Lloyd Noble Agricultural Scholar hones career aspirations at Noble Foundation

Cassi Schriefer ventured from North Dakota State University, where she is an agricultural communications major, to the Noble Foundation to work with Livestock Consultant Deke Alkire, Ph.D., in the Agricultural Division. Schriefer grew up outside of a small town in North Dakota with only a post office and a cafe. She lived on a farm where she developed a passion for agriculture and the people who make their living from the land.

Schriefer first read about the Noble Foundation internships on the Internet and noticed that, unlike other organizations, the Noble Foundation allowed interns to work on their own projects. The allure of her own project brought her to Oklahoma where she was overwhelmed by the diversity (more than 380 employees from 29 countries) and kindness of the organization's employees. "All the people were so nice and friendly," she said. "There was just something different about this place."

On her first day, Schriefer began a research project, contributing to a study on the effects of water quality on stocker cattle. Schriefer needed to complete a water quality survey for the Agricultural Division's 47-county service area (located in southern Oklahoma and northern Texas). Before she could collect a single sample, she would have to familiarize herself with the work. She spent hours researching and learning about water quality.

Right away, Schriefer found Alkire a well of knowledge. "I wanted this to be a learning experience for her," Alkire said. "My mentors helped me decide what I was going to do with my life, so I want to do the same for those who intern for me."

Schriefer spent weeks meticulously collecting pond samples. While working, she learned constantly from Alkire and the other agricultural consultants. "I was amazed at how much knowledge everyone had," Schriefer said. "I've learned so much, from water quality to cattle nutrition, as well as some valuable insight into graduate school."

Schriefer described life as an intern at the Noble Foundation as "second to none." She says that her experience here has helped her narrow down her career options and that she would love to work at a place like the Noble Foundation someday. "It's overwhelming," she said. "I didn't think it could be this good. The people here genuinely care about my experience and what I can take away from this. I'm so thankful."

Following her summer at the Noble Foundation, Schriefer developed her research project into a presentation entitled "Effects of Pond Location and Watershed Grazing Management on Water Quality in Oklahoma and Texas."

Schriefer entered her findings in the undergraduate research contest at the Southern Section of the American Society of Animal Sciences meeting. More than 15 colleges, universities and research institutions had interns enter the contest.

When all the scores had been tallied, Schriefer earned second place as well as some additional praise from her Noble Foundation advisor.

"I am proud of Cassi. The recognition from the American Society of Animal Sciences is well deserved," Alkire said. "The development and execution of the research project was excellent, and her presentation of the data was professional. This award highlights the significance of the research conducted by the participants of the Lloyd Noble Scholars in Agriculture. They're not just another set of hands in the field. They're learning. They're researching. They're shaping their futures."