Women in Agriculture Lead Research and Outreach Efforts

By Blake Jackson

Women at Lincoln University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences are making a strong impact on the future of agriculture through research, teaching, and outreach.

Faculty members Waana Kaluwasha, Jessica Epple-Farmer, Victoria Uyanga, and Tatijana Fisher demonstrate leadership by combining scientific knowledge with community engagement and mentorship.

Kaluwasha, a plant pathologist, focuses on managing crop diseases while ensuring her research reaches farmers. She has expanded outreach through interactive programs and workshops. Reflecting on her approach, Kaluwasha said, “I decided to focus more on interaction than listening to speakers.” She also encourages resilience, noting, “Learning from mistakes might make you feel bad, but trying to be optimistic, doing your best and seeing what you can learn from those failures helps you gain confidence.” She emphasizes agriculture’s diversity, saying, “Agriculture is not just farming, it’s a lot more.”

Epple-Farmer blends research in livestock reproduction with extension work that connects science to everyday life. She credits her early exposure to farming for shaping her path, recalling, “We did daily nature walks together.” She values outreach beyond the classroom, stating, “I love extension. Extension is teaching, but not in a classroom,” and adds, “We will never stop producing food.” Her leadership philosophy centers on service: “I believe your true leaders look at what’s needed to help the people they work with meet their goals.”

Uyanga, an animal science professor, highlights confidence and persistence in a traditionally male-dominated field. “One of the most important lessons my career has taught me is that expertise must be paired with confidence,” she said, adding, “Strength and empathy can coexist.”

Fisher, a poultry specialist, focuses on practical solutions for producers. “I really enjoyed doing work that benefited the animals directly,” she said, emphasizing real-world impact. She also noted, “You quickly learn that animals don’t read the textbooks.”

Together, these leaders showcase innovation, inclusivity, and a commitment to advancing agriculture.

Photo Credit: lincoln-university-missouri