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Christina Straathof is one of the first recipients of the prestigious Dr. Karl C. Ivarson Agricultural Scholarship, as announced by The Agricultural Institute of Canada Foundation (AICF) in December.

Christina, Class of 2012, is the $10,000 award recipient for MSc students. She is recognized for her outstanding academic achievements, areas of study, leadership and career interests.  In leaving a bequest to AICF to establish this award, Dr. Ivarson wished to support students from his home province of Alberta in their pursuit of studies in agricultural sciences.

Christina is a Master of Science student in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta.   After earning her undergraduate degree from NSAC, Christina moved to Alberta to pursue her graduate degree.  Her research program focuses on residual feed efficiency (RFI) and maternal nutrition in beef cattle. 

The goal of this research is to provide the beef industry with pertinent knowledge regarding the interaction of RFI and maternal nutrition with important production characteristics including fertility, carcass traits and growth traits.                                                                                                                                                          

Agriculture has always been an important facet of Christina’s life and influenced her choice of academic studies.  She grew up on a dairy farm in Ontario and completed over 50 projects during the 13 years she was a  4-H member.  She is currently the secretary/treasurer of the University of Alberta Multi-Species Judging Club, a member of the university’s Collegiate 4-H club, and is an active hockey official.  She enjoys being a positive role model to youth through community involvement, her work with the 4-H organization and as a coach for women’s hockey.

The Dr. Karl C. Ivarson Agricultural Scholarship is made possible through a generous bequest to the AICF by noted Albertan soil scientist, the late Dr. Karl C. Ivarson.