The Brannon International Fund continues to open doors for students, faculty, and staff within our department, offering life-changing opportunities for global engagement and experiential learning. A shining example of the impact of this fund is the recent experience of a team of five graduate students who traveled to Almeria, Spain, to compete in the 2024 International Food & Agribusiness Management Association’s (IFAMA) Student Case Study Competition. The team included Enil Serrano, Chris Ortiz, Savannah Columbia, Scarlett Collins, and Teshager Sisha. The Brannon Fund played a crucial role in making this journey possible by covering essential expenses like conference fees, accommodations, and travel costs.

Experiences like these are transformative, allowing participants to gain practical skills and insights that go beyond what can be taught in a classroom. For these students, it was not just about competing; it was about connecting theory to real-world scenarios, forging professional relationships with peers and industry experts from around the globe, and immersing themselves in a new culture. From exploring the rich history and vibrant food culture of Spain to deepening their academic and professional skills, these students returned with enriched perspectives and valuable experiences that will shape their future careers.

Graduate student Savannah Columbia highlighted how the trip enhanced her classroom education and gave her an opportunity to apply her skills. "As a graduate student, competing in the Student Case Study Competition provided me with an opportunity to improve my ability to solve real-world challenges, utilize analytical thinking skills, and apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations."

"Beyond the professional gains attending this trip provided me, I genuinely had loads of fun as well. I had never been out of the country before. I got to experience a European culture and broadened my knowledge of how the world looks and functions outside of the United States. The culture, food, and people were fantastic" said Scarlett Collins. 

The Brannon International Fund is not just for graduate students—undergraduate students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take advantage of this resource as well. Whether it’s participating in international conferences, study abroad programs, or global research initiatives, the opportunities are endless. By making international travel accessible, the Brannon Fund ensures that everyone in our department can experience the professional and personal growth that comes from exploring the world.

We hope to see more members of our department take advantage of the Brannon International Fund to pursue their passions, expand their horizons, and bring new ideas back to our community. The world is full of opportunities waiting to be discovered, and this fund is here to help make those discoveries possible.

To learn more about the Brannon International Fund, visit https://agecon.ca.uky.edu/brannon-international-fund. 

The Department of Agricultural Economics at The University of Kentucky is dedicated to empowering students, faculty, and staff through innovative teaching, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement. Our department is committed to creating an inclusive and collaborative environment that drives excellence in education and contributes to addressing real-world challenges in our field. 

For more information on our programs, events, and initiatives, please visit agecon.ca.uky.edu or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.