Education
Iowa State University
Doctor of Philosophy – Agricultural Education | 2020
Dissertation: Examining the Role of Feedback on Agricultural Communications Students’ Writing Self-Efficacy and Self-Determined Motivation
Banwart, Haley M. and Qu, Shuyang (2023) “Developing Writing Self-Efficacy: Perspectives from Agricultural Communications Students,” Journal of Applied Communications: Vol. 107: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/1051-0834.2427
Master of Science – Agricultural Education | 2017
Creative Component: Perceptions of Agricultural Communications Students’ Skills and Experience
Bachelor of Science – Agricultural Communications and Journalism and Mass Communication | 2015
Experience
Meyocks – Content Public/Relations Specialist | November 2017 – Current
– Plan and create editorial content for a variety of print and digital mediums
– Research and author blog and social media posts, website and newsletter copy, video scripts, case studies and news releases
– Work with clients and team members to gather input and convey technical content
– Coordinate and execute professional photoshoots and on-camera interviews to capture authentic content and customer testimonials
– Develop strategic earned media outreach and work with trade and consumer media to tell clients’ stories
– Collaborate with SEO and data science specialists to integrate keyword research and measure results
– Engage in prospective client strategic communications planning and participate in new business proposal presentations
Farm Roots & Chore Boots, LLC. – Owner | January 2018 – Current
– Own and operate independent freelance writing company
– Interview sources and write quarterly point-of-interest features for the Iowa Food & Family Project Fresh Pickings magazine
– Research and author blog content for the Fresh Pickings monthly e-newsletter
– Partner with clients to create engaging print and digital content
Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers – Assistant Field Specialist | August 2016 – November 2017
– Wrote press releases, feature stories, social media posts, monthly newsletters and blog entries
– Coordinated Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award campaign and ceremonies
– Filmed video testimonials, captured photos and designed original web graphics
– Created communication documents, flyers and handouts for workshops and events
– Developed campaigns for annual photo contest and other events
– Updated organization’s website, event calendar and email releases
Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers – Communications Intern | January 2015 – August 2016
– Wrote press releases, feature stories, social media posts and blog entries
– Filmed video testimonials and interviewed on live and recorded radio broadcasts
– Photographed events designed original web graphics
Iowa State University Department of AgEDS – Graduate Assistant | January 2016 – May 2016
– Organized The Task Force for Recruiting, Retaining and Revitalizing Agricultural Education materials
– Drafted the final Task Force report for the Governor’s Council on Agricultural Education
– Attended and presented at the March 2016 Governor’s Council on Agricultural Education meeting
– Facilitated a lesson in AgEdS 311, Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences
– Developed a creative component proposal related to the advancement of agricultural communications
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Communications Service – Intern | August 2012 – May 2015
– Wrote press releases, feature stories, social media posts and other college focused content
– Researched and developed a student event guide and alumni relations backgrounder
– Planned and coordinated college-wide events for alumni, students and faculty audiences
Our Iowa Magazine – Editorial Assistant | August 2013 – December 2013
– Selected stories and photo submissions for future issues
– Corresponded with readers, journalists, photographers, editors, and new subscribers
– Learned and developed filing systems for large data and processed phone orders
MaxYield Cooperative – Communications Intern | May 2013 – August 2013
– Wrote biographies and coordinated photo shoots and selection for the MaxYield calendar
– Conducted personal and video interviews for written and visual communication use
– Blogged about intern experiences and organized summer intern field trips
Volunteer Experience
Hawkeye FFA Banquet Guest Speaker
– Attended the 2023 Hawkeye FFA Banquet as the event guest speaker
– Delivered keynote address to students and attendees
– Shared the All in for AgEd video I collaborated on to promote local program success
Sub-District Iowa FFA Judge
– Served on a panel of judges for the broadcast communications contest
– Critiqued contestants on their speaking abilities including tone, fluency and content
– Rated each participant based on his or her live radio broadcast performance
Iowa Special Olympics
– Helped with initial set-up and assisted with the execution of opening ceremonies
– Welcomed participants and escorted special guests
– Oversaw execution of the cheer clinic event
– Helped with tear down following the events
Iowa Food and Family Project – Iowa State Fair
– Interacted with children at a coloring booth and visited with them about agriculture
– Engaged with adult visitors, discussed the exhibit and answered questions
Palo Alto County Fair – Event Emcee
– Volunteered to emcee the Dairy Show and Bill Riley Talent Show
– Introduced exhibitors and announced winners
– Led impromptu discussions with the audience in between performances
Teaching Experience
AgEdS 110: Orientation, Guest Lecturer
AgEdS 215: Career Seminar, Guest Lecturer
AgEdS 311: Presentation & Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences, Co-Instructor
AgEdS 327: Survey of Agriculture and Life Sciences Communication, Co-Instructor
AgEdS 511: Professional Agricultural Presentation Practices, Co-Instructor
Achievements
– Recipient of Best of NAMA Region 3 Merit Award – Video Testimonial
– Recipient of PRSA Iowa Chapter 2022 Prime Award – Feature Writing
– Honored with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Leadership Excellence Award
– Recognized with the Exemplary Peer Mentor Award
– Presented with the CALS Ag Woman of the Year Award
– Inducted into Gamma Sigma Delta, The Honor Society of Agriculture
– Inducted into Kappa Tau Alpha, Journalism National Honor Society
– Recognized as an Iowa State University “Champion of Student Success”
Professional Associations & Committees:
– National Agri-Marketing Association Member
– Meyocks Mean More Council Committee
– Ag & Life Sciences Curtis League of Awesomeness
– Young Professionals in Agriculture
Collegiate Leadership Activities:
– Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow Club Vice President
– Founder and editor of CALS Connections, a new student publication
– Agricultural Education and Studies Department peer mentor and teaching assistant
– Iowa Corn Collegiate Advisory Team
– College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council
– Destination Iowa State Leader