RCE Extension 360

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Cecilia Diaz, the recipient of 2021 Mary Jane Willis Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award. Cecilia currently serves as a program associate with Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Passaic County, overseeing home horticulture and the local Master Gardeners program.

Rachel and Kathleen talk with Cecilia about her current work. Cecilia shares her philosophies and strategies for Extension programming. She shares her own personal journey to Extension story and her past professional experiences.

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Dr. Mark Robson. Mark Robson is Rutgers Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor and Distinguished Professor of Plant Biology. His research includes the study toxic effects pesticide and exposure reduction here in New Jersey and globally. In addition, Mark currently serves as the Director of the Office of Continuing Professional Education (OCPE) a unit of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Rachel and Kathleen talk with Mark about his storied career focused on teaching and leadership. Mark also shares about his work with risk assessment and pesticide toxicology and what led him to this field of study and to an Extension career. Mark also shares his philosophy and advice for success in Extension.

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Michele Bakacs, a Environmental & Natural Resources Agent serving Middlesex and Union counties. In addition to her role as a County Agent, Michele also co-leads the statewide Rutgers Environmental Stewards program Rachel and Kathleen chat with Michele Bakacs about the Environmental Stewards program, her work with a wide vareity of environmental issues, and how she found Extension as a career path. Michele also shares practical suggestions and advice for Extension professionals who are just starting their career and/or are balancing the demands of work and family.

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Stephen Komar, the Sussex County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent. In addition to his traditional role as a County Agent, Stephen also co-leads the CCCF Agribusiness Scholars Program at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. This intensive program for undergraduate students, developed by Komar and Extension Director Brian Schilling, works to cultivate the next generation of agri-business leaders. Rachel and Kathleen talk with Stephen about the Agri-business Scholars program, his work with traditional and novel crops, and what led him to an Extension career. Stephen also shares his thoughts and advice for early and mid-career Extension professionals.

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Ben Clawson, the Director of LG Cook 4-H Camp. Did you know Rutgers has its very own sleepaway camp located deep in the woods of Stokes State Forest? LG Cook 4-H Camp has been welcoming campers for over 70 years and continues to provide a traditional, tech-free, camping experience to youth from New Jersey and beyond.

Rachel and Kathleen talk with Ben about what led him to a camp career, and ultimately his role as the Camp Director. Ben shares his thoughts and philosophies on what makes sleepaway camp such an important opportunity for youth. Ben shares his thoughts on what make the LG Cook 4-H Camp experience especially magical.

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Carol Ward. Carol served as a County 4-H Agent in Warren and then Somerset Counties. She provided leadership to the equine and dairy project areas. Carol is an Extension Icon. Rachel and Kathleen talk to Carol about her start with Extension (as a 4-H club member), her career highlights, and some of the amazing 'firsts' she has had in her Extension career. Carol shares advice and encouragement for early-career Extension professionals.

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Dr. Sara Elnakib, one of the recipient of 2020 RCE Excellence Team Award. Sara currently serves as a faculty member in the department of Family Community Health Sciences and has provided leadership to the interdisciplinary team looking at food waste in school settings. Rachel and Kathleen talk with Sara about the food waste team's work. Sara shares her philosophies and strategies for Extension programming. She shares her personal experiences and advice as an Extension educator.

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Dr. Karyn Malinowski. Dr. Malinowski is an Extension Specialist focused on Equine Science, the Director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center, and former Extension Director. Karyn is an Extension Icon.

Rachel and Kathleen talk to Karyn about her start with Extension (as a 4-H horse club member), her research interests, her career highlights, and some of the amazing 'firsts' she has had in her Extension career. Karyn shares advice and encouragement for early and mid-career Extension professionals.

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Dr. Bruce Clarke is Extension Specialist focused on Turfgrass Pathology and Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University. Bruce is an Extension Icon. Rachel and Kathleen talk to Bruce about his research interests, his career highlights, his love of travel and his family. Bruce shares his thoughts and strategies related to Extension scholarship as well as career advice for early and mid-career Extension professionals.

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Dr. Don Schaffner is Extension Specialist in Food Science and Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University. Don is an Extension Icon.

Rachel and Kathleen talk to Don about his research interests including- handwashing, cross-contamination and quantitative microbial risk assessment. Don shares his thoughts and strategies related to Extension scholarship as well as career advice for early and midcareer Extension professionals. Don is an experienced podcaster. In his spare time, he co-hosts the Food Safety Talk and Risky or Not podcasts.