Student Innovator Statement

As a student innovator, I am motivated by the opportunity to translate academic learning into practical solutions for real-world agricultural challenges. My education at the University of Missouri has provided a strong foundation in animal science, agricultural systems, and communication, while my hands-on work in barns, veterinary settings, and livestock operations has exposed me to the daily realities faced by agricultural professionals.

EqueTrainer emerged directly from this intersection of classroom learning and applied experience. While working across multiple equine and livestock environments, I observed how critical operational decisions often rely on informal communication, handwritten notes, or individual memory. In safety-sensitive settings—such as foaling, training load management, and workforce coordination—these gaps can increase risk to animals and people alike.

My goal as a student innovator is to develop technology that respects the complexity of agricultural work while enhancing accountability, continuity, and decision support. EqueTrainer is intentionally designed to keep humans in control, provide explainable intelligence rather than automated decisions, and function reliably in environments with limited connectivity.

Support through USDA, NSF, state, or university innovation funding would enable continued development, validation, and pilot deployment of EqueTrainer in collaboration with academic partners and agricultural institutions. As a student, this work allows me to deepen my understanding of applied research, systems design, and interdisciplinary problem-solving while contributing meaningfully to the future of agricultural operations and animal care.