Name: Michael Geissinger
Major: Agronomy, minor: animal science
Graduation year: 2019
Current job title and company/organization: Grazing and nutrient management outreach specialist for University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension
What moment or experience at Iowa State most shaped your career path?
While at Iowa State, I had the privilege of working in several research labs through the agronomy department and serving as a teaching assistant for AGRON 2800: Crop Development, Production and Management and AGRON 3340: Forage Crop Management with Dr. Mindy DeVries for a few semesters. Through these experiences, I gained a deeper appreciation for the research behind agronomic recommendations and realized how much I enjoyed teaching and communicating that knowledge to others. I recall regularly mentioning to Dr. DeVries and my advisor, Dr. Mary Wiedenhoeft, how fulfilling it was to me when I would see students’ eyes light up when they finally understood a complex concept.
My time at Iowa State made it clear that the right role for me would combine both research and education, and thankfully I found that right opportunity in beautiful northwest Wisconsin with UW–Madison Extension after graduating with my bachelor’s degree in agronomy. In my current role, I focus on advancing managed grazing—which features perennial grass-legume forages, frequent rotation of livestock through pastures, adequate residual and rest periods for forage, and careful consideration of carrying capacity of the land—as a system that improves farm profitability, strengthens forage production, and protects soil and water resources through on-farm research and research-based education.
How did your involvement in clubs, internships or research opportunities at Iowa State prepare you for your current role?
Being involved with the Iowa State Agronomy Club in particular played a major role in my career development. I built relationships that have lasted well beyond college, explored a wide range of career paths in agronomy, and gained exposure at the national level through Students of Agronomy, Soils, and Environmental Sciences (SASES). I connected with professionals across the country and saw firsthand the scope of research happening in agronomy. Serving as an officer in the club, and as an officer at the national level for SASES, also helped me build confidence and develop my public speaking skills, both of which are essential in my current outreach role.
Internships were equally valuable, as they helped me better understand the kinds of work I enjoy most. In addition, my work in research labs with the agronomy department at Iowa State gave me an appreciation for careful protocol design and the importance of high-quality data.
All these experiences now carry over directly into my work, where I not only teach through outreach programs but also develop educational resources, lead collaborative on-farm research projects, and work with collaborators across Wisconsin and the upper Midwest to support and advance managed grazing systems.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your education or career, and how did you overcome it?
In April 2025, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After six months of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and more needle pokes than I care to share about, I reached remission in November 2025. When I was diagnosed and while I was going through treatment, I was actually working full time and attending grad school classes online for a master’s degree in crop, soil, and environmental sciences, which I graduated from in December 2025.
This experience challenged me in ways I hadn’t faced before, both personally and professionally, and while I wouldn’t wish cancer on anyone, the experience taught me lessons many people my age may not encounter so early in life. One of the biggest takeaways for my career was the importance of building and maintaining a supportive work environment through clear communication and trust. I had to rely on colleagues more than ever, and it reinforced how critical strong teams are, not only for efficiency and productivity, but for resilience in the wake of uninvited chaos.
Going through this also reshaped my perspective. It gave me a deeper sense of gratitude and clarity about what matters, which now influences both my work and personal life. It has also made me more intentional, more empathetic, and more committed to doing meaningful work in my role at UW-Madison Extension.
Fill in the blank and provide a brief explanation: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without ______.”
Faith. My faith has helped give me perspective and resilience during some of the most challenging times in my life and continues to shape how I approach my work, my relationships, and what matters most to me.
Fill in the blank: “The best piece of advice I received in college was _________, and here’s why it stuck with me: _________.”
“Home is where you hang your hat up.”
I heard this during a conversation with a professor when I was feeling overwhelmed by big life questions many students face, like where I should work, what I should do for a career, and whether I’d end up in the right place. That idea was incredibly freeing to me. It reminded me that fulfillment isn’t tied to a specific employer, career, or location. It comes from intentionally building a life around what matters most to you, wherever you are.