Part of the VIPP Global Summer School, the Agribusiness Summer Institute at Michigan State University (MSU) is a collaboration between the Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP) and the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.
During your time at MSU, you will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences both on and off campus. The program features academic and professional seminars, local field trips, and a study tour in Chicago.
Designed to enhance your understanding of U.S. agriculture, particularly in food and agribusiness value chain, the program also aims to strengthen your communication skills, cultural awareness, career planning, and personal development, including leadership skills.
Application is open now through May 15, 2027.Application Instructions:
Step 1: Create an account using your primary email address.
Join us for an immersive experience that blends academic learning, professional field visits, and cultural exploration. This dynamic program offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of U.S. agribusiness, marketing, trade, and policy through lectures, workshops, farm and company visits, and a study tour to Chicago.
Gain foundational knowledge of the American agricultural system through expert-led lectures on topics such as:
Experience agriculture in action through visits to leading industry institutions, including:
Explore the rich history and diverse culture of Michigan and beyond together with our wider Global Summer School attendees including the German Fulbright students:
Institute Director
Dr. Holly Wang is a professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE) at Michigan State University. Prior to joining MSU, she served as an Assistant and later Associate Professor in the School of Economic Sciences at Washington State University, and as a Full Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University. She has also held guest, adjunct, or visiting professorships at institutions in Canada, China, Finland, Germany, and across the United States. Dr. Wang earned her BS from Tsinghua University in China, and both her MA in Economics and Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Michigan State University.
Dr. Wang’s research covers topics like agricultural policies, risks and finances, the interaction among agricultural production, food consumption and the environment, consumer preferences, E-Commerce, and international markets. Over the past three decades, Dr. Wang has been at the forefront of applying cutting-edge quantitative methods to empirical issues, including time series and spatial econometrics, experimental methods, and machine learning. She has authored over 130 articles published in academic journals. She has won AAEA Quality of Communication awards twice in recent years. She is a Fellow of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
Dr. Wang is a co-Editor-in-Chief of Food Policy and a co-Editor of China Agricultural Economic Review. Dr. Wang also held leadership positions within professional organizations, including the President of the Chinese Economists Society, an Executive Board Director of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, the founding Chair of the AAEA China Section, and the Chair of several international conferences.
Holly Wang教授，博士，现任密西根州立大学农业、食品与资源经济系（AFRE）教授，曾任职于华盛顿州立大学和普渡大学。王教授在清华大学获得学士学位，在密西根州立大学获得硕士和博士学位。
王教授的研究主要聚焦于消费者偏好、食品安全与市场营销、农业风险管理、衍生品市场以及农业保险等领域，涵盖美国国内与国际问题。她指导过多位博士研究生，目前这些学生已在美国及国际一流研究型大学任教，或在金融行业担任经济学家。王教授曾讲授博士课程包括供需系统分析、决策分析与市场营销，硕士课程包括计量经济学与农业企业市场营销，本科课程包括公司金融、食品市场结构与中国经济等。
她现任《Food Policy》期刊主编（2023年至今），曾任该期刊联合主编（2020–2022），以及《中国经济评论》联合主编（2009年起）。王教授在中国相关农业经济问题领域具有广泛影响，已建立起坚实的学术声誉和广泛的专业网络。她曾担任美国农业与应用经济学会（AAEA）执行董事会成员（2014–2017），2009年任美中经济学会（Chinese Economists Society, CES）会长（该组织聚焦中国经济问题研究），并于2010年创立AAEA中国分会并担任首任主席。
Institute Faculty
Corey Clark is a Farm Business Management Educator for MSU Extension. She grew up on a family dairy farm and is a graduate of MSU in Animal Science and Agricultural Economics. Corey has been a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) for over 10 years, working with farmers to improve their profitability and meet their business goals. Corey has taught farm management courses as an Assistant Professor at MSU, as well as at universities in Kentucky and Georgia. She leverages her experience in farming, finance, and education to guide farmers through financial decisions, recordkeeping system design, and farm succession.
Professor Songqing JinInstitute Faculty
Dr. Songqing Jin joined the faculty at the Michigan State University in August 2007. He is appointed in the tenure system. His research interests are in the broad areas of microeconomics of international agricultural development. The main part of his research has been focused on rural land tenure and rural land market issues in developing countries.
His past and current research also concerns other development issues such as rural non-farm development, rural labor migration, rural governance and economics of gender inequality. He has conducted fieldwork and other research activities in East Asia, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa countries during the past several years. Before coming to MSU, he was a research economist in the World Bank. He is currently working on Impact Evaluation of the “Scaling Up Sweet Potato Through Agriculture and Nutrition Project.
金松青博士自2007年8月起任教于密西根州立大学，目前为终身教职教授。他的研究方向主要集中在国际农业发展的微观经济学领域，重点关注发展中国家的农村土地制度与土地市场问题。
除土地制度外，他的研究还涉及诸多发展经济议题，包括农村非农产业发展、农村劳动力迁移、农村治理以及性别不平等的经济学分析等。他在过去几年中，曾在东亚、南亚及撒哈拉以南非洲多个国家开展实地调查与合作研究。
在加入MSU之前，金博士曾任职于世界银行，担任研究经济学家。目前他正参与“通过农业与营养推广红薯”项目的影响评估研究。
Mr. Jon LaPorteInstitute Faculty
Jon LaPorte is a Farm Business Management Educator with MSU Extension. His main area of focus is guiding farmers toward improved decision-making through a better understanding of their farm business. This focus includes an emphasis on cost of production, financial analysis, and risk management. Prior to joining MSU Extension, Jon worked for the US Department of Agriculture as a Farm Loan Officer and later as a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) at a farm retail cooperative. He uses this experience to provide leadership and programming expertise in production economics-based education.
Institute Faculty
Dr. Jaime Luke is an applied microeconomist whose research explores the intersection of agricultural production and the environment. Her work focuses primarily on the livestock sector, spanning the supply chain from producer decision making to public policy and consumer demand. She has appointments in research and extension. Jaime holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University and M.S. and B.S. degrees in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri. She grew up in Missouri on her family’s diversified row crop and beef cattle operation.
Institute Faculty
Keith joined Executive Development Programs at the Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University, Lansing, on February 1, 2009. In this role, focusing on Customized and International programs, he works on whole program design, marketing and sales, teaching and support, continuous improvement, and strategic geographic and portfolio development. He continues to teach, write, and advise in business and global strategy areas including cross and inter-cultural understanding, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Initially an English and a master’s Music graduate, Keith was involved in the media industry for the first twenty years of his career. He held senior executive and directing positions in the regional and national press, radio, and magazines. This part of his career enabled him to live in Hong Kong, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and France.
Institute Faculty
Dr. Jeta Rudi Polloshka is a fixed-term Assistant Professor of Food Marketing and Management in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE). Prior to this appointment, she was Assistant Professor of Agribusiness at Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo (January 2017 – December 2021). Jeta earned her PhD in Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota. Her appointment at MSU includes teaching and research responsibilities.
Jeta’s research focuses on analyzing consumer demand during various shocks, especially food safety recalls. Broadly, she is interested in the areas of consumer food choices, food safety and food waste. She is passionate about translating academic research into actionable policies and programs, as well as lessons for the food industry. As part of a USDA Food Safety Outreach project, she trains growers, food industry representatives, and students on the economics of food safety. She frequently visits with the food industry to learn about the challenges and opportunities and serves as a bridge between students and the industry. At MSU, Jeta teaches food marketing and managerial economics classes in the undergraduate program.
Jeta Rudi Polloshka 博士是密西根州立大学农业、食品与资源经济系的定期聘用助理教授，研究与教学方向聚焦于食品市场营销与管理。在此之前，她曾在加州州立理工大学圣路易斯-奥比斯波分校（Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo）任农业企业管理助理教授（2017年1月–2021年12月）。她于明尼苏达大学获得应用经济学博士学位。
Jeta 博士的研究重点在于分析不同冲击下的消费者食品需求，尤其关注食品安全召回事件。她的研究兴趣涵盖消费者食品选择、食品安全与食品浪费等领域，致力于将学术研究成果转化为可落地的政策建议、行业实践与教学内容。作为美国农业部食品安全推广项目的一部分，她为农户、食品行业从业者及学生讲授食品安全经济学相关内容。
她经常走访食品企业，深入了解其所面临的挑战与机遇，并积极在学生与行业之间搭建沟通桥梁。在密西根州立大学本科课程中，Jeta 博士主要教授食品市场营销与管理经济学。
Institute Faculty
Scott M. Swinton is a University Distinguished Professor of agricultural and environmental economics at Michigan State University. His research focuses on how technology and policy affect farmer decisions and the economic and environmental repercussions that ensue. Swinton is known best for his economic research on agriculture as a managed ecosystem, precision agriculture, bioenergy feedstock supply, and weed and pest management. During 2012-19, he served the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) first as Director and later as President.
Institute Manager
Xinyu Wu is the Director of the Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP). She has over 20 years' experience in international higher education and worked in the UK and Ireland before joining MSU in 2015. Dr. Wu offers leadership and expertise on international capacity building and exchange program design and deliver. She works closely with MSU colleges and Michigan-based public and private organizations to connect international professionals and organizations to their U.S. counterparts for mutually beneficial exchange. Dr. Wu has led the VIPP team to successfully deliver multiple USDA and DoS funded international training and capacity building projects in collaboration with MSU faculty. The total amount of U.S. government grants secured over the last three years is over $3 million. Dr. Wu received her PhD in Computer Science and Information Technology from University of Ulster, UK. She worked as a tenured faculty at the University of Ulster and Middlesex University London. Her research areas include data mining, bioinformatics, computational linguistics, neural networks and cognitive science.
Institute Teaching Assistant
Jiaming Zhang is a PhD student in Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, with additional minors in Mathematics, Mathematical Economics, Food and Agribusiness Management, and a certificate in Data Science. Prior to his studies in the U.S., Jiaming studied Agricultural Economics at China Agricultural University. His research interests lie in data-driven analysis. He is passionate about using quantitative methods to inform food policy, understand consumer behavior, and support agribusiness strategies.
Get to know your fellow Agribusiness Summer Institute participants with cultural activities to experience American culture and campus life. Hands-on enrichment will give you a real-world perspective for your academic studies. Enjoy field trips, networking opportunities, and learn about life in the U.S., Michigan, and Lansing, to truly become a part of the community and what it means to be a Global Spartan!
Established in 1855, Michigan State University is one of the world’s top research universities, dedicated to advancing the common good with uncommon will! Offering over 200 programs across 17 colleges, MSU shapes future leaders and impacts the world through its commitment to excellence in education, research, and service. U.S. News and World Report ranks MSU among the top 100 best global universities, and MSU is ranked #1 in the U.S. for study abroad among public universities. The MSU Visiting International Professional Program has trained more than 4,000 international professionals over the last 30 years, and our student programs have hosted over 650 students from 32 countries and 95 universities. We understand what students and young professionals need to build a successful career!
Become part of the vibrant MSU campus community through activities such as painting the rock (a time-honored rite of passage at MSU), behind the scenes tours of sporting facilities and stadiums, the VIPP summer programs barbeque, visits to local parks, and campus events! Immerse yourself in the American college summer experience, and become friends with American college students. MSU students will serve as cultural ambassadors throughout your program.
Known as the "Great Lakes State," Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes. Experience some of the state's most scenic and interesting locations. From the stunning natural beauty of Lake Michigan to the charm of a beach-front town, to the innovation and industry of cities, explore the diversity that makes up Pure Michigan. Learn about Michigan's rich automotive history and how Michigan is thriving today as a center of agribusiness and innovation.
Enjoy a trip to Chicago, Illinois, the third largest city in the United States. Known as the "Windy City," Chicago is a hub for many industries including finance, insurance, real estate, business services, healthcare, and manufacturing, and is home to Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago is home to world-renowned museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, 8 major league sports teams, over 500 parks, and numerous cultural activities.
Lansing, located less than five miles from the MSU campus, is the capital city of the State of Michigan, and an ideal place to learn about American culture and society. You will experience various institutions including the State Capitol which is a National Historic Landmark and home to the Michigan Senate Chambers. Your program will also incorporate the rich resources of the Lansing community.
Program Fee
The program fee is $3,100 US dollars if payment is made before May 15, 2027.
The fee covers all course costs, accommodations, two meals a day, cultural and social activities, local guided field trips, and expenses of the Chicago study tour, except for personal expenses. Please note that lunch and dinner are not included during weekend field trips and the Chicago trip. Additionally, international flights are not included in the program fee.
The program fee is paid online on the VIPP Transact website.
Students who successfully complete this program will be awarded an MSU certificate by the Visiting International Professional Program and the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.
Please note that the Agribusiness Summer Institute course is a non-credit bearing course focused on educational and cultural experiences within a U.S. higher education setting. You will not receive MSU credit. However, your home institution may choose to award credit. Consult with your home institution about credit questions.
Summer Institute students will enjoy all that MSU has to offer while living on campus in Owen Hall, located in MSU's River Trail Neighborhood. Owen Hall’s modern facilities include single rooms with suite-style bathrooms, wi-fi, cable tv, and weekly housekeeping. Read more about Owen Hall and take a virtual room tour.
Room Features:
Building Features:
The campus of Michigan State University is located in East Lansing on the banks of the Red Cedar River, and comprises a contiguous area of 5,200 acres. Built amid virgin forest, the campus opened in 1855. Today MSU's campus is home to 538 buildings.
To see more of MSU's beautiful campus, check out this virtual tour, featuring many short video clips and stories. Use the MSU interactive map to find various locations on campus, and read about campus safety.
Bike Rental
The MSU campus is very large, and riding a bike is a great way to get around. Bike rentals are available on campus through the MSU Bikes Service Center. Read about how to rent a bike at MSU. You can even reserve a bike prior to your arrival!
Other Useful Links
Michigan State University Spartans work to advance the common good with uncommon will. The nation's pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world and home to a diverse community of dedicated students, scholars, athletes, artists, scientists, leaders.
Application for the 2027 Agribusiness Summer Institute is open until May 15, 2027. To apply, complete the online application.
Prior to beginning your application:
Requirements
To apply, you must:
Before You Apply
Before applying to our program, be sure to:
Tuition Payment
We strongly encourage you to make payment early to apply for a Visa. We will issue a receipt for the tuition payment and that may be helpful in passing the Visa interview.
Refund Policy
There will be no refunds available unless a student gets rejected for a U.S. visa or has a health emergency. All refund appeals require a signed letter of explanation and supporting documentation. The appeal letter must be written and signed by the student. For a medical problem, we require verification of the severity of the condition that prevents you from coming to the US and participating in the program. We require a letter, typed on official letterhead, from a physician or a relevant healthcare provider. The letter must be signed and delivered/mailed in a sealed envelope. Emails or unsigned letters on plain stationery are not acceptable. The final decision on refund is at VIPP’s discretion.
How to Pay
Tuition payment is made online on the VIPP Transact website.
All foreign citizens who wish to travel to the United States must obtain a U.S. visa. For general information about U.S. visa, please visit US Department of State website. After we review your application we will send you an invitation letter. However, this letter is not a U.S. visa nor does it guarantee your entry to the U.S. You must check the U.S. embassy website in your home country to find out all necessary documents to apply for a non-immigrant visitor visa (B1, B2). Alternatively, you may check whether you are eligible for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
For detailed information about the U.S. visitor visa, check https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html.
A short-term training workshop like the summer institute program will be classified for B-1 visa type. To obtain a B visa, You must fill out a DC-160 form, pay the visa fee, schedule your visa appointment, and pass the visa interview. You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. VIPP strongly encourages you to pay the tuition early to process a visa. Don't wait until the deadline! It is your responsibility to check the visa process and prepare all documents needed.
Familiarize yourself with the details of the summer institute program prior to the visa interview. The following documents will be helpful to pass the visa interview:
Visa Waiver Program
Some countries such as the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the European Union participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). VWP enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa. Still, in order to travel without a visa on the VWP, you must have authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Please check the details of process at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's official site: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. They strongly suggest applying for an ESTA at the time of booking their trip and no later than 72 hours prior to departure.
At the Airport
Obtaining a visa does not guarantee automatic entry to the U.S. When you arrive in the U.S., officers from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the airport will interview you to check the purpose of your visit. It is always a good idea to prepare our invitation letter and your return flight ticket back to your country.
Meet the MSU students who will serve as class assistants and cultural ambassadors during the 2026 Global Summer School.
MSU Freshman
Human Biology and Russian Language
Hi! My name is Aleksandra Rabinkov, but everyone calls me Sasha. I am a freshman at Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University, where I am majoring in Human Biology and Russian Language. I was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, in a multicultural and multigenerational household. I began taking Russian classes at MSU during my sophomore year of high school. In addition to Russian, I also speak Ukrainian, which I studied during a summer intensive program at Indiana University-Bloomington.
My older brother worked with the VIPP program and served as a Cultural Ambassador three years ago. Since then, I have always hoped to be involved in the program as well. I love traveling and learning about different countries and cultures, and I am very excited to meet people from all parts of the world.
I recently returned from a trip to Poland, and before starting this job, I will be studying in Paris for two months. I also recently did a road trip through Germany, specifically Bavaria, where I explored historic castles tucked into the Alps and visited many famous car museums that celebrate Germany’s incredible automotive history. I inherited a love for cars from my dad.
I am a figure skater, and in my free time I also enjoy painting, photography, volunteering at a local hospital, and spending time with my friends.
MSU Junior
Environmental Biology/Zoology
Hi everyone, my name is Dani Vargas! I am a junior at Michigan State University majoring in Environmental Biology/Zoology and minoring in Data Science. I am originally from Loja, Ecuador, and I speak Spanish, English, French, and German. I have been lucky enough to travel to over 20 countries and lived in Germany for two years. I am currently an undergraduate research assistant in the McGraw Lab here at MSU, as well as an Undergraduate Learning Assistant. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends, trying new foods, and exploring new places. I’m excited for this program and look forward to meeting everyone soon!
MSU Junior
Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, Spanish
My name is Michael LoPorto, and I am from Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. I am an undergraduate student at MSU with an interest in international law. After my time in school, I aspire to practice law at a global firm. Outside of schoolwork, I’m a member of Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law fraternity and the university’s UNICEF club. During my freetime, I enjoy long-distance running and swimming, live music, as well as watching new shows and movies. I look forward to this program and am excited to work with everyone!
MSU Doctoral Student
Voice Performance
My name is Elia Meekhoff! I am a doctoral student in Voice performance. I teach private lessons in all styles and perform in the operas here at Michigan State University and all-around Michigan. I am a native Michigander who is excited to share the history and culture of my beloved home state with all of you. There is so much beauty to find here- in the people, the landscape, and the knowledge to be learned.
In my free time, I like hiking and running outside with my husband and our two dogs, Bandit and Rusty. I also dabble in all forms of creative arts, like crocheting, painting, DIY home projects, and my latest project- stain glass! I also like playing games and finding new coffee shops to cozy up and chat. I look forward to meeting everyone.
MSU Graduate Student
TESOL & Applied Linguistics
Hi everyone! My name is Emirhan Yildizhan, but everybody calls me “Emir”. I’m from Izmir, Turkey. I’m a Master’s student in TESOL & Applied Linguistics. I speak Turkish, English, and French. I am currently a Graduate Research Assistant at CeLTA. Also, I am the Graduate Student Representative in LiLaC (Languages, Linguistics, and Cultures) Departmental Committee, and Applied Linguistics Faculty Committee. Additionally, I develop language learning materials for Abrams Planetarium.
Outside academia, I love playing soccer, discovering new places, cooking, and reading about astronomy. I also have a lot of experience creating social media content. I’m very happy and excited to meet everyone!
MSU Graduate Student
Musicology
My name is Paige Redrow and I’m from Ocean City, New Jersey. I'm currently going to school for my Masters in Musicology. I speak French but I've had to learn the phonetic rules to German and Italian for my major. I love music research and writing papers. Right now, I'm studying punk music and how subcultures regulate authenticity. Outside of classes I love to read, play bass, watch movies, and crochet. I look forward to meeting everyone soon!
MSU PhD Student
Marketing
My name is Junyu Sun, and I am currently a third-year PhD student in Marketing, specializing in marketing strategy. I am a big sports fan, especially college football, and I also enjoy basketball (Thunder fan) and soccer (Real Madrid fan). In my free time, I love spending time with my dog, Tiger. He’s a five-year-old Goldendoodle. I am excited to be part of the program and look forward to meeting everyone!
MSU Senior
Paleontology
Hello! My name is Sigourney Koprek and this will be my second year being a cultural ambassador. I major in Paleontology with a minor in Asian History. I speak some Mandarin Chinese as well as German. I‘m originally from Germany but I was born and raised in Southern California. I'm so excited to meet everyone!!
MSU Graduate Student
Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis
My name is Sarah. I graduated from MSU in 2025 with my BA in Criminal Justice and Psychology, with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy. I am now returning to MSU as a Graduate student to study Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis. I have never been to Germany, but it s my dream to visit there one day. I know some German, self-taught, and will always be interested in learning more. I have three cats-- Lunar, Buttercup, and Misty-Day. My hobbies include sketching, crochet, macabre art, and horror movies. I hope to learn from this program and meet some wonderful people!
MSU Graduate Student
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Hello, my name is Michael Wentworth and I am from Michigan! I have just recently graduated from Michigan State with a degree with Linguistics and Japanese and am now returning as a grad student to study foreign English education. I have traveled to Japan twice, and always am looking for opportunities to build international connections!
Outside of class, I enjoy reading, playing games, travel, and trying new foods with friends! I am also a part-time member of the MSU Fencing Club. I look forward to meeting you all soon!
MSU Freshman
Journalism
I’m a Freshman at Michigan State in the college of Journalism. My goal is to one day become a multimedia journalist for a big news organization and help share other peoples’ stories. I was originally born here in East Lansing, but being a military kid, I have grown up in California, Georgia, Utah, and Kansas. I love taking photos of sporting events and flowers. And I love my friends and family even more. In my free time I sew, make jewelry, play my piano, read books till my eyes hurt, and collect antiques. I look forward to my time at VIPP and building lifelong connections with people from all over the world!
MSU Doctoral Student
Music Education
Rong Nie served as a lecturer at Sichuan Conservatory of Music, teaching undergraduate courses in creative music pedagogy, Kodály methodology, piano instruction, and early childhood music education. She supervised student internships, organized teacher training programs for rural educators, and coordinated international masterclasses. Rong earned degrees from Sichuan Conservatory and a Diploma in Music Education from the Kodály Institute of the Liszt Academy in Hungary. Her research interests include localized teaching strategies, educational equity, and supporting music teachers in under-served communities.
MSU Doctoral Student
Veterinary Medicine
Hello, my name is Barbara Moore but most people call me Babs! I am a 2nd year veterinary student here at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Becoming a veterinarian has been a dream of mine for a long time. My personal passion is hospice and palliative care for small animals and exotics. I believe one of the most important aspects of veterinary medicine is the human-animal bond, as I hope to further strengthen it.
I am involved in multiple clubs here at the veterinary school and have created my own! I love critters, so of course I am president of both the Bee Medicine Club and the IAAHPC club, as well as the Spay and Neuter coordinator for our shelter medicine club.
I fell in love with the German language when taking it in high school, where I also met my husband! During that time, I hosted a German exchange student through our Band class. With German, I still try to practice when I find the time, as well as learning American Sign Language. My husband and I traveled to Japan last summer and hope to travel to other countries.
When I’m not immersed into my veterinary curriculum, I enjoy drinking coffee, playing video games, and playing the flute. I also like hanging out with our animals, which includes two kitties, one dog, a bearded dragon, and a Rose-hair tarantula. Super excited to meet you!
Hello everyone, my name is Benni and I am a freshman here at Michigan State majoring in Data Science and French. I am from East Lansing Michigan, but have been able to visit many places around the world having lived in Germany in 1st and 5th grade, studied abroad in Quebec Canada, and Queretaro Mexico, and having visited and spent time in a handful more countries and places. I speak German and English, and have been learning French for 7 years. Outside of class I love to play football (soccer), board/card games, go on adventures and get to meet new people. Excited to get to know you all this summer!
2026 Global Summer School Brochure
Bolashak Program
VIPP Strategic Plan
Bold Goals Toward 2030
VIPP Program Brochure
