Faces of Extension : Julie Kikkert

Growing up in a Maryland suburb of Washington, DC, I was surrounded by my parents' passion for gardening. We had a large vegetable garden, extensive flower gardens, and a collection of indoor African violets. This environment nurtured my love for plants and led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Maryland, College Park.

During my second year of college, I landed a job at the USDA research station in Beltsville, Maryland. Working there full-time in the summers and part-time during the school year, I discovered my passion for plant tissue culture, which set the foundation for my research career.

After earning my bachelor's degree, I continued my education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I obtained my master's and PhD degrees in horticulture. My training as a plant physiologist involved extensive work in plant cell and tissue culture. Post-graduation, I joined the New York State Agriculture Research Station (now Cornell AgriTech) in Geneva for postdoctoral work with Dr. John Sanford, the developer of the gene gun.

My research focused on improving plant cell survival during the gene gun process, which was both challenging and rewarding.

Although my background was focused on research, I wanted a more field-based role. I wanted to connect with the agricultural community and apply my knowledge in a practical setting. In 1999, I accepted a halftime position as a vegetable extension educator with the Ontario Wayne and Yates Vegetable Program, while still working in grape breeding. This allowed me to engage directly with farmers and understand the local agricultural landscape.

In 2005, our team merged with the Lake Plains Vegetable Program, expanding our reach and enabling me to transition to a full-time extension position. This move was transformative for me, because it combined my love for research with hands-on fieldwork. Today, I lead a team serving 14 counties. I also serve as an early extension career coordinator for regional ag teams. I support new educators, helping them navigate their roles and access resources they need for success.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize how each step, from my childhood garden to my current position, has shaped my career. I am passionate about my work and grateful for the opportunity to blend research and extension to have a meaningful impact on the agricultural community.

I was fortunate to start my career sharing an office with vegetable specialist Carol McNeil, one of the first women extension educators in the state. Carol was incredibly knowledgeable and respected by growers, and she mentored me during those early years.

Having worked at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva and living nearby, I connected with faculty to learn about the vegetable industry, insects, diseases, and weeds. I had a broad horticulture background, but no prior experience in vegetables. The faculty at Agritech, and other extension educators, were gracious and supportive, helping me navigate the industry.

I am also active in the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, and our state association, which focus on excellence in extension. Through local and national meetings, tours, and trainings, I have gained valuable tools and ideas to become a better educator. I always encourage my colleagues to get involved in professional associations for their career development.

I work at the interface of growers, processing field representatives, crop consultants, and Cornell faculty. I facilitate an annual meeting to set research priorities and review previous years' funded research. At a recent meeting, a sponsor mentioned it was his favorite due to the practical information and networking opportunities, which was very satisfying to hear.

I've also been involved in several impactful research projects over the years, including studies on Swede midge in cabbage, table beet disease, and laser scarecrows. I believe it's crucial for extension and Cornell research to evaluate new technologies and methods to inform growers before they invest time and money. Technology is advancing rapidly, and we try to keep up with early adopter farms.

Our team's motto is "Your trusted source of research-based knowledge." We provide unbiased research amidst the numerous companies trying to sell products to growers. At grower meetings, we present our research alongside these companies, with a goal of fostering trust and offering a balanced perspective. The growers we work with value and trust our research. We continue to emphasize the importance of research-based knowledge in our field.

In the end, I do my best to share my knowledge, support early career educators and faculty, and build relationships within the CCE system. Helping others and forming connections is incredibly satisfying.

Currently, I'm working on an emerging corn disease called Tar Spot and studying the impact of neonicotinoid insecticides with IPM. While large projects have visible impacts, all of the daily interactions I have that build relationships are equally significant. As a team leader, I often field questions and direct them to the appropriate resources or experts.

I try not to bring work home often, but sometimes I bring diseased vegetables home - my family doesn't much like me putting those in the refrigerator! That's a kind of funny aside. I would say though, I've gained a greater appreciation for local agriculture. I have become friends with nearby farmers. I enjoy local farmer's markets and have a favorite spot for picking raspberries. Knowing the best places to buy vegetables is a perk of my job.

I really enjoy playing pickleball and want to play more. I mostly play with retired people, but I kept up well with my great nieces and nephews last summer. My goal is to become a better pickleball player.

My husband and I are active supporters of our local church. We also enjoy gardening and spending time with our two adult children. We love the nature around us, especially swimming under the falls at Robert Treman State Park on hot days. We live near Keuka Lake, so we’ll go there for swimming, picnicking, and hiking.