Women Driving Agricultural Innovation, Impact at Lincoln University

Women at Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences are shaping the future of agriculture. Through research, teaching and outreach, these women demonstrate leadership blending scientific expertise with community impact.

From plant pathology to animal science to extension education, faculty members like Waana Kaluwasha, Jessica Epple-Farmer, Victoria Uyanga and Tatijana Fisher are redefining what leadership looks like in agriculture - not only through their professional accomplishments, but through their commitment to mentorship, adaptability and service.

Their work highlights a broader truth: agriculture is a dynamic, evolving field that extends far beyond traditional perceptions, offering opportunities in science, education, technology and global development.

Waana Kaluwasha, an assistant professor of plant pathology, has built her career around understanding and addressing plant diseases affecting key crops, such as sweet potatoes and tomatoes. Her work is deeply rooted in both research and outreach, ensuring her findings reach the people who can apply them most effectively.

Through Lincoln University Cooperative Extension, Kaluwasha has developed programs prioritizing engagement and accessibility. In 2024, for example, she led a workshop focused on plant diseases, bringing together participants to learn about identification and management strategies.

Building on feedback from that event, she shifted her approach in 2025 to a learning circle format.

"I decided to focus more on interaction than listening to speakers," Kaluwasha said. "It was kind of a trial, but it's nice to see feedback."

Her presence at the Missouri State Fair further reflects her commitment to public education. Each year, she creates interactive exhibits designed to make complex scientific concepts approachable. One activity invited participants to match their personalities with plant diseases. Another activity planned for future events will incorporate a microscope display so attendees can observe spores and fungal structures firsthand.

Waana Kaluwasha during a presentation on plant diseases at an international plant and animal disease symposium.

Kaluwasha said she continually refines her outreach based on participant feedback and observations of her colleagues' work, emphasizing that effective leadership requires openness to change.

For her, leadership means recognizing no one has all the answers and being willing to learn from others, especially in environments where conditions are unpredictable and imperfect.

"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 said.

Her journey into agriculture had not been predetermined. Growing up in Zambia, she helped her parents with gardening but did not initially see agriculture as a career path. During her college years, she recognized the widespread impact of plant diseases and the opportunity to make a difference.

"I might be able to be a resource," she recalled telling herself. "Farming, in many parts of the world, is a big contributor to the economy. I decided to focus on how I could help."

Since entering the field in 2008, Kaluwasha has gained experience across multiple sectors, including agribusiness, international development, government and academia.

She encourages students - particularly young women - to consider agriculture as a field rich with opportunity.

"Agriculture is not just farming, it's a lot more," she said. "There's food science, animal science, crop science, soil science. There are lots of opportunities - you could work in academia, government, industry, as a consultant."

Looking ahead, Kaluwasha hopes to see increased emphasis on sustainable practices to conserve resources and align with natural systems.

"Grab each opportunity that comes to you and make the most out of it," she said. "Each step is a steppingstone to something else."

Jessica Epple-Farmer's career reflects a deep-rooted connection to both Lincoln University and agriculture itself. After earning her undergraduate degree at Lincoln and completing her advanced degrees elsewhere, she returned in 2020 with a clear sense of purpose.

Her research focuses on reproductive science in rams, including a study evaluating how feeding spent-hemp biomass may affect semen quality. While highly specialized, her work contributes to broader agricultural systems by improving livestock productivity and sustainability.

At the same time, Epple-Farmer is deeply involved in extension programming, where she bridges the gap between research and real-world application. She leads international disease symposiums to expose participants to plant and animal health issues on a global scale and manages a community garden on LU's campus, bringing people together with food production.

Her passion for agriculture began in childhood, shaped by time spent on her grandparents' farms - one focused on crops, the other on livestock. Those early experiences instilled both curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.

"We did daily nature walks together," Epple-Farmer said. "We'd go for a walk in the field and talk about how the different plants were growing, what they provided for the soil, what they took out of the soil, when you harvested."

She describes agriculture as "applied science," emphasizing its relevance to everyday life. This perspective informs her extension work, where she prioritizes making science accessible and meaningful.

"I love extension. Extension is teaching, but not in a classroom," she said. "It's taking the idea of teaching out of the classroom and into the community."

Epple-Farmer also recognizes that not all aspects of her research are easily relatable, which is why she values programs like the community garden, allowing people to connect through shared experiences with food.

She encourages students to consider agriculture not only for its impact but also for its stability.

"We will never stop producing food," she said.

Throughout her career, Epple-Farmer has developed new skills, including grant writing and management, learning through hands-on experience. She hopes to expand her work by mentoring graduate students in extension, providing them with practical skills to complement academic research.

Those skills and hopes are a big part of her leadership philosophy, which she said centers on service.

"I believe your true leaders look at what's needed to help the people they work with meet their goals," she said.

Victoria Uyanga is an assistant professor of animal science who joined Lincoln University in 2024. She instructs both undergraduate and graduate students in animal reproduction, animal welfare and small ruminant production courses.

Beyond the classroom, she mentors students through the Tri-Agriculture Club, Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society and the university's International Students Association, helping them develop both academic and professional skills.

Her interest in agriculture began early, influenced by a childhood entrenched in it.

"Growing up surrounded by livestock, poultry, crops and company animals, I developed a natural curiosity about animal husbandry and farming," she said.

Despite common perceptions among those outside agriculture that the field is undesirable or "messy," Uyanga pursued her passion, determined to explore its possibilities. Along the way, she navigated challenges associated with working in a traditionally male-dominated environment by strengthening her communication skills and professional presence.

Victoria Uyanga explaining a worksheet on Body Condition Scoring (BCS) and Morphometric Index Analysis in sheep and goats to students.

"One of the most important lessons my career has taught me is that expertise must be paired with confidence," she said.

Uyanga encourages young women to pursue agriculture without hesitation, reminding them that opportunities are lost when chances are not taken. She also highlights the broader purpose of the field, which extends beyond production to feeding communities and advancing scientific knowledge.

As agriculture continues to evolve, she sees a growing need for investment in research and education, particularly in response to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Preparing students to adapt to these changes, she said, is essential.

Uyanga's approach to leadership focuses on collaboration and shared responsibility. By creating inclusive spaces, working alongside colleagues and building on existing knowledge, she believes stronger, more innovative solutions can emerge.

She also emphasized the importance of supporting others while maintaining self-confidence.

"Strength and empathy can coexist," she said.

Tatijana Fisher's work as a state poultry extension specialist and assistant professor highlights the critical role of connecting research to practical application. She supports small and medium-sized poultry producers through education and hands-on training, ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed.

Her research focuses on improving the systems supporting these producers, such as increasing the capacity of veterinarians and extension professionals to address the needs of small-flock operations.

One of her most popular programs, the Backyard Laying Hen Workshop, provides participants with practical knowledge about raising chickens for egg production. The workshop includes demonstrations of poultry equipment and guidance on evaluating egg quality, making it accessible to beginners and experienced producers alike.

Fisher's path to agriculture began with a love for animals and an initial plan to attend veterinary school. During her time as an undergraduate, a professor encouraged her to explore research opportunities, leading to an internship changing her career trajectory.

"I really enjoyed doing work that benefited the animals directly and could be implemented quickly to start making a difference," she said.

Fisher has faced challenges related to perceptions of age and experience, but said consistent professionalism has helped her establish credibility. Like Uyanga, she emphasizes that persistence and quality work can overcome biases.

Fisher is passionate about ensuring scientific advancements translate into real-world solutions. While fields such as genetics, nutrition and data analytics continue to advance, she noted their value depends on accessibility and usability for producers.

Tatijana Fisher explaining to a group of people how she manages her chicken coops.

"A career in agriculture might mean advancing animal nutrition research, improving flock health through data-driven technologies, leading food safety initiatives, or partnering directly with farmers and producers to translate research into real-world solutions," Fisher said.

She also highlighted the importance of building relationships with producers, noting not every solution works in every context.

"Working directly with farmers, producers and community members shows you the real challenges they face and how scientific solutions sometimes fit - and sometimes don't fit - into their daily lives," Fisher said. "You quickly learn that animals don't read the textbooks."

Together, these women represent a broader movement within agriculture - one valuing innovation, inclusivity and community engagement. Their work demonstrates leadership is not defined by titles alone, but by the ability to inspire, adapt and create meaningful change.

At LU, that mission is reflected by a commitment to mentoring students, connecting research to practice and fostering an environment where curiosity and problem-solving thrive.

Whether through hands-on workshops, classroom instruction, research initiatives or community outreach, Kaluwasha, Epple-Farmer, Uyanga and Fisher are helping shape a future where agriculture is more accessible, sustainable and impactful.

Their stories serve as a reminder that agriculture is not only essential - it is full of opportunity for those willing to pursue it.