Welcome to the 9th episode of The Future of Beef Show: Academic Innovation with Dr. Jessica Sperber.   In a special turn of the mic, this episode spotlights one of our own—Dr. Jessica Sperber, PhD in feedlot nutrition and co-host of The Future of Beef Show. From Alberta cattle roots to packing plant data and feedlot research at the University of Nebraska, Jessica shares a refreshingly honest journey through academia, mentorship, and what it really means to stay rooted in production while pushing the boundaries of science.   The conversation spans her career path—from optometry dreams to meat science labs, commercial nutrition consulting, and now leading Nebraska’s extension feedlot research. We dive into the evolving role of university extension, how producers can actually use research, and why mentorship is more than a buzzword—it’s the thread that runs through every good career in ag.   What You’ll Learn: How feedlot-focused research bridges academic rigor and on-farm relevance Why mentorship can shape careers as powerfully as technical training The difference between being a student of ag and being a steward of producers How extension services are evolving to reach more operations, more personally Why embracing AI and tech in the classroom is preparing the next ag innovators Links: 🌐 Visit the show page at www.futureofbeef.com  🔬 Learn more about University of Nebraska Beef Program: www.beef.unl.edu 📱 Explore the award-winning Breedr App at www.breedr.co 💻 Connect with Drovers: www.drovers.com   For more stories from the people shaping the future of ag—on the ranch, in the lab, or at the front of the classroom—visit www.futureofbeef.com. Because the next generation of ag doesn’t just inherit the future—they build it.