CWAE Mentorship and Outreach Award Winner

Kristin Kiesel

Prof. Kristin Kiesel, Associate Professor of Teaching at the University of California, Davis, is the recipient of the 2025 CWAE Mentorship and Outreach (Legacy) Award.

This prestigious discipline wide-award presented by the Committee on Women in Agricultural Economics (CWAE), honors individuals in applied economics who have made lasting contributions to creating a more welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the profession. Recipients are recognized for their sustained commitment to mentorship, outreach, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the discipline. Prof. Kiesel will be recognized at the CWAE/COSBAE annual luncheon during the AAEA Annual Meetings.

Prof. Kiesel’s work embodies the spirit of this award through her transformational leadership in building more inclusive and supportive pathways into agricultural and applied economics. Her career reflects a deep dedication to student mentorship, innovative teaching practices, and community-building efforts that open doors for students from all backgrounds to succeed and lead within the profession.

"Kristin has radically transformed the teaching and mentoring environment in our department, creating a true academic community where students from all backgrounds feel seen, supported, and encouraged to thrive." – Steve Boucher, UC Davis

Prof. Kiesel has established herself as a leading advocate for institutional change within her department, university, and the broader profession. She designed and co-directs the Diversity and Inclusion in Research, Education, and Career Training (DIRECT) Program at UC Davis, securing long-term funding to support transfer students from California community colleges through graduate studies. DIRECT offers a comprehensive set of initiatives, including targeted outreach, summer research experiences, skill-building workshops, and community forums such as the Student Café. Another program initiative, the Graduate Inclusive Education and Mentoring Training (GET) Workshop, trains faculty and graduate students to implement inclusive mentoring and teaching strategies. This program fosters critical reflection on the roles of race, structural inequality, and access in education, and supports broader efforts to advance DEI principles within academic and professional settings.

Beyond UC Davis, Prof. Kiesel has expanded her outreach and mentorship leadership nationally through her service as Chair of the AAEA’s Teaching, Learning, and Communication Section and as a member of the AAEA/ERS Steering Committee on promoting inclusive initiatives. She has helped shape national conversations about creating more equitable and supportive educational pathways in agricultural and applied economics.

Students participating in Prof. Kiesel’s programs consistently report increased confidence, stronger professional readiness, and a deeper sense of belonging within the academic community. Through structured research mentorship, skills training, and engagement with faculty and peers, many students have pursued advanced degrees or launched impactful careers in public service, industry, and academia. Prof. Kiesel’s mentorship has not only supported individual student achievement but also strengthened collaborative networks within her department, enhancing the overall learning environment.

Prof. Kiesel is widely regarded by colleagues and students alike as a model of inclusive leadership. She openly shares her experiences and challenges, inspiring students to envision themselves as researchers, leaders, and changemakers. Under her guidance, mentees have embraced leadership roles within their own institutions and communities, helping to extend the impact of inclusive mentorship across the profession.

Through her visionary leadership, Prof. Kiesel has made systemic and lasting changes within UC Davis and the field of applied economics. Her initiatives have shifted departmental practices to prioritize student-centered education, mentorship, and equity-focused program development. Nationally, her service within AAEA has broadened professional development resources and strengthened support systems for aspiring economists. Prof. Kiesel’s work continues to inspire a new generation of scholars and educators committed to building an academic community where all students can thrive. Prof. Kiesel’s dedication to mentorship, outreach, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion exemplifies the ideals this award seeks to honor.