1125 Pomeroy St. 144 West 680 th Ave. Manhattan, Kansas (620) Farlington, Kansas 66734

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1 BIO A multidisciplinary-minded graduate student with a knack for understanding the complex relationships between producers and consumers in the global food system, Kassie Curran is currently studying consumer willingness to pay for Omega-3 enhanced beef in her agricultural economics graduate program. A December 2013 food science graduate of Kansas State University, Kassie has acquired a range of extracurricular scholarly experiences including, but not limited to, work with the USDA Office of Congressional Relations, Monsanto Company, agriculture producer groups, leadership organizations, the interdisciplinary Frontier Program, and the Center for Risk Management Education and Research. A multi-faceted scholar who grew up raising livestock, Kassie continues to grow in her understanding of both plant and animal agriculture, the sequence of economic and social influences along supply chains, and the ever-changing dynamics within consumer behavior. Kassie is expected to graduate with a master s of science degree in May 2015 and will continue to serve U.S. agriculture by blending her knowledge of producer needs and consumer demands to contribute to improvements in the food system. EDUCATION January 2014-May 2015 GPA: 4.0 Kansas State University Manhattan, Kansas M.S. in Agricultural Economics, Center for Risk Management Education and Research Student Fellow Research Projects: Consumer Willingness to Pay for Omega-3 Enhanced Beef, Economic Impacts of Food Safety Recalls, Factor s Influencing an Industry s Adoption of Genetically Modified (GM) Technology August 2009-December 2013 GPA: 3.85 Honors & Awards Kansas State University Manhattan, Kansas B.S. in Food Science and Industry Business Option Minor: Agricultural Economics Blue Key Senior Honor Society Senior honor society recognizing students for scholarship, leadership, and service College of Agriculture Commencement Speaker Selected to deliver commencement speech to graduating class College of Agriculture Student of the Month Recognition from peers for outstanding performance Department of Homeland Security Career Development Grant scholarship from the Frontier Program, awarded to multidisciplinary students committed to public service careers in homeland security, food and agriculture security, and related fields Other Miscellaneous Scholarships Truman Scholarship finalist, National Sorghum Producers Sorghum Challenge Scholarship recipient, American Royal Scholar, Institute of Food Technologists Scholarship recipient, National Cattlemen s Foundation Scholarship recipient, Ellis Foundation Scholarship Sweet 16 Finalist, American Farm Bureau Federation Collegiate Discussion Meet 1 st place, Kansas Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet Competition designed to simulate a committee discussion, evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on agricultural issues, develop discussion skills, understand important agricultural issues, and produce solutions to problems by reaching consensus

2 Notable Projects WORK EXPERIENCE January 2014 present May 2014-August 2014 September 2013 December 2013 August 2013-December 2013 June 2013-August 2013 Research Project Undergraduates Perceptions of Meat from Cloned Animals Food Manufacturing Company Analysis General Mills Retail Food Company Analysis People s Grocery (local foods) Quality Assurance Plan Vegetable Oil Spread HACCP Plan Greek Yogurt Research paper and poster Increasing Sorghum Production in Kansas Topic Paper Why use food irradiation? Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University Manhattan, Kansas Consumer Willingness to Pay for Omega-3 Enhanced Beef Develop project design including price adjustment schedule and consumer surveys, design consumer surveys using revealed preference, choice experiment framework, and contingent valuation to solicit willingness to pay for Omega-3 enhanced beef and other food attributes, investigate and write about Omega-3 health impacts, and research topics related to consumer demand for functional foods, acceptance, and willingness to pay for technology in food production Food Composition and Nutrition Intern, Regulatory Crop Composition Team, Monsanto Company St. Louis, Missouri Investigated nutrient requirements and intake levels across countries for further analysis of crops as significant sources of nutrients and relevant impact of statistically significant differences, analyzed technical nutrient composition reports on genetically modified crops, conducted literary research on consumer acceptance of genetically modified crops and foods, co-authored peer-reviewed journal article on GM sweet corn, evaluated scientific content used for consumer education materials, supported Compositional Biology Center on other food and feed composition projects Student Research Assistant, Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University Manhattan, Kansas Assisted PhD student with her dissertation research, Effects of meat and poultry recalls on firms stock prices, by collecting news entries for each recall case evaluated via LexisNexis database Special Projects Assistant, Ag Marketing Team, Kansas Department of Agriculture Topeka, Kansas Researched historic information regarding corporate farming in Kansas, supported Ag Marketing Team on various projects on economic impacts of Kansas agriculture Legislative Analyst Intern, Office of Congressional Relations, U.S. Department of Agriculture Washington, DC Gained an understanding of the relationship of the executive and legislative branches of government, assisted USDA Congressional Relations team with issue communication projects, gained awareness of law making and policy making through mission area meetings and congressional hearings, responsible for keeping legislative

3 analysts and other team members up to date on issues affecting food and agriculture, researched historical information of Congressmen relevant to USDA and created biographical data sheets, coordinated with a team on research and organization of a stakeholder database to ensure the most efficient method of use, resolved issues related to constituent inquiries via congressional representatives' offices May 2012-June 2013 September 2012 January 2012-May 2012 May 2011-January 2012 April 2011-August 2011 September 2009-May 2011 Food Export Midwest Intern, Ag Marketing Team, Kansas Department of Agriculture Topeka, Kansas Established relations with Kansas food companies to determine interest in exporting products, promoted export growth of valueadded food and agricultural products from Kansas, evaluate and enhance food safety education material for inspectors' presentations, researched historic economic value of Kansas agricultural commodities, planned and executed agriculture trade mission to South Korea and China for Kansas agriculture producers Secretary's Trade Mission to South Korea and China Supported operational procedures of a Kansas Secretary of Agriculture-led trade mission, which included 15 Kansas agribusiness and industry organization leaders, developed market research information packet for participants, facilitated visa application process for all trade mission participants, logged daily activities with photography and writing for communication purposes, implemented post-mission evaluation system to improve future trade missions Special Projects Coordinator, Academic Programs Office, Kansas State University College of Agriculture Manhattan, Kansas Managed team projects and served as teaching assistant for Assistant Dean s Introduction to Research class for Honors students, utilized problem-solving skills to assist students and faculty Office Manager, Academic Programs Office, Kansas State University College of Agriculture Manhattan, Kansas Organized schedules and events, order promotional materials for recruitment office, interacted with students and faculty daily while expanding communication skills Undergraduate Research Intern, Kansas Value-Added Foods Lab, Kansas State University Food Science Institute Manhattan, Kansas Investigated and experimented with textured wheat protein and meat to better understand the ingredients and the processes used to make value added meat products Recruitment Coordinator, Academic Programs Office, Kansas State University College of Agriculture Manhattan, Kansas Coordinated with departments and deans to organize over 600 prospective student visits, communicated with anyone inquiring about the K-State College of Agriculture, promoted agricultural education, including all food and fiber industries

4 May 2011-August 2011 Lifetime Policy Information Intern, Meat and Poultry Inspection Team, Kansas Department of Agriculture Topeka, Kansas Assisted with special projects of the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program including HACCP Training materials, meat processing Fact Sheets, and updating policy information for the program Laborer, Beef Cattle and Meat Goats Curran Family Farm Farlington, Kansas Measured feed rations for 30 head of beef cattle and 30 head of meat goats, developed proficiency in administering vaccinations to meat goats, expanded my herd of beef cattle and meat goats to be more profitable, managed finances, record-keeping, herd health, feed rations, and breeding decisions for livestock LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT September 2009-present Agriculture workshops at elementary and high schools Facilitate educational workshops on various agriculture topics Beef promotion blogger and events volunteer Share my perspective on beef industry and agriculture topics via Kansas Beef Council blog, interact with consumers at advocacy events March 2013-May 2014 March 2010-May 2013 August 2010-December 2013 Blue Key Senior Honorary, Director of Alumni and Outreach Planned and executed reception for 80 th Anniversary reunion with over 75 attendees, managed Blue Key social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blog), edited all public relations materials for all Blue Key events, managed relationship with Design Center for all printed materials, served as coordinator and editor of annual Blue Key newsletter, strengthened relations with Blue Key alumni by establishing alumni mentor program, facilitated workshops on leadership topics to high school through college-age students, taught Catalyst self development course for college 15 freshmen and sophomores, assisted with high school leadership conference, mentored two freshmen students Ag Ambassadors President (March 2012-May 2013) Facilitated bi-weekly meetings with 60 ambassadors, facilitated weekly meetings with executive team, directed organization in updating constitution and by-laws Career Fair Coordinator (April 2011-April 2012) Strategically arranged employer locations for All University Career Fair, accommodated employers during during All University Career Fair and Ag Industry Career Fair, organized Ag Ambassador volunteer assignments for both career fairs Collegiate Farm Bureau Vice President of Community Outreach (April 2011-April 2012) Coordinated volunteer opportunities for chapter members to advocate for agriculture in the community

5 August 2012-October 2012 March 2012-May 2012 May 2012 August 2009-May 2012 August 2011-December 2011 March 2011-November 2011 August 2005-June 2011 October 2010 August 2005-May 2009 National FFA Officer Candidate Coach Mentored candidate in preparation for national FFA officer candidate selection process, provided feedback on public speaking and facilitation skills and techniques, spent more than 5 hours per week supporting candidate in preparation State FFA Officer Coach Guided current state officers in preparation for state convention, provided feedback on retiring address speeches, advised on public speaking techniques State FFA Officer Nominating Committee Served on committee to interview and evaluate candidates running for state FFA office, completed judging of six rounds of interviews, speeches, facilitation, and presentations for 10 candidates KSU Collegiate Cattlewomen Beef Promotions Director (December 2010-December 2011) Coordinated volunteer opportunities for club members to promote beef at events and schools across the state, organized educational opportunities for club members to be better prepared for promotion events, networked with beef industry professionals St. Thomas More Religious Education Teacher Facilitated religious education instruction of 20 kindergarten students with teaching partner, prepared lesson plans each week to meet class objectives St. Isidore s Retreat Planning Committee Assisted in preparing for Pathways Retreat to support 30 participants Kansas FFA Association State Vice President (June 2010-June 2011) Served as representative of Kansas FFA while working to develop members of the Kansas FFA Association in premier leadership, personal growth, and career success, worked to promote the agriculture industry, establish relationships with supporters, and connect more consumers to agriculture American FFA Degree Completed requirements for highest honor awarded to FFA members for investment in Supervised Agricultural Experience Multiple FFA Career Development Events Food Science, Meats Judging, Livestock Judging, Public Speaking, Ag Sales, Nursery Landscape, Parliamentary Procedure, Leadership Ritual Team NOTABLE INTERDISCIPLINARY & EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVITIES February 2014 National Sorghum Producers DC Fly In Witnessed 2014 Farm Bill pass the Senate, met with senators and representatives, House Ag Committee leadership, EPA, and USDA leadership to discuss issues relevant to sorghum industry

6 February 2014 August 2013 June 2013 May 2013 January 2011, 2012, 2013 December 2012 September 2012 June 2012 American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference Competed in Collegiate Discussion Meet on agricultural issues, attended speakers and workshops addressing challenges and opportunities in agriculture Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Annual Meeting Networked with professionals in agricultural economics, attended sessions to learn more about the World Agricultural Outlook Board, Economic Research Service, and National Agricultural Statistics Service Frontier Field Trip to the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, California Gained an understanding of food defense and supply chain complexity by touring a Cargill dressings, sauces, and oils manufacturing facility, participated in experiential learning about international trade and seaport security at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles International Agribusiness Tour of Ireland Viewed production practices on grass based diets for dairy, beef, and sheep operations, engaged in conversations with farmers and university professors regarding common agriculture policy (CAP), demonstrated understanding of historic events influence on today s agriculture industry in Ireland and the European Union Kansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference Competed in Collegiate Discussion Meet on agricultural issues, participated in workshops and listened to speakers addressing challenges and opportunities in agriculture Frontier Field Trip to Nebraska: Food, Feed, and Fuel Expanded knowledge of the complex relationship between corn and beef cattle industries, explored biosecurity and public health issues facing the agriculture industry in Nebraska, toured a feedlot that uses 11,000 bushels of corn every day to feed 43,000 head of cattle, visited an ADM corn processing plant and learned about food ingredients derived from corn Secretary's Trade Mission to South Korea and China Supported operational procedures of a Kansas Secretary of Agriculture-led trade mission, which included 15 Kansas agribusiness and industry organization leaders, developed market research information packet for participants, facilitated visa application process for all trade mission participants, logged daily activities with photography and writing for communication purposes, implemented post-mission evaluation system to improve future trade missions Frontier Field Trip to Santa Teresa, New Mexico Port of Entry Investigated the process of moving livestock imports and exports on the US-Mexico border where more than 400,000 head of cattle cross the border each year, gained a deeper understanding of the complex

7 relationship between border security, food security, international trade and the importance of cross-border cooperation February 2010, 2011, 2012 November 2009, 2011 January 2011 March 2010 National Cattlemen s Beef Association Cattle Industry Convention Networked with cattle industry professionals and producers, completed Cattlemen s College, attended speakers and workshops addressing issues, challenges, and opportunities in the beef industry Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference Participated in workshops on professional skill development and agriculture industry trends and issues, networked with agriculture industry professionals and peers from across the country International Leadership Seminar for State FFA Officers to Argentina, South America Compared production practices of cattle, soybeans, wheat, and corn, analyzed production, marketing, and processing of various cattle operations, investigated foreign agricultural policy Horticultural Tour of Central Italy Examined production, harvest, and processing practices of olive oil and wine, observed production and packaging systems of fresh produce, assessed organization and maintenance procedures for botanical gardens