Michelle Boutell is a graduate research assistant at the Smith Center. In this position, she focuses on curriculum development for the International Agriculture and Natural Resources minor. She also works with the Associate Director of Project Development to ensure high-quality applications for extramural funding. Her role as a research assistant has previously included supporting Feed the Future's strategic planning and the ALOFT Farmer-to-Farmer program across Southeast Asia.

Prior to graduate school, Michelle worked at the Horticulture Innovation Lab and interned at ECHO, an international NGO focused on agricultural research and extension for small-scale farmers in the tropics. Michelle is a USDA National Needs Fellow for International Trade and Development and is pursuing a PhD in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications.