You are here
Home ›Olivia Marti selected for 2024 World Food Prize Foundation Borlaug-Ruan International Internship, will intern in Mexico
Waukon High School 2024 graduated senior Olivia Marti was selected for the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship program, and will participate in groundbreaking research abroad at renowned international research centers and NGOs this summer. Marti will delve into issues related to global food security, sustainability and development during her eight-week internship at the International Maize & Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Texcoco, Mexico.
This is the 26th year of this unique program. Inaugurated in 1998 by Dr. Norman Borlaug and John Ruan Sr., this initiative enables high school and early career college students to engage in projects alongside esteemed experts at top agricultural research and development institutions worldwide.
“I am more than excited to intern with the World Food Prize this summer. I first got involved with the foundation through their Iowa and World Youth Institutes where I was able to research and learn more about developing solutions for world hunger and sustainability,” said Marti. “This inspired me to take my experience to the next level and keep developing through the opportunities offered by the World Food Prize Foundation.”
The program has grown significantly over the past 26 years, initially sending just two students overseas. At the culmination of the 26th year, 431 emerging scientists will have taken part in the internship, which has had a profound influence on their educational paths and career decisions.
“I’m truly inspired by the passion Olivia brings to the table when it comes to tackling world food security issues,” said Mashal Husain, Chief Operating Officer of the World Food Prize Foundation. “The Borlaug-Ruan internship places determined individuals in key global centers for food security, empowering and encouraging them to make a difference in the agricultural sector. The skills Olivia will learn will provide a valuable foundation of skills for their future.”
Marti will contribute to the CIMMYT’s efforts to foster improved quantity, quality and dependability of production systems through applied agricultural sciences, enhancing the livelihood of resource-poor farmers. Her program is tailored to her specific career interests, providing her lab and field experience in seed and plant sciences.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity and excited to learn and gain experience in this field,” said Marti.
Borlaug-Ruan Interns will return to Des Moines and attend the 30th annual Global Youth Institute in October. During this week-long academic conference, students have the opportunity to engage with their peers from across the world while deepening their understanding of global food security, agriculture and sustainability. Additionally, student delegates will present their research to global leaders, participate in interactive workshops, attend the Borlaug Dialogue and more.
The 2024 World Food Prize Foundation Borlaug-Ruan International Internship program is supported by AgriSompo. “AgriSompo proudly supports the young professionals who are helping solve food and agriculture issues of the future through their participation in the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship,” said Marji Guyler-Alaniz, President, AgriSompo International; Chief Operating Officer, AgriSompo. “We believe it’s an essential program for learning, innovating and expanding possibilities for how the global agriculture industry can feed more people with fewer resources. AgriSompo is excited to follow the progress of this year’s interns as they embark on what we hope will be lifelong, rewarding careers.”
For more information on the Borlaug-Ruan Internship and the other 2024 Interns, visit https://www.worldfoodprize.org/.
The World Food Prize is an international award that honors individuals who have improved the quality, quantity or availability of food world-wide. The Prize was founded by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize, for his work that contributed to increases in agricultural outputs which was termed the Green Revolution.
Since then, the Prize has been awarded to 53 distinguished individuals during the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue. The Dialogue, also known as the Borlaug Dialogue, is a week full of events dedicated to an issue surrounding food insecurity or hunger each year.