As we celebrate Black History Month, we also want to celebrate members of our CALS community making history and a difference now and in the future.

Meet Korede Olugbenle!

What year are you? What are you studying?

I am a second year Ph.D. student in agronomy.

How are you involved on campus?

I am one of the MOSAIC (Mentorship Opportunities in Science and Agriculture for Individuals of Color) admin members. This gives us the opportunity to connect with faculty, staff and students who are interested in mentoring, plan different community building events, and also connect with CALS administrators to help further our goals.

Why have you chosen your field of study?

One of the things I definitely know about myself is that I want to help people. The path I chose was to help farmers with research. This is why I am getting a Ph.D. – so that I understand how research works and can use it as a tool to help others. 

What do you like about being at UW–Madison and in CALS?

I really appreciate the amazing people and friends I have met and made due to my involvement with CALS. Madison in general is a great campus. There always seems to be something going on, entertainment or food wise!

In what ways can people help celebrate diversity?

It’s really amazing what something as simple as sharing a meal can accomplish. Trying new recipes, learning the history and relevance behind them goes a long way.