Feature: Dr. Ronda Hamm Joins Make48 Advisory Board

Dr. Ronda Hamm is a nationally award-winning informal educator and entomologist whose career is an adventure rooted in making science and agriculture accessible to everyone. Her professional journey is defined by a belief that everyone, regardless of their background, can be an innovator.

Driving Innovation: The Make48 Advisory Board

Ronda's commitment to fostering innovation led her to accept a position on the Make48 Advisory Board. The decision, she says, was easy. “Knowing the team, the professionalism and flow of the competitions is apparent, but what stands out is their profound impact on the community.” 

When asked about the most important thing the competition fosters, Ronda highlights the connection Make48 brings. “The beauty of Make48 lies in its accessibility. Participants, wherever they are from, are given a unique chance to grow and realize their potential as creators, inventors or entrepreneurs through the combination of creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. For someone who is passionate about science outreach and community engagement, this is an irresistible opportunity.” 

Background and the Journey to Entomology

Ronda's STEM journey began with a childhood love for furry animals, leading her to aspire to be a veterinarian. She admits, however, that the "six-legged ones" were a major source of fear. Her true scientific path began in high school:

“My STEM journey started with just a love of animals and wanting to learn more. High school was when I was assigned to an entomology (study of insects) lab and was terrified for the entire summer that I was going to hate it and ended up falling in love with it. Part of that growing experience for me was taking the mystery out of it, of these things that I didn't understand, and learning more about them made them less scary.” 

Her formal education includes a B.S. in Agricultural Education from Fresno State University. She then moved across the country to Cornell University, earning both her M.S. and Ph.D. in Entomology. Her mission today, as an AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador, is to ‘take the sting out’ of the undeserved, terrifying reputations of bugs and spiders, paying forward the empowerment she received. 

Current Adventure: Building “The Smithsonian of the Midwest”

Ronda's current adventure is in the leadership role as the Director of the Food, Farm, and Energy Experience at Conner Prairie (since 2024). She is spearheading the creation of a brand new center on the historic farm, dedicated to exploring the critical stories of our modern food system.

Driven by an immense vision, she is determined to challenge the status quo. “What truly excites me is the chance to bring the science of a typically overlooked subject to the forefront, exploring the ‘whys’ and showcasing the people behind the work,” Ronda explained. “I collaborate with a brilliant, creative team of colleagues and I’m eager to bring something to life that will look truly individualized.”

The museum center will be an experiential platform, dedicated to the food system, tracing its journey from ‘grower to grocer.’ Its facilities will include a community garden that showcases global agricultural facilities and practices, from urban gardening techniques to the cultivation of row crops. The project aims to engage a new generation of the agricultural workforce, demonstrating that modern careers in the field extend well beyond traditional farming to include vital areas like supply chain, food science, data analytics, and more.

Ultimately, Ronda hopes the center will be recognized as “The Smithsonian of the Midwest,” one day, focused specifically on food and agriculture.

Commitment to Education and Outreach

Dr. Hamm’s mission to empower the everyday innovator perfectly mirrors the core of Make48. She doesn’t just believe in innovation, she creates collaborative environments where it can flourish. With leaders like Ronda Hamm on the advisory board, Make48 is perfectly positioned to continue to inspire the next generation to not only design the future, but understand the complex systems to sustain it. 

Ronda continues to share her expertise through mentorship and public outreach. Since 2016, she has served as Adjunct Faculty at Ball State University, mentoring students in the Biology and Biotechnology MS programs through professional development, mock interviews, and career advice.

Ronda maintains a presence on social media, sharing her work @InsectDoc and nature photography @Capturesbyrandr She also shares her expertise through online educational programs and has been featured on educational programs like Exploring By The Seat Of Your Pants and AgriNovus.