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College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

CFAES

Barriers and Belonging: Creating Inclusive Learning Pathways for Underrepresented Students in FAES

Conference Theater

Explore practical strategies for making food, agricultural, and environmental sciences learning experiences more inclusive. Examine the most common barriers underrepresented students experience from childhood through college (and beyond), strategies to address those barriers, and practices that can facilitate a greater sense of belonging within this field. Focusing on the underrepresented populations of students of color, low income, and first-generation, this presentation will have concrete takeaways for undergraduate, graduate, and outreach education.

Esther DeBusk
Ms. Esther DeBusk

Undergraduate Recruitment and Student Engagement Manager
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
The Ohio State University

Esther serves as the primary support within SENR for students and families through the college search, application, and decision process.  She teaches the SENR First Year Survey course, advises the SENR Student Leadership Board, and coordinates a variety of initiatives to support success for underrepresented students throughout the undergraduate career. Esther has a BA in Classics from Hope College and an MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Ohio State.

Krista Scott
Ms. Krista Scott

Director of Undergraduate Recruiment and Student Engagement
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
The Ohio State University

Krista serves prospective and current students as a member of the CFAES Academic Programs team. She provides oversight and support to college efforts for Prospective Student Services, First Year Experience, and Equity and Inclusion. When she is not serving students, Krista is passionate about wellness and serves as a Buckeye Wellness Innovator with the college. Krista earned a BS in Psychology, BA in Sociology, and MEd in Student Personnel in Higher Education from the University of Florida. Currently, she is a doctoral student in the College of Education and Human Ecology studying Higher Education and Student Affairs with a graduate minor in Public Policy.