This Fall, the Lamm Lab welcomes three new members. These students, coming from diverse backgrounds and with varied interests in agricultural science communication, bring fresh ideas and energy to the lab’s activities, which span multiple projects.
Megan Meyer, from Rollingstone in southeastern Minnesota, holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communication and marketing, with minors in animal science and agricultural business from the University of Minnesota. Raised on a dairy farm, she enjoys showing and judging dairy cattle. In her free time, she likes walking, boating on the lake, or watching movies. Megan describes herself as very social yet highly observant, a trait that often surprises people.
“I chose the Lamm Lab because of my opportunity to work with Dr. Lamm and Dr. Byrd through the Real Pork Trust Consortium,” Megan shared. “I realized there is still so much more to learn about agricultural communication, and the Lamm Lab is the perfect place to do it.” Megan also notes that she is constantly amazed by the opportunities to connect consumers with the sources of their food and to connect farmers with researchers.
Michael Batame from Ghana, West Africa, joins the Lamm Lab with a master’s degree in natural resources from the University of Georgia’s School of Forestry and Natural Resources. He is passionate about improving access to agricultural knowledge that empowers people to make informed decisions about agriculture. He also aims to help bridge the gap between scientific research and its interpretation.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to work on projects that explore how people perceive and respond to complex agricultural issues,” Michael said. “I truly look forward to joining the Lamm lab’s mission of translating research into practical outcomes.”Outside of work, he enjoys dancing, cooking, travelling, spending time with friends and family, watching comedy, and reading his Bible.
Gracie Grimes, who earned a bachelor’s degree in animal and dairy science with a minor in agribusiness and management from the University of Georgia, also joins the Lamm Lab. Raised on a livestock farm in Metter, a small rural community in Southeast Georgia, she believes that every conversation and outreach effort is an opportunity to make animal agriculture more understandable.
“The Lamm Lab felt like the perfect place for me to grow, challenge myself, and still stay true to my passion for food animal production,” Gracie said. She also enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her friends, family and her goats.
Megan, Michael, and Gracie join Oluwafunmilayo and Dennis, who became part of the Lamm Lab earlier this spring. We’re excited to have them join the Lamm Lab, and we can’t wait to see the impact they will make. Stay tuned for their full profiles coming soon!
