A Note from Neeli: Learning in the field with cutting-edge ag tech

To the Penn State community,  

One of the most rewarding parts of my role at Penn State is meeting students who are exploring their passions in meaningful, hands-on ways. These experiences, whether through internships, research or co-curricular learning, are powerful tools for student success and a priority for me as president of Penn State. 

We know from national data that internships and experiential learning opportunities significantly improve career outcomes. Those who have had an internship are almost 25% more likely to secure full-time jobs within six months of graduation and students report higher salaries, faster career progress and greater satisfaction when they engage in hands-on learning. These outcomes illustrate the real-world value of a Penn State degree — especially when paired with high-impact learning experiences outside the classroom. This is why we are focused on providing opportunities for all our students to participate in experiences that support their in-class learning and career goals.

I look forward to sharing more about this focus as we explore other experiential student opportunities as part of this video and newsletter series this academic year. 

Hands-on learning drives impact 

I recently visited the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, which bridges the College of Agricultural Sciences and College of Engineering, to meet students, faculty and staff who are part of a unique partnership between CNH Industrial (CNH), a global leader in agricultural and construction equipment headquartered in New Holland, Pennsylvania, the Penn State Corporate Engagement Center, and College of Agricultural Sciences.  

Through the power of this partnership, students are gaining paid, hands-on experience with cutting-edge alternative energy technology, including CNH's fully methane-powered tractor — currently one of only two in the country, meaning our students are some of the only who will graduate with this pre-professional applied experience. These types of student experiences are made possible by college leadership, faculty and staff members — like Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences Troy Ott, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department Head Suat Irmak and Agronomy Farm Manager Corey Dillon — who truly go the extra mile to teach using real-world technology, who connect students with companies right here in our backyard, and who serve as mentors for life.   

The industry’s first and only production natural gas-powered tractor, which CNH gifted to the University along with a specialized technology package that further boosts performance and learning opportunities, offers an alternative energy solution for farmers while reducing environmental impact by capturing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The methane-powered tractor is central to more than 80 interdisciplinary research projects at Penn State’s Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center. 

Building careers through the power of partnership 

But this isn’t only about agriculture. Whether a student is studying engineering, business, environmental science or communications, the skills developed through this kind of experiential learning — problem-solving, teamwork, technical proficiency and adaptability — are universally valuable.

The students I met during my visit — Colman, who is pursuing a major in agricultural and biorenewable systems management and minoring in agronomy and off-road equipment; Adison, who is majoring in agricultural business; and Eric, who is majoring in agricultural business and minoring in agronomy — are applying classroom knowledge to real-world problems.  

The students expressed how this opportunity is helping to set them up for success after graduation. For example, “CNH Engineering Day” on campus enables students to engage directly with industry professionals, explore internship opportunities and build networks that support their career development. Many of the Penn State students who participate in these projects go on to work at CNH, while others seek employment in different agriculture sectors, agricultural technology and machinery companies. Some return home to implement new technology at their family farms, like Eric plans to do.  

Our commitment to transformative experiences 

Over the past decade, Penn State has engaged in more than 2,000 industry partnerships that connect students with opportunities that align with their academic and professional goals. The College of Agricultural Sciences’ commitment to bringing new ideas to a bedrock Pennsylvania industry is a perfect example of the Penn State spirit and a reminder that when we invest in experiential learning, we invest in the future of our students and our communities. 

Sincerely,  

Neeli  

View the full "A Note from Neeli" series on Penn State News.