The Blue Hens and students have competed against the top undergraduates from around the country in the early spring for most of the past 30 years. Retired UD faculty member Carl Tonsmeyer founded the NAMA chapter at UD more than 35 years ago with the primary goal of providing UD students with authentic food and agribusiness marketing career experience and networking opportunities.
“Hannah is exactly the kind of student who wants to pursue a career in food and agribusiness marketing,” Davidson said. “She's really dedicated and motivated, and she asks interesting questions that create dynamic conversations.”
Kirby also began research within the UD Center for Experimental and Applied Economics in the spring of 2024. Working with UD faculty and graduate students on topics related to the nexus of agriculture and the environment, Kirby will participate in the center's research and dissemination of results. — all aimed at informing policy and promoting sustainability.
“Her ability to think about real-world applications is very important, and she has a marketing perspective and thinks beyond the classroom, so that will be very helpful in her future career.” Davidson said.
Kirby, whose goal is to work in a small business, feels that her nutrition background has only enhanced her food and agribusiness skill set. Her early UD courses provided valuable background knowledge when entering a food-centered career field.
“My biggest advice to other students is that if you feel you need to change your major, do it,” Kirby said. “It’s worth it to graduate with something that will satisfy you for the rest of your life.”
