Nebraska Alumni Pursue Graduate Paths Through Yeutter

By Scout Nelson

The Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers students a unique way to expand their education beyond the classroom through the Student Fellows Program.

This fellowship provides real-world experience, research opportunities, and global connections that inspire graduates to continue their studies.

For alumni Zane Mrozla-Mindrup and Kyoko Wall, the program opened doors to graduate education in Nebraska. Mrozla-Mindrup’s fellowship included an internship in Washington, D.C., that shaped his career path. “The fellowship made me realize how important trade was,” he said. “After (D.C.), I decided to go to Singapore because of its strong reputation in international trade.”

Wall found new direction in her academic goals. “The Yeutter Institute is what brought my attention to international trade,” she said. “I was more interested in economic and international development work, but through meeting individuals during the first semester of my fellowship, I saw how many opportunities there are to work in trade.”

The fellowship’s mission is to prepare students for leadership in global trade. Participants explore law, economics, agriculture, and international trade issues while completing a capstone project and building a valuable professional network.

Conversations with mentors and peers helped Mrozla-Mindrup focus on global markets and rural economies. “Nobody else really has that,” he said. “The biggest opportunity was the network; the people connected to the Yeutter Institute. I still talk to some of them every day.”

Wall’s graduate research examines regional development, rural communities, and migration patterns in Nebraska. She compares studying rural migration to “throwing a dart at a board with a blindfold on,” reflecting the challenge of understanding these trends.

Mrozla-Mindrup now researches international trade, commodity markets, and how global economics affect Nebraska communities. “At the end of the day, I’m from Nebraska,” he said. “I want my home state to succeed. Especially in the agricultural space. Trade is important, and connecting those two things through research would be ideal.”

Rooted in Clayton Yeutter’s vision, the institute prepares future leaders to connect Nebraska’s economy to the global marketplace through education, research, and practical experience.

Photo Credit:nebraska-extenstion