I am a May 2022 graduate of Kansas State University, where I majored in agricultural communications and journalism. A lot of my experience comes from time spent inside and outside the classroom working on assignments and projects. I especially loved classes that included photography!
MC 316
I am a former student in data journalism (MC 316) at K-State. In this class, I learned about things like datasets, coding, javascript, web scraping and Google Sheets. I also learned the importance of AP style and utilizing data in stories. I feel like what I learned is best summarized using my final project. For my final project, linked below, I wrote a data-driven story, created three visualizations from datasets and coded a website on glitch.com. To make the charts and grab statistics, I used several datasets from the USDA, I cleaned and sorted the data using Google Sheets, I created the graphics using highcharts.com and I interviewed a variety of sources to write my story.
AGCOM 600
In my agricultural communications and journalism capstone class at K-State (AGCOM 600) I created a strategic communication plan for a local business with a partner.
ASI 422
I am a former student in livestock sales management (ASI 422) at K-State. In ASI 422, I assisted with 2022 K-State Legacy Bull Sale. My job on sale day was to take candid photos. In addition to further cultivating my livestock photography skills, I learned about everything it takes to put together a production like a bull sale. I learned so much and I enjoyed hearing from our guest speakers every Monday.
ASI 661
I am a former student in ASI Event Promotion and Communication (ASI 661) at K-State. ASI 661 is designed to help students build their portfolios through hands-on experience and networking with K-State alumni. In addition to gathering hands-on experience, ASI 661 students assist with the K-State ASI Family & Friends Reunion held every October. After the event, our class creates a print publication summarizing the event and highlighting segments of the department of animal sciences and industry at K-State.
One of my largest projects of the semester was capturing b-roll and photographs during the 2021 K-State ASI Family & Friends Reunion. To do this, I used my camera and the skills I've learned from shooting other events. Creating a list of things to shoot was also helpful. In addition to covering the event with my classmates, I was also the video editor, and after the event, I created two highlight videos showcasing the 2021 K-State ASI Family & Friends Reunion using b-roll from myself and other students. I learned about capturing b-roll and photographs at events, along with editing video.
For my ASI 661 final project, I captured photographs at the K-State Beef Stocker Unit. I communicated with the stocker unit manager to schedule a time for photos, and happened to grab a few while they were processing calves. My challenge with this was capturing high-quality photographs while also staying out of the way. Some of my favorites are featured below. I learned about on-farm photography and effective communication; I had to work with the stocker unit manager to complete my assignment.
I was assigned an event to photograph for one of my ASI 661 projects. For my project, I snagged pictures at the 2021 K-State College of Agriculture Watermelon Feed, a tradition at the university. Capturing candid photographs at events can sometimes be out of my comfort zone or overwhelming, but it's good to try new things in new places. Some of my favorites are featured below. I learned about writing photo captions and cutlines, and I was able to practice my skills with my manual camera settings.
While I was a student in ASI 661, I created several print pieces and graphics. I learned more about several different facets of communications, like PR writing, along with design and Adobe Creative Cloud.
AGCOM 435
I enrolled in Video in Agriculture and Food, or AGCOM 435, during my spring 2021 semester at K-State. AGCOM 435 encompasses all aspects of video production, from planning a video to working with lights and microphones and editing videos in Adobe Premiere Pro. My major projects during the semester involved creating two videos about a researcher. One video was about their research, and the other video summarized their reason for being a researcher. I learned a lot about videography in AGCOM 435, and I created two videos completely from scratch. I gathered b-roll, used different types of equipment and utilized Adobe Premiere Pro. After taking AGCOM 435, I feel I am equipped with the skills I need to take on videography almost anywhere.
AGCOM 210
I enrolled in Layout and Design Techniques, or AGCOM 210, during my spring 2021 semester at K-State. In AGCOM 210, I learned more about using Adobe InDesign to layout and create documents for print. I learned about font pairings, colors and the importance of CMYK in printing. I also became more comfortable with InDesign.
AGCOM 590
My first semester at K-State (fall 2020), I enrolled in New Media Technology, or AGCOM 590. In AGCOM 590, I learned all about social media, marketing and presentations. I hosted a workshop over the streaming platform Twitch, and my largest project of the semester was to put together a social media strategy document with my peers.