Main Content
Natalie Armstrong
2025/2026 Scholar
Anticipated Graduation: May ‘2026
Future Career Plan: Work for a government agency, USDA or NJDEP, and help gel the relationship with farmers to people as well as people to animals.
Rutgers Campus Involvement:
Society of Animal Science and Rutgers Women’s Rugby
“The CCCF program will allow me to explore the many different career paths and learn from people who are in the industry to find where I belong. The guidance this program will give me will be incredibly beneficial to fine-tuning my goals in agribusiness. From someone who has always respected the industry and has been eager to get my foot in the door, this program is exactly what I need to launch my career in agriculture. The CCCF program will enable me to give back to a community who has given so much to me.”
Luca Digiacopo
2025/2026 Scholar
Anticipated Graduation: May ‘2027
Future Career Plan: Large Animal Veterinarian
Rutgers Campus Involvement:
Club Rugby and Pre-Veterinary Club
“Through the Agribusiness Scholars Program, I’m excited to round out my academic experience and gain a stronger understanding of business, especially as it relates to agriculture. Being part of a community of motivated, like-minded scholars is something I’m looking forward to, and I’m eager to learn from others while sharing my own experiences. I’m particularly interested in the ethical and economic pressures farmers face. This hits close to home for me because my family raises chickens and goats, keeps a garden, and sells produce during the summer. Those experiences have given me a personal appreciation for both the rewards and the challenges of agricultural work, and I’m eager to build on that knowledge through this program.”
Bryce Hunter
2025/2026 Scholar
Anticipated Graduation: May ‘2027
Future Career Plan: Veterinarian School
Rutgers Campus Involvement:
Resident Assistant, Honors Peer Mentor, Pre-Veterinary Society, Intramural Volleyball
“I hope that participating in the Agribusiness Scholars program will add another layer to my academics and will allow me to see my field from a new, business-oriented perspective. As a future veterinarian, I aim to bring a well-rounded perspective to the field—one that combines clinical expertise with economic awareness. This program offers the opportunity to learn about agribusiness strategy, supply chains, and resource management, all of which are critical for supporting the animal health system. Adding this business-oriented layer to my education will allow me to be a more effective problem solver and communicator in the veterinary field, particularly in contexts where animal health and agricultural productivity are connected.”
Kelsey Iuliano
2025/2026 Scholar
Anticipated Graduation: May ‘2026
Future Career Plan: Pursue Master’s Degree in Animal Science
Rutgers Campus Involvement:
Member of the agricultural fraternity, Alpha Zeta, Work for Rutgers Recreation with Go Outdoors and at the Rutgers rock wall. Assist with research at the Rutgers Equine Science Center
“Through CCCF, I hope to connect with lots of professionals in the industry and get a better idea of what I want to do with my future. There are so many options within animal science and agriculture, and business plays an important role in all of them. After Rutgers, I plan to continue my studies by pursuing a master’s degree in Animal Science. I really love doing research and writing academic papers, and this will give me experience with both. I am open to any future career in which I can make a difference in the agriculture world, and I believe CCCF as well as graduate school will help me along that path.”
Sabrina Sieyoung Kim
2025/2026 Scholar
Anticipated Graduation: May ‘2027
Future Career Plan: Mixed Animal Veterinarian
Rutgers Campus Involvement:
Member of the agricultural fraternity, Alpha Zeta, Secretary of the Society of Animal Science club
“The CCCF Agribusiness Scholars program offers a chance to grow both personally and professionally. I hope to strengthen my leadership and business skills, especially in ways that apply to the Animal Science field. I’m eager to connect with industry professionals, learn from their experiences, and better understand the agriculture industry, particularly pertaining to livestock. This program feels like the perfect next step to help me become more confident in making informed decisions and contributing meaningfully to the field.”
Alexander Kokolis
2025/2026 Scholar
Anticipated Graduation: May ‘2027
Future Career Plan: Large Animal Veterinarian
“As a student in the Agribusiness Scholars Program, I look forward to gaining practical knowledge that will support my goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian. Ultimately, I hope to run my own veterinary practice. By learning entrepreneurial skills, understanding issues facing the agribusiness industry, and building connections within the community, I will be better prepared to operate a successful veterinary clinic”
Belisario Sangronis
2025/2026 Scholar
Anticipated Graduation: May ‘2027
Future Career Plan: To facilitate the upgrading and consolidation of modern agribusiness for both producers and consumers.
Rutgers Campus Involvement:
Rutgers Student Farm Intern, Rutgers Soccer Club.
“By taking part in the Agribusiness Scholars program, I expected to be more knowledgeable in the agriculture business aspects- finance, marketing, and supply chain. I wish to network with professionals, participate in hands-on learning opportunities. This would help me to build a base for the business side of agriculture.”
Doris Zeger
2025/2026 Scholar
Minor: Jewish Studies
Anticipated Graduation: May ‘2026
Future Career Plan: To work in the culinary side of food production and work in urban agriculture
Rutgers Campus Involvement:
Alpha Zeta Agricultural fraternity, Local run clubs., Work at the harvest cafe and personal trainer.
“I hope to explore what chefs and businesses are doing together to reduce food waste. I want to learn different preservation techniques for reducing food waste to bring into my work in the kitchen. I look forward to working alongside my classmates in animal science, plant science and agriculture.”
Amani Hill
2024/2025 Scholar
Minor: Agriculture and Food systems
Anticipated Graduation: May 2026
“Hi! My name is Amani Hill and I am currently a junior, majoring in animal Science with a concentration in Equine and Production Animals, I joined the CCCF Agribusiness Scholars Program to deepen my understanding of the economic and business forces shaping agriculture today. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between animal production and agribusiness, and I’m particularly interested in pursuing a career with the USDA or Farm Credit East, where I can contribute to sustainable agricultural development and financial support systems for farmers. This program offers the ideal opportunity to build both the technical knowledge and leadership skills I’ll need to succeed in the evolving world of agribusiness.”
Martina Lavender
2024/2025 Scholar
Minor: Plant Science
Anticipated Graduation: May 2025
“The CCCF Program has offered me the unique opportunity to learn more about all the different facets of the agricultural industry and connect with professionals in the industry, helping me develop valuable business and professional skills to carry into a career in agriculture.”
Brooke Mackie
2024/2025 Scholar
Minor: Agriculture & Food Systems
Anticipated Graduation: May 2025
“Being involved in the Rutgers CCCF Agribusiness Scholars Program has been a great experience! It helped me grow both academically and professionally, as well as sparked a deeper interest in agribusiness. I got to learn about new trends and technologies in the field, meet some amazing people, and build skills that will help me in my future career!”
Tara Smith
2024/2025 Scholar
Minor: Agriculture & Food Systems
Anticipated Graduation: May 2025
“I applied to the CCCF Agribusiness Scholars Program because of my love for learning, especially when it comes to agriculture. I find myself deviating toward livestock agriculture in my studies, however, this program has opened my eyes to all of the intersecting aspects of agribusiness and the significance they hold. The networking and industry experience this program has granted me is invaluable and I am truly grateful for the opportunity I was given to be a part of it. In the future, I hope to work within the food system, whether that be on the farm and getting my boots dirty, or being a part of the supply chain that brings food to our tables.“
Guillermo Aldaz
2024/2025 Scholar
Anticipated Graduation: May 2025
“Participating in the Rutgers CCCF Agribusiness Scholars Program has been an eye-opening experience. It not only deepened my understanding of the agricultural industry but also broadened my professional perspective. Through seminars, networking events, and interactions with industry leaders, I became more comfortable asking questions and engaging in professional discussions. This program has equipped me with the confidence and skills necessary to navigate diverse sectors, encouraging me to keep my professional options open and explore various industries beyond agriculture.”
Tehila Shedlo
Major: Food Science
Graduation Date: May 2024
“I chose to participate in the CCCF Agribusiness scholars program because of the unique opportunities and challenges it offers. Not only does it provide essential information about agricultural practices to be able to succeed in the food industry, but it also teaches valuable business skills that can be used throughout my career.“
Matan Dubnikov
Major: Agriculture and Food Systems
Graduated May 2023
“With changing technologies, a changing climate, and a changing planet comes the immense task of sustainably feeding the world. Being a part of the CCCF Agribusiness program will allow me to meet and interact with the entrepreneurs and thinkers of the food world and open doors to innovations on the cutting edge of modern agricultural problems. I will gain know-how in the realms of business, critical thinking, intrapersonal relationships, public planning, and creative development. By participating in CCCF, I will best position myself to emerge as a leader at the intersection of food innovation and sustainable production.”
Joe Mancino
Major: Agriculture and Food Systems
Graduated May 2023
“CCCF will allow me to build a professional network in the agribusiness field before graduation. I hope to make connections and lasting relationships within the industry, allowing me to gain an advantage in the field and insight that will help me in my future career.”
Jon Ibanez
Major: Business Economics
Graduated May 2022
“I believe the CCCF Agribusiness Scholars program will expose me to new perspectives and challenges in agribusiness. I look forward to developing interpersonal and analytical skills that will lead to professional success, all in a context that focuses on sustainability. I am also excited by the opportunity to meet and learn from experienced professionals and academics, whose knowledge, wisdom and network can prove invaluable to young careers and minds.”
Darrian Hope Beam
Major: Environmental Business and Economics
Graduated May 2021
“I hope to use agribusiness as a tool for sustainability initiation while preserving the culture and tradition this system was founded upon.”
Rhea Bolar
Double Major: Agriculture & Food Systems and Horticulture & Turf Industry
Graduated May 2021
“I aspire to develop my communication skills so I can convey my knowledge to reach out to those who are disconnected from agriculture and inspire them to educate themselves about the vital role it plays in our society.”
Caleigh Holland
Major: Agriculture & Food Systems
Minor: Environmental & Business Economics
Graduated May 2021
“CCCF will allow me to have real-world experiences and build a network in the agribusiness field before I graduate which is invaluable and crucial to my college career.”
Greg Master
Major: Biotechnolog
Minor: Environmental & Business Economics
Graduated May 2021
“The CCCF Program provides a unique opportunity for me to learn how to combine my science background with management and business skills to make effective change in an ever changing global environment.”
Steven Mitchell
Major: Environmental & Business Economics
Minor: Entrepreneurship
Graduated May 2021
“My interest in the CCCF Agribusiness Scholars Program stems from my fascination with business and the world economy along with my love for the environment and how urban development is affecting it. I felt joining the program would be the perfect way to meld these interests and give me the tools needed to succeed in my professional career.”
Emily Cohen
Major: Environmental & Business Economics
Minor: American Studies
Graduated December 2020
“I am very interested in the food industry, and my goals include working against food insecurity. My interest in the Clearing Corporation Charitable Foundation Agribusiness Scholars Program comes from its focus on current issues in the industry, access to many different opportunities to meet and learn from professionals, and to refine my interpersonal skills. This program is unlike any other class I have taken in my undergraduate career, and what I learn will be indispensable after graduation.”
Nick Brennan
Major: Environmental & Business Economics
Graduated December 2020
“I believe that the Clearing Corporation Charitable Foundation Agribusiness Scholars Program will enable me to push forward my interest across the various agricultural sectors. More specifically, to be able to connect me better to issues within agribusiness, while at the same time, being a part of the solutions to those problems.”