The Intern
Hi! My name is Isabell Olsasky, and I’m from Milo, Iowa. This summer, I will serve as a Borlaug-Ruan International Intern at CIMMYT. I plan to attend college at Iowa State University to study Agronomy. I’m excited about this internship as a chance to step out of my comfort zone, grow personally and professionally, and explore new opportunities in agriculture. I first became involved with the World Food Prize Foundation through the Iowa Youth Institute. I was the 5th Place Global Challenge Recipient at the Global Youth Institute. I'm incredibly grateful to the World Food Prize Foundation and everyone who has supported me along the way.
A fun fact about me is that my favorite food is meatballs!
CIMMYT
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in El Batan, Mexico, has hosted seventeen high school interns since 1998.
Established in 1943, CIMMYT is a non-profit research and training center that works to sustainably increase the productivity of maize and wheat systems to ensure global food security and reduce poverty by bringing together public research and extension organizations, private companies, advanced research institutes, NGOs, and farmer associations in countries worldwide.
The CIMMYT carries out research and development in plant breeding, genetic resources, sustainable production, and socioeconomics.
Headquartered in El Batan, outside of Mexico City, CIMMYT has research centers in thirteen countries.
The World Food Prize Foundation
The World Food Prize Foundation was initially sponsored and formed by businessman and philanthropist John Ruan, Sr. with support from the Governor and State Legislature of Iowa. Mr. Ruan endowed The Prize and relocated it to Des Moines in 1990 when its first sponsor withdrew. Without Mr. Ruan's generosity, the Prize and Dr. Borlaug's vision could not have continued. Today, more than 80 companies, foundations and individuals support the Foundation. In 2001, John Ruan's son, John Ruan III, succeeded his father as chairman of the Board of the Foundation. A distinguished international Council of Advisors provides guidance and support to the Foundation.
The Goal?
The goal of this website is to allow the public to follow my experience through vlogs, journals, and other media. I hope you all enjoy it!
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