The National Agricultural Alumni Development Association (NAADA) awarded Global Education Specialist Ryan Vonderhaar their mixed media award for his study abroad podcast, Buckeyes Abroadcasts, at its 2025 Publications and Projects Competition last month.
The podcast, founded in 2020, explores study abroad opportunities and international topics at Ohio State by interviewing students, faculty and staff for unique insights and conversations.
“For me, the podcast is a way to amplify student voices and help other students learn directly from their peers. Studying abroad is a major investment—of time, money and energy—so I want students to go into these experiences with as much insight and context as possible,” said Vonderhaar.
NAADA is an association created to support advancement professionals within colleges and organizations of agricultural and related sciences. Awarded yearly at its annual conference, the mixed media podcast award celebrates podcasts that amplify important voices and discussions surrounding the future of the natural environment and agricultural systems.
“This podcast has truly been a passion project—an outlet for creativity and storytelling that I genuinely enjoy. Being recognized for it is incredibly meaningful, but I know it wouldn't be possible without the contributions of so many others,” said Vonderhaar. “I’m especially grateful to Charlie Gbur, who helped bring the idea to life and launch the podcast; our OIA communications team for their support and promotion and my amazing student assistant, Emma Lesiecki, whose editing expertise brings everything together.”
Vonderhaar joined the Office of International Affairs in 2019, and works exclusively with the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences to plan, develop and administer a portfolio of education abroad programs.