I was raised on a livestock and crop operation in southwest Minnesota. I then went on to continue my education at South Dakota State University where I obtained Bachelor of Science degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Science. After completing my undergraduate degree, I decided to continue my education by earning a Master’s degree in the field of Ruminant Nutrition in which I am currently working towards at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. My current research project is titled “Impact of Constant Versus Variable Inclusions of Modified Distillers Grains Plus Solubles on Feedlot Cattle Performance and Carcass Characteristics” and is funded in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Board. This project is investigating the effects that feeding varying amounts of distiller grains may have on feedlot cattle and plans to quantify these effects for feedlot producers, consulting nutritionists, and ethanol industry professionals.