My efforts at Cornell are centered on teaching and education. As a member of the Department of Global Development, I bring expertise in teaching in agricultural sciences. I work to build the Education Minor and the MAT in Agriculture Education through our collaboration with Ithaca College. I advise Agricultural Science major undergraduate and graduate students interested in extension and outreach as a part of their graduate programs.
Teaching Focus
My teaching is focused on the application of theory into community and school organizations. The Art of Teaching (EDUC 2410) is a survey course that serves students across the University as a gateway into the Education Minor and an introduction into the many facets of formal and non-formal education. I continue to work with agriculture educators across the state and support student knowledge of that through Youth Organizations and Leadership (EDUC 3350), Outreach, Extension and Instruction (EDUC 3510), and Program Planning (EDUC 3320).
Courses Taught
EDUC 2410: The Art of Teaching
EDUC 5350: Youth Organizations
EDUC 5320: Program Planning in Agriculture Science
EDUC 3510/5510: Extension, Outreach and Instruction
Outreach and Extension Focus
I advise school districts interested in establishing new agriculture education programs by providing resources and facilitating the process of registering an FFA chapter and hiring staff.
I advise the Collegiate FFA and am the Alumni President of the Cornell Chapter of Alpha Zeta, the co-education agricultural fraternity on campus. I am asked to present to student and professional organizations across campus about aspects of curriculum development and lesson planning each semester. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the NY FFA Leadership Training Foundation.
Education
Ph.D., Cornell University, 2018
Master of Science, Virginia Tech, 1991
Bachelor of Science, Cornell University, 1989
Interests
Extension Education
Teaching Methods
Youth Leadership Development
Awards & Honors
Stephen H. Weiss Provost’s Teaching Fellow, 2023
Teacher Mentor Award, NY Association of Agriculture Educators, 2016
Outstanding Alumni Member, National Alpha Zeta Fraternity, 2014
Outstanding Senior Teacher, 2007
New York Association of Agriculture Educators Teacher of Teacher Award, 2006
New York Association of Agriculture Educators Outstanding Adult Career Service To Youth, Honorable Mention, 2003
Wyoming County Youth Bureau Outstanding Agriculture Program, Letchworth Agriculture Dept., 2002
New York Association of Agriculture Educators Teacher of the Year, Letchworth Student Council, 2003
Since 1928 the National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, has prepared students for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. A Cornell delegation of more than 15 students and...
In a science classroom in New York City, a group of high school seniors gathered around a table and analyzed nutrient cycling data from a farm in upstate New York. Together, they outlined a plan to support the farm’s nutrient management needs...