Bio:  Lydia Martins is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education at Virginia Tech. Prior to beginning her doctoral studies, she earned her Master of Science degree in International Agriculture from Oklahoma State University and her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University. During her undergraduate studies, Lydia developed an interest in One Health and the interconnected relationships between animal, human, and environmental systems. This interest expanded during her master’s program, where she worked on research exploring the feasibility of veterinary telehealth services for livestock producers. Her graduate work incorporated stakeholder interviews, entrepreneurial research methods, and policy-oriented analysis focused on rural veterinary access and agricultural innovation. In addition, Lydia completed an internship with the Foreign Agricultural Service in Bangkok, Thailand, where she gained experience in international agricultural trade and global agricultural policy. Lydia’s current doctoral research interests center on rural social and political identities, agricultural and rural policy, and the ways policy decisions shape rural communities and perceptions of government institutions. She is particularly interested in the intersections of agriculture, politics, identity, and community development within rural America. In her free time, Lydia enjoys planning her next trip, reading, and spending time with her cat and family. 

Research Interests:

  • Rural agricultural systems
  • International agricultural development
  • Agricultural policy impacts

Education:
Ph.D. Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education, Virginia Tech forthcoming 2029
M.S. International Agriculture, Oklahoma State University 2025
B.S. Animal Science, Iowa State University 2022