By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has earned global recognition as four alumni were selected for the inaugural World Food Prize Foundation Alumni Ambassador Program. The program empowers former participants of World Food Prize youth initiatives to serve as leaders addressing global food security challenges.
Among the selected ambassadors is Morgan Smith, a microbiology laboratory teaching specialist whose academic and professional journey reflects the lasting impact of youth education programs. Smith joins fellow Iowa State alumni Nolan Monaghan, Olivia Marti, and Evelyn Heidt. Together, they are part of only twenty-two ambassadors selected worldwide in the program’s first year.
“I participated in the World Food Prize Youth Institutes as a high school student,” Smith said. “Through this opportunity, I was awarded a scholarship to ISU CALS as well as the opportunity to be a USDA Wallace Carver Fellow twice. This internship program allowed me to work in a microbiology lab the summer before attending Iowa State University. I absolutely fell in love with microbiology through this experience.”
That experience influenced Smith’s academic path, leading her to add microbiology as a second major after enrolling at Iowa State.
“I truly believe had it not been for these programs, I would not have the wonderful career I have today,” she said.
Smith now works within Iowa State’s Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, where she supports student learning through hands-on laboratory instruction. As an Alumni Ambassador, she collaborates with regional teams to strengthen alumni engagement and promote solutions that improve global food systems.
“I am currently serving as an Alumni Ambassador to try to connect with alumni of these programs and foster a community and further the goals of the World Food Prize,” Smith said. “I also want to highlight the importance of microbiology in the food security space.”
Her outreach includes mentoring students through Iowa Youth Institutes hosted on campus. The other Iowa State ambassadors also bring valuable experience. Monaghan and Marti are former employees of the Seed Science Center and recipients of Iowa Seed Association scholarships. Heidt earned her bachelor’s degree in agronomy in 2022 and completed her master’s degree last year.
Together, the four alumni represent the depth of Iowa State’s agricultural programs and their shared commitment to global food security.
“As an alumna of both the World Food Prize programs and Iowa State CALS, I am able to share my experiences and represent what these opportunities can lead to,” Smith said. “It’s about giving back, building connections, and helping create meaningful change.”
Through leadership, education, and advocacy, these ambassadors aim to help build a safer, more sustainable global food system.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sisoje
Categories: Iowa, Education