The Field Atlas Agbioscience Mentorship Program was launched nearly 5 months ago in February of 2025, and the connections mentees have been able to make through the first half of this program are truly inspiring.
AMP is a guided yearlong mentorship program that connects late college and early professionals to industry leaders excelling in the agbioscience field. This year, 14 professional mentor/mentee connections were made through AMP – one of those including China Thompson, Senior at Marian University pursuing a degree in Nutrition, Fitness & Wellness and aspiring Nutritionist.
China originally applied to the AMP program hoping to achieve a better understanding of the agbioscience industry and develop a broader network in this space. China was really hoping this experience would help her bridge the connection between Nutrition, Fitness & Wellness and the impact this has on the agbiosciences. Due to China’s shared passion for food, health, nutrition and community outreach plans, she was paired with Jenni Browning – CEO at American Dairy Association Indiana — who serves as her mentor. Given Jenni’s demonstrated history of working in the dairy community and her background as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a master’s degree focused on Dietetics, it was evident that Jenni would be able to provide relevant guidance and advice in China’s career journey.
Not only has Jenni provided an avenue for China to expand her knowledge in the agbioscience space through this program, but she has also helped China work to achieve her professional goals of working with the public to achieve better health and optimal nutrition as well as working in programs that help communities access healthy food. China recently shared two experiences she got to take part in due to her participation in AMP and relationship she has created with Jenni (see below):
“Thank you to Jenni Browning & the American Dairy Association of Indiana for inviting me along for such a fun week! I got to attend the Fastest Rookie Luncheon where it was an honor to celebrate the 3 fastest rookies of 2025 & participate in racing’s most cherished tradition, drinking dairy milk! This tradition started back in 1936 when the winning driver, Louis Meyer pulled into victory lane & requested buttermilk to drink. Not only has this tradition lived on but it’s been an exciting way to share dairy nutrition with everyone!
Today, I got the opportunity to be a part of the Zoopolis 500! I have never had so much fun giving away FREE chocolate milk to families & it was incredible to see so many kids get excited to drink chocolate milk!
Both of these events felt special to me as a student studying Nutrition, Fitness, & Wellness Marian University Indianapolis, passionate about nutrition & wants to support our Indiana farmers!
Remember 3 things:
1. Milk is an amazing source of nutrition with 13 essential nutrients in every cup of cow’s milk! 🐄
2. Low-fat chocolate milk 🍫 is nature’s sport drink to hydrate & rebuild muscle after intense exercise!
3. The most important, WINNER’S DRINK MILK! 🥛🏁”
We love seeing the different opportunities students and young professionals are provided with through this experience. If you’re interested in learning more AMP, click here. Registration for 2026 will open in the fall.
