College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Academics

The Michigan State University (MSU) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) has honored Natali Gonzalez, who earned a degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability, with the 2024 CANR Outstanding Student Leadership Award. 

Each year, faculty members, academic advisors and club advisors nominate students who have demonstrated service and leadership in their department, the college, university and their community. By tradition, the Outstanding Student Leadership recipient represents the graduating seniors as class speaker at the CANR Spring Commencement ceremony.  

At the 2024 CANR Spring Commencement ceremony, Gonzalez reflected on the challenges and triumphs experienced by the graduating class, emphasizing the collective strength that carried them through uncertain times. 

“As we gather here today, I want us to reflect on our shared time and experiences. We can recall needing help and relying on our community at MSU. Many of us also carried the responsibility of doing this not only for ourselves but for our families and communities. Today, we're here celebrating these accomplishments. As you look to the future, consider that, although at this given moment, you may not know what precisely is next, you are capable of greatness.” 

Gonzalez, a first-generation student and migrant farmworker born in Texas and raised in Mexico, was drawn to MSU through the College Assistance Migrant Program Scholars Initiative (CAMP). This residential program assists migrant and seasonal farmworker students with academic, social and financial support in their educational journey. For Gonzalez, CAMP was more than just a program. It was a space where her experiences as a migrant farmworker were acknowledged and valued, empowering her to overcome the challenges of higher education. 

"I’m the daughter of immigrants. I will forever be the daughter of immigrants and migrant farmworkers. That has deeply influenced my love for agriculture and connection to nature. When I came to MSU, I faced a significant culture shock, but CAMP became a place where I felt supported and understood. Being involved in the program became a big part of who I am at this university,” Gonzalez shared. “Looking back, if I hadn’t been a CAMP student, I might not have come here at all. The program and its community gave me the strength to push forward and realize that I belonged here, no matter how I felt." 

At MSU, Gonzalez has displayed a strong commitment to community engagement and leadership. As President of the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) MSU chapter, she worked to elevate underrepresented voices within agriculture. She additionally demonstrated her dedication to service during an International Engagement in Mexico abroad program in Chiapas, Mexico. There, she led students on a development project to promote sustainable agricultural practices in local communities. Gonzalez’s dedication to advancing environmentally responsible farming practices is rooted in her personal experiences and vision for a more inclusive future in the field. 

“I’m incredibly passionate about how agriculture can be used to benefit communities. I love seeing the positive effects on both the environment and the people,” Gonzalez explained. “As someone from an underrepresented background in agriculture, I bring a unique perspective that bridges diverse cultural and practical insights. My experiences as a migrant farmworker have given me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by agricultural communities, especially those in minority groups. I want to use those experiences to help.” 

Gonzalez is pursuing a doctoral degree in Crop and Soil Science at the Kellogg Biological Station. Under the mentorship of Dr. Christine Sprunger, her research focuses on enhancing soil health and developing management practices. Various MSU fellowships, including the Plant Science Fellowship and the C.S. Mott Fellowship in Sustainable Agriculture, support her research.  

Looking ahead, Gonzalez remains dedicated to her mission of promoting environmentally and socially responsible agricultural practices. With aspirations to work in crop consulting or extension, she hopes to continue using her expertise to benefit farmers, particularly those from marginalized communities. 

"I want to help farmers understand how sustainable practices can benefit them, both in terms of their crops and communities," she shared. "By incorporating voices from marginalized groups into decision-making, we can create more equitable and effective solutions to agricultural challenges."