Ordinarily Extraordinary - Conversations with women in STEM
I’m an electrical engineer who enjoys listening to and sharing stories of ordinarily extraordinary women that work in STEM fields. The women featured on these episodes work in different STEM fields, are at different phases in their careers, and bring their unique perspectives and stories. I am endlessly fascinated by what these women do, how they have navigated their careers, balanced families, and why they made the career choices they did. Most STEM fields are dominated by men which makes for unique circumstances for women to navigate. It’s a privilege to be able to share their stories through this podcast.
Ordinarily Extraordinary - Conversations with women in STEM
96. Ashley McDonald - Agriculture; Bachelor's degree in Ag Econ; JD; VP of Sustainability, National Pork Board
Ashley McDonald is the Interim Vice President of Sustainability at National Pork Board. Ashley's passion for agriculture, farming, and STEM started at a very young age and she specializes in sustainability and policy.
Ashley has a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Economics and a Doctor of Law (JD) from George Mason University.
Episode Notes
Ashley shares the close relationship between agriculture and STEM fields. She specializes in sustainability in the pork industry and she talks about the many facets of sustainability - including...the importance of poop!
Science, technology, and engineering all play critical roles in agriculture which Ashley explains. She also shares how she got interested in the industry and how she comes from a background of both agriculture and engineering influences in her life. And she debunks some common myths such as the reduction of family farming in the US and how gender diverse farming truly is.
Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio
Acronyms, Definitions, and Fact Check
Capturing Cow Farts and Burps - Using silly science, Erin engages young children in science and energy. (https://www.amazon.com/Capturing-Farts-Burps-Erin-Twamley/dp/1647648572)
Most farms are still family owned in the US. (https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2020/01/23/look-americas-family-farms)
