Huan Zhao is a 6th year PhD student (soon to graduate) studying computational economics under Leigh Tesfatsion, with a research focus on electricity market rules design. This summer he's interning at ISO-New England in Holyoke, Massachusetts, working on simulation tools used for evaluating market performance with a demand response program.

What do you hope to learn or gain from this internship? I hope I can learn the latest market rules used in the power industry. I will also be exposed to the different challenges this evolving market is facing.

What is exciting or interesting to you about this opportunity? The exciting part will be the application of economics theory into real practice. During the process of real business design, I can see how a little bit of market rule change can deeply affect a society's efficiency.

Learn more about ISO New England at http://www.iso-ne.com. To highlight the summer activities of a particular grad student, contact ksenty@iastate.edu

PURPOSE: to improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers as well as those who are adopting organic practices. In 2011, 5 to 7 awards are anticipated; annual budgets may not exceed $300,000, with a total maximum allowed of $750,000 over 3 years.  The program will continue to prioritize environmental services provided by organic farming systems in the area of soil conservation and climate change mitigation.  Integrated projects are invited and must involve two of the 3 functions:  research, education and extension.  Applicants are expected to describe stakeholder involvement in problem identification, planning, implementation and evaluation.  Field specialists with project ideas should collaborate with campus faculty.  DEADLINE: June 30, 2011. See guidelines for specific priorities: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/organictransitionsprogram.cfm

http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/farmbusinessmanagementandbenchmarkingprogram.cfm  

Primary Responsibilities:• Responsible for over $61MM of Ingredient Spend with high complexity • Ensures items are purchased in accordance with established policies and procedures.• Evaluates and purchases materials for facilities at a competitive cost.• Develops category management strategies for cost reduction or value enhancement that result in tangible benefits to bottom line.• Drives robust category strategies across plant networks and supply base.• Aligns with business goals and objectives and evaluates strategies based on changing market conditions.• Provides inputs during strategic sourcing activities, including internal and external analysis and negotiations.• Assesses realized benefits from sourcing and developed improvement strategies and initiatives post-sourcing.• Champions the use of formal category management techniques and processes.• Coaches and directs individual training/development as required to build capability to deliver overall category objectives.• Prepares monthly commodity projections and market conditions to various business units.• Supports and works closely with Director, Agricultural Procurement to establish and implement risk management strategies.Minimum Requirements:• Bachelors Degree required. Strong preference in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, or Agronomy. • Minimum of 3-5 years work experience in Procurement Categories• Strong written and oral communications skills, decision making/problem solving and influencing and team building skills• Must be a strategic and analytical thinker• Ability to travel 20% (mainly domestic with some global travel as required)• Demonstrated track record of business results in a matrix environment and/or with multiple companies• Must have the ability to strategically partner with critical suppliers to drive supplier enabled innovation creating mutually beneficial results.• Must be a team player able to build relationships with key business partners to develop trust and expand procurement influence.• Must have the ability to influence without authority and build strong business cases.

For more information contact Darrin Butz, Campbell Soup Co., darren_butz@campbellsoup.com