By Katrina Hageman
From a quiet underclassman to a highly engaged upperclassman, Tyler Atkinson, senior in agronomy, found a passion for advocating for Iowa State University and taking opportunities outside his comfort zone.
Atkinson quickly got involved in the Iowa State crops judging team, where he and his team placed nationally. He was also involved in the Agronomy Club, serving as treasurer and vice president.
Along the way, Atkinson took advice from a mentor to step outside his comfort zone and reach for more opportunities. This led to him serving as the CALS Ambassadors’ chair, an important role that plans and facilitates Ambassador events and recruits prospective students to Iowa State.
“Being able to tell my story while advocating for this amazing college has been an opportunity that advanced my leadership, public speaking and organization skills,” Atkinson said. “As a proud Iowa State student, I want to stay involved with the college after graduation and advocate to continue growing the CALS Ambassador program.”
During Atkinson’s time as chair, he and other executive members focused on making the CALS Ambassador schedule flexible to accommodate students’ class schedules and other commitments to promote student involvement around campus.
“Tyler has been instrumental in CALS Ambassadors, and it has been a pleasure seeing him start as a member to growing into the leader he is today and become chair of the group,” said Kaci Conetzkey, student services specialist and CALS Ambassador advisor. “He is truly an incredible person who I have no doubt is going to do amazing things after graduation.”
Atkinson has completed three summer internships. He was a technologies intern for Landus and a reproduction research intern for Bayer Crop Science on the hybrid wheat and corn teams. With the internships, Atkinson traveled around the Midwest, experiencing mass seed production and different methods for growing a variety of plants.
“Being exposed to new opportunities within my internships expanded my skillset in plant science and agronomy,” Atkinson said. “I encourage all students to try something new, build connections and ask questions.”
This fall, Atkinson will continue his Iowa State adventure by pursuing a master’s degree in plant breeding.