Earlier this year, Jayant Lohakare, Ph.D., research professor in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), led three students to participate in the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) held from January 30 to February 1 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The IPPE is the largest poultry, meat, and animal science expo, attracting 25,000 to 30,000 professionals globally every year.
CAFNR students Nathaniel Prevost II, Khalilah Ali, and Taylor Rounds-Carter, with Research Professor Dr. Jayant Lohakare at the IPPE Conference in Atlanta, GA.
During the event, the students had the opportunity to partake in interviews with leading poultry and allied industries-related companies, paving the way for internships and full-time positions. All three students secured job offers or internships because of their engagement at IPPE.
“This is the second time PVAMU students attended this expo, and all three students received job and internship offers,” said Lohakare.
CAFNR students who attended were Nathaniel Prevost II, Khalilah Alia, and Taylor Rounds-Caters. All three students received opportunities from companies like Maple Leaf Farms, Claxton Poultry Farms, Tyson Foods, Cooper Farms, and Peco Foods, just to name a few.
“I really enjoyed this event; it was an amazing opportunity. I got to take a look inside of the poultry industry and thoroughly enjoyed it.” Alia said. “I believe I will be accepting a full-time position soon.“
This year, the IPPE set new records with more than 31,000 registered attendees and over 9,000 international visitors.
Next year, the conference will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. For more information about IPPE or the PVAMU Poultry Center, contact Dr. Jayant Lohakare at jalohakare@pvamu.edu.