Rebekka Rieder

Profile: I graduated from the PSM program in Environmental Sciences at OSU in 2008 where I focused on biogeochemistry. My internship project with Western Ag Innovations Inc. involved sustainable agriculture and food production systems in the U.S. and Canada. I studied the nutrient dynamics of inter-seeding legumes with cereal crops using ion-exchange technology, specifically Plant Root Simulator (PRS) probes, in dryland wheat-pea production systems. The internship also allowed me to study the business dynamics of two environmentally-friendly agrarian groups that promote sustainable farming practices and third-party certification. The PSM program at OSU helped me gain skills in science as well as business management, which enabled me to serve in this dynamic role. After completing my degree, I secured a position with Western Ag Innovations, Inc. as a Research and Development Coordinator. I wish to assist decision makers, not only by employing new technologies like PRS probes, but by generally expanding the use of soil quality improvement techniques to advance sustainable land management decisions.