultural trade or teach agriculture education,
and expand my showpig herd.
Kelli Wicks
My name is Kelli Wicks and I am originally from a small town in central Iowa. I graduated
from Iowa State University with my Bachelor's of Science in Agriculture & Society
and International Agriculture. My interests in international agriculture arose after
participating in The World Food Prize Foundation youth programs. I made the move to
Stillwater because I was drawn to the diversity of MIAP, the outstanding faculty,
and the networking opportunities available. My focus area is international development.
I hope to someday be making an impact to build up countries, boost food security,
enhance livelihoods, and increase trade amongst countries.
Lia Mastronardi
I am midway through my MIAP graduate degree at Oklahoma State University. I majored
in math in undergraduate and in national security affairs in graduate school prior
to coming to OSU. I used to work in a scientific career field and even spent a summer
at the CDC before going into the military field of analysis and international relations.
I have worked overseas with other nations’ militaries as well. I am interested in
helping purport the importance of sustainability as a ‘humane’ way of life. I also
have interest in businesses being run well, that is, efficiently, and with care and
consideration for the resources they use. My MIAP focus areas are policy analysis
and international, sustainable business. Oklahoma State has a complement of outstanding
professors and staff members dedicated to this field and has international connections
in government and industry.
