International Student Rael Otuya awarded AIARD 2018 Future Leaders Forum and Conference Scholarship

Ms. Rael Otuya, an M.S. graduate student in the Department of Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University, has been awarded a fellowship to attend the Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development (AIARD) 54th Annual Conference in Washington, DC (June 3-5, 2018) as a participant in the Future Leaders Forum. The 2018 conference theme focuses on ways to improve functioning and stability of global food systems and increase food security, nutrition, and human health. Every year, AIARD competitively selects students from both U.S. and international institutions and provides funding for attendance and participation in the conference. As part of the 2018 Future Leaders cohort, Rael will visit with representatives from a variety of organizations who are involved in international agriculture and rural development, including universities, non-governmental organizations (NGO's), Congress, governmental agencies, international financial institutions and multi-national corporations.

As a native of Kenya conducting her M.S. research in soil health and microbial community dynamics in sustainable pasture ecosystems, Rael's work and future professional goals align well with the AIARD's mission to enhance global agricultural development and alleviate world hunger. Her participation in the Future Leaders Forum will provide opportunities to broaden and envision future career paths, network with agencies and global leaders in agricultural and rural development, and build the social and scientific skills needed to ensure future success as an international professional in sustainable agriculture.