Lanier Fussell graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.A. in International Studies and concentration in Environment and Development. While pursuing her degree, Lanier worked as a livestock volunteer with Heifer USA, in her home state of Arkansas. Through this work, Lanier supported Heifer Ranch’s mission of sharing knowledge of evidence-based regenerative farming practices with small-scale farmers. At Heifer Ranch, Lanier participated directly in rotational grazing operations, soil health testing, calving and lambing practices, and poultry stewardship. Both as an online English language tutor and as an English Language Assistant in Montbéliard, France, Lanier worked to provide accessible education for students learning English as a second language. Building on a strong foundation of teaching, on-farm assistance, and accessible messaging, Lanier currently supports producers and rural small business owners as a RARE (Resource Assistance for Rural Environments) AmeriCorps Fellow at Wy’East RC&D. Through continued partnership with the RARE network, Lanier has contributed to rural energy support across Oregon. In her free time, you can find Lanier painting, knitting, watching college football (Geaux Tigers), or taking too many pictures of her cat, Toaster.