College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics

Major Professor: Dr. Thomas Reardon

Area of Specialization: Ag and Development Economics

Expected Graduation Date: May 2026

Hattie Polson, originally from Vermillion, Kansas, is a M.S. student with special interests in value chains, food security, and food system resiliency. Hattie earned a B.S. in Agriculture Economics specializing in Global Food Systems Leadership from Kansas State University.

Throughout her time at Kansas State, Hattie was involved in the forming of the organization “Food Security Scholars,” spearheading initiatives aimed at eradicating local food insecurity and establishing undergraduate research opportunities with a focus on Kenyan food systems. In 2023, Hattie was named a Harry S. Truman Scholar as well as named an International Ag Fellow for the Foreign Ag Service of the USDA in 2024.

Raised on a farm in northeast Kansas, Hattie’s upbringing instilled in her a deep connection to farmers and producers, inspiring her to continue her education and research to address global food system challenges.