Get to Know our New CFAES Faculty!

Dr. Gomes Neto’s group combines research areas such as veterinary epidemiology and microbiology to identify populationbased patterns of spread of foodborne pathogens, in addition to seeking to identify actionable gut microbiome-based signatures of colonization resistance against such pathogens, aiming at improving food safety at the pre-harvest stage in swine and poultry production systems. In brief, Dr. Gomes Neto’s research will combine the use of 1) epidemiological observational studies and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of foodborne pathogen populations; 2) in vivo (pigs and poultry) infectious studies to assess survival and persistence in the gastrointestinal tract, in addition to interactions with the resident microbiota; 3) in vitro phenotyping for food safety-associated traits in genotypes/strains that are epidemiologically relevant across foodborne pathogens; and 4) standard microbiological techniques to isolate and characterize putative probiotics and symbiotic approaches for pigs and poultry.

Campus: Wooster

Education:
Postdoctoral Researcher - University of Nebraska- Lincoln
Postdoctoral Researcher - University of Utah Medical Center
PhD - Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2016)
MS - Veterinary Microbiology, Iowa State University (2012)
DVM - Federal University of Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil (2007)

I was born and raised on a dairy farm – one in Minnesota and one in South Dakota. I went on to graduate from South Dakota State University where I received a BS in Dairy Production. Then, I received an MS from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and a PhD from Michigan State University, both in Animal Science. My research included investigations of forage and non-forage feeding strategies, effects of feeding strategies on inflammation and health, and the role of specific nutrients in combatting inflammation in lactating dairy cattle. Currently, I am conducting research investigating tissue resident immune cells in the rumen of dairy cattle and how they respond to dietary changes. My research program at Ohio State will continue to focus on how nutrition affects animal health and gut health, with particular focus on carbohydrate feeding strategies. Additionally, my goal is to build an extension program built around educating the dairy industry about how different factors affect animal health. We will also focus on how the carbon economy, methane mitigation, or other environmental challenges may affect their business at the farmgate. I am excited to get my career started and help advance the Ohio dairy industry!

Campus: Wooster

Hometown: Baltic, SD

Education:
BS, South Dakota State University
MS, University of Nebraska Lincoln
PhD, Michigan State University

What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love to golf, probably a little too much! My wife and I love to read – I enjoy reading history, memoirs, or personal development.

Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I received a Predoctoral Fellowship grant from the USDA

Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty? 
Ohio State has a tremendous and rich history in dairy research. To get the chance to be part of a vibrant dairy community and also contribute to that rich history is a great opportunity to start a career!

I was born in a small town in rural Brazil from a family whose background is entirely linked with food production. I grew up in the hospitality business and was surrounded by the beef and meat industry. My passion for companion animals led me to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine, where I ended up finding my love for dairy cattle. Since then, I have realized my mission is to address ethical issues associated with food animal production. I firmly believe business as usual is no longer the answer, therefore, my research efforts offer considerable opportunities to improve dairy cattle welfare, production, and farm sustainability. In addition, through education, I use my expertise to engage stakeholders to promote change. 

Campus: Columbus

Hometown: Campo Ere, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Previous Academic Institution(s): My professional training includes a DVM equivalent from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS, Brazil), an interdisciplinary MSc in Agroecosystems from the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC, Brazil) in collaboration with the Universidad de la Republica in Montevideo (Uruguay) and the Animal Welfare Program at the University of British Columbia (Canada); and a Ph.D. degree in Animal Biology from the University of California, Davis in collaboration with AgResearch in Hamilton (New Zealand). Both my master's and doctorate had an emphasis on Applied Ethology (animal behavior) and Animal Welfare. Between 2018 and 2023 I served as Assistant Professor of Animal Sciences at California State University, Chico - a teaching-focused institution.

What are some of your hobbies or interests? 
As a southern Brazilian and a granddaughter of a butcher, I love barbecuing, especially beef! Exploring nature, traveling, dogs, and cross-stitch also have a special place in my heart.

Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
Despite my place of privilege, I grew up in a relatively underserved area in Brazil - so, I am proud to represent my region in an internationally recognized institution.

Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty? 
The College seems to be well-equipped to contribute to the advancement of my professional career as well as the University and Columbus area offered more opportunities for my husband and I to be employed in the same vicinity.

Dr. Yu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences with an 65% research, 35% teaching appointment. Dr. Yu was born in China and obtained both of her bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Animal Sciences in China. She came to the United State to pursue Ph.D degree at Purdue University, where she studied the genetic mechanism underlying muscle hypertrophy phenotype in Callipyge sheep (Greek word, “calli”- beautiful, “pyge” - buttocks). Afterwards, she received postdoctoral training at the University of Michigan with research focusing on obesity, diabetes and metabolism in adipose tissue and central nervous system.

Campus: Columbus

Education:
Ph.D., Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
M.S, Animal Science, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, China
B.S, Animal Science, Northeast Agriculture University, China

Kathryn (Kate) Boening-Ulman is a recent PhD Graduate from the Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering program at Ohio State University. She is a water resources engineer with research focuses in urban hydrology, green infrastructure, and sustainability. In addition to water, Kate has experience with soil engineering, and agricultural water and nutrient management. While in graduate school, Kate developed a great appreciation for engineering education and teaching. She has been lecturing with the FABE department and the Agricultural Systems Management program since 2020. Kate really enjoys getting to know her students while helping them become the best agriculturalists they can be and enjoys the challenges each year brings with a new body of students. In addition to teaching, Kate loves recruitment and talking to prospective students about Ohio State, something she has done since 2014 as an undergraduate ambassador of the College of Engineering. Kate looks forward to continuing her role as an educator and mentor while also making a difference for the ASM program as a whole.

Campus: Columbus

Hometown: Glenbeulah, WI, USA

Education: B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, The Ohio State University

What are some of your hobbies or interests?
Hobbies: Hiking, boating, camping, reading, playing with my German Shepherd Dog, 

Interests: Harry Potter, Star Wars, Ohio State Football, Green Bay Packers

Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
Completing my Engineering Intern licensure, on my way to becoming a Professional Engineer

Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty? 
While I did not grow up a Buckeye, I was quickly welcomed into the great Buckeye Family as an undergraduate student. What initially drew me to campus and this university, the welcoming, community-driven atmosphere with so much to learn and research, has only grown with my time here and now I am thrilled to be part of someone's Buckeye story as they come through this great institution.

Mary Kay Pohlschneider is a teacher, advisor and mentor and often says she has the best job at Ohio State.  She serves as an undergraduate advisor for the Food Business Management and Culinary Science students as well as an ad hoc advisor for many Food Science students in her courses.  She advises the Food Science Club and has been a STEP mentor since its development in 2012.  Mary Kay has the pleasure of teaching students the very first semester at OSU in the Food Science 1100 Survey course and the Introduction to Food Process course.  Then, after they have taken many more courses, students return to Mary Kay as she manages their internship credits.

Mary Kay also gets to teach fun elective courses about other foods such as Caffeine Science and Kitchen Science and is an accredited instructor for the food safety system HACCP and teaches that course in which students earn an industry recognition.  She is an avid advocate for food science and often is found presenting demonstrations and hands-on activities for students of all ages at schools and 4-H clubs.  Mary Kay coaches FFA students at her local high school in Food Science and has helped several teams win at the national level. 

A central Ohio native, Mary Kay earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in Animal Sciences focused on Meat Processing and Safety and Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology focused on Meat Processing and Food Safety from Ohio State University, College of Food Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.  She has served as a Lecturer and Senior Lecture for the OSU Department of Food Science and technology since 2008. Mary Kay has been recognized for her teaching and engagement excellence with the OSU Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer, CFAES Outstanding Advisor Award, Institute of Food Technologists’ Elizabeth Flemming Stier Award and the USDA Excellence in College and University Teaching in Food and Agricultural Sciences Award. 

Outside of OSU, my passion for food science continues – I enjoy cooking and baking – but not just following recipes.  The most fun is trying new ideas and modifying those “suggestions” in the book. I am developing a green thumb and have evolved my desire to keep my plants alive to making them grow and bloom.  I first came to OSU as a student and as much as I didn’t want to transition from Newark Campus to Columbus, CFAES has become home.  I love the rapport I am able to build with my students from high school visits to graduation.  I find my niche is to be a little bit of consistency in their rapidly changing life throughout the time they are here. 

I began my Extension career in 19991 as a water quality associate that led me to served as the Ag/NR Educator, Madison County from 1994-96.  I then assumed the same role in Pickaway County in 1996. Active member of the Agronomics Crops, Ohio Ag Manager and Beef Teams.  My areas of specializations are agronomic crop production, farm management and carbon markets.  I was awarded the NACAA Distinguished Service Award, 2018.  Currently serving as the Vice-Chair of NACAA Public Relations & Ag Awareness Committee as well as President-Elect of Ohio NACAA. The two areas of research I am currently engaged in include the use of biologicals in agronomic crop production and the role  that carbon markets will play in farm management decisions.

Campus: Statewide - Pickaway County

Hometown: Circleville, Ohio

Education:  All from The Ohio State University
Bachelors of Science, Agriculture, 1984
Bachelors of Science, Business Administration, 1990
Masters of Science, Education, 1996

What are some of your hobbies or interests? 
I enjoy time on the water from either my fishing kayak or sitting on the ice jigging for panfish. 

Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty? I see the move from A&P to faculty as a personal challenge that will benefit my clientele and provide a platform for programs for the person that one day takes my place in Pickaway County.

I provide leadership to the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) program for Ohio State University Extension, Perry County, part of Ohio Appalachia. I teach and develop educational programs and participate in work groups to address the needs of residents. I am part of several OSU Extension teams: Live Healthy Live Well (LHLW), Healthy People, Healthy Relationships, and Ag Safety. My first specialization is Healthy Aging Across the Lifespan (39%). New programs and partnerships increased this focus. Keeping bodies and brains healthy as people age is critical. Food Safety (22%) is another specialty. I offer food safety courses, as well as canner lid testing and basic home food preservation recommendations. Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention (20%) is a third focus. Appalachian Ohio adults report feeling mentally unhealthy 17% more often than average Americans, with suicide rates 26% higher than non-Appalachian Ohio. The number of mental health providers is 580:1 in Perry County. My Adult (MHFA) and Youth (YMHFA) Mental Health First Aid® instructor trainings were covered with grant funds ($6,000). I have worked on local, regional, and federal grants totaling over $1.5 million to expand MHFA, YMHFA, and prevention work throughout Ohio. Health and Wellness (19%) is the fourth area of focus. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has determined, “The Eight Dimensions of Wellness take into account not only an individual’s physical health, but all the factors that contribute to a person’s overall wellness.” My programming encompasses all the dimensions of wellness.

Campus: Statewide - Perry County

Hometown: Thornville, Ohio

Education:
Master of Science, Physical Education & Adult Fitness, Ohio University, August 1995
Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences, Ohio University, August 1994

What are some of your hobbies or interests? 
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, running, boating, swimming, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), working in my yard, completing home improvement projects, consuming local food and craft beer, and traveling. I ran my first (will be my only) marathon in April 2022 a few months before my 50th birthday, checking it off my bucket list!

Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I have been selected for numerous teaching and creative works awards. I have served in various leadership roles including CFAES Staff Advisory Council Chair and Ohio NEAFCS Affiliate President. The Perry County Juvenile Court approached Perry County OSU Extension staff to partner on an Appalachian Foundation of Ohio grant to provide programming for the juvenile correctional facility residents and the alternative school students which they oversee.

Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty? 
I chose to join the CFAES faculty to strengthen my programming by continuing to grow professionally and personally. Joining the faculty track will help improve my teaching and research which will benefit the work I do for Extension in Perry County, the Appalachian Ohio Region, and throughout the state.

I lead the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) program for Ohio State University Extension in rural Morrow County. As an educator, my work promotes Extension’s mission by bringing university-based research and learning opportunities to the residents. I provide educational programs and resources, based on identified county needs, in my specializations Health and Well-being and Financial Wellness. Home Food Preservation and food Safety is also an area of focus. I am a Licensed Social Worker (Ohio) with an emphasis in behavioral and mental health, a Certified Personal & Family Finance Educator (American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences) and a Certified ServSafe® Instructor and Registered ServSafe® Examination Proctor through the National Restaurant Association.

With 40% effort in Financial Wellness, I develop curricula, implement programs, and contribute as a member of the Healthy Finances Team (presently co-lead). I lead the Manage Your Money (MYM) Program Curriculum Team and in 2020, MYM became available online as a fee-based curriculum. Collaborations that provide financial programs locally, in Morrow County, include United Way and the Court of Common Pleas. 

With 35% effort in Healthy & Well-being, focusing on healthy people and relationships, I provide programming in mental health and substance use, nutrition and wellness, sustainability, and outdoor safety. I develop lessons, implement programs, and collaborate with other Educators to provide innovative resources and programs.

With 25% effort in Home Food Preservation and Food Safety, I develop curricula, provide various home food preservation trainings, conduct pressure canner dial gauge inspections, and serve on the Food Preservation State Team. As the only certified instructor and proctor for Food Protection Manager Certification in the county, I work closely with the County Health District Sanitarian to provide the program.

Campus: Statewide - Morrow County

Hometown: Delaware County, Central Ohio

Education:
Master of Science, Franklin University
Bachelor of Arts, Ohio University

What are are some of your hobbies or interests? 
I am enthusiastic about promoting worthiness and well-being for people, animals, and the environment. You can find me crocheting and knitting, reading biographies, listening to podcasts and music genres, hanging out on the water, watching sci-fi, traveling across Ohio to spend time with family, and parenting my furry family members.

Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) Distinguished Service Award, Ohio Affiliate -2024. The Distinguished Service Award is the highest award presented by the NEAFCS. The award recognizes members for leadership, outstanding educational program efforts with impacts, and professional development and growth.

Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty? 
I chose to join the CFAES faculty to be more connected to the college and grow as a professional with a wide perspective for the college and a local viewpoint. Being a faculty member will assist me in elevating my teaching and challenge myself to create and produce new projects and programs. Taking part in new endeavors and collaborating with faculty and staff to do more research across program areas and colleges is an added value that the CFAES faculty provides.

I’m Garth Ruff, the Beef Cattle and Livestock Marketing Field Specialist for OSU Extension. I am a two-time graduate of OSU Animal Sciences. I specialize in beef cattle production systems, livestock management, and farm level economics. I am also a co-leader of the OSU Beef team and a coordinator of Beef Quality Assurance in Ohio.  Prior to being in this current role, I was a Beef Cattle Specialist, from 2020 to 2023, and an ANR Educator in Henry County from 2017 to 2020.  A native of Morgan County in SE Ohio, I grew up involved in 4-H and FFA, showing beef and swine. I continue to be active with my family beef and crop farm and currently have a small flock of sheep.

Campus: Statewide - Southeast Region Extension Office

Hometown: Malta, Ohio

Education:
M.S. and B.S., The Ohio State University

What are some of your hobbies or interests? 
I really enjoy county fairs and working with youth and their projects. I’ve judged beef and swine shows in several counties across Ohio and West Virginia. I am currently the president of the Morgan County Agricultural Society (Fairboard).

Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
In 2023, I was selected by my peers and colleagues as an Achievement Award winner within the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. It’s very humbling to be recognized for doing something that you enjoy each day.

Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty? 
After 7 years with OSU Extension, I hope that the move to faculty will help further the scope and reach of the work being done in beef cattle production and livestock marketing at Ohio State.

As an Extension educator, I have three primary areas of focus: Financial well-being, Food Safety and Wellness.
Financial Well-being 50%
Financial wellness and resource management are the primary focus of my work. As an accredited financial counselor, I provide leadership in financial education. I serve on the OSU Homebuyer team and have supported the implementation of the Framework platform for Homebuyer education in addition to the partnership with the Ohio Home Finance Agency. The Real Money. Real World. program has been embedded in each school in my county and I am a member of the curriculum writing team.
Financial well-being impacts individuals and the community through job readiness, organizational strength, and community support. I am proficient in federal, corporate, foundation, and local grant development. This is an area of personal strength and I support others in developing skills to acquire funding to meet needs.
Food Safety: 30%
I have maintained instructor/proctor status through the National Restaurant Association and have conducted ODH-compliant classes in the northwest Ohio area since 2017. As a member of the Food Preservation team, I address food safety for consumers. I have contributed to the production of several webinar education series in addition to providing technical support and expertise to colleagues across the state. I led the effort to explore freeze-drying education as consumers seek this food preservation method.
Wellness programs 20%
I strive to meet the distinct needs of the county and region. I provide healthy living education in creative work and leadership.

Campus: Statewide - Fulton County

Hometown: Archbold, Ohio

Education:
Master of Arts in Education, Defiance College, Defiance Ohio
Bachelor, Family and Consumer Sciences, Goshen College, Goshen Indiana

What are some of your hobbies or interests? 
I enjoy quilting, kayaking, reading, and rodeos! I love to travel and always am seeking the next adventure. Faith and family are everything.

an you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
Becoming an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) in 2023, Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education and being selected as a Tri-liaison for the 2025 National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Session

Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty? 
Primarily, I chose to pursue CFAES faculty to improve my ability to serve Ohioans, and my local and global community through research-based information and education. Collaborating with my campus-based colleagues we have a unique opportunity to mutually support research and the application of that research across Ohio. Secondly, I thrive best when pursuing a goal and joining faculty will provide opportunities for professional development, enrichment and contribution.

Beth grew up on a family Jersey dairy farm in Mahoning County. In her professional background, Beth holds a bachelor’s of Music Education from the University of Mount Union and a master’s degree in education with emphasis on instruction and curriculum design from the University of Phoenix and Kent State University. She taught elementary/middle school band and elementary general music. Beth also has many years of business management experience. Her focus on 4-H brings together all her many skills; working with and teaching children; designing, planning, and implementing a course of action; analyzing programs; taking action to improve the opportunities and expanding the strengths; and working with others to create an effective team.

I serve with Ohio State Extension in Community Development Educator in Noble County, a rural, coal-impacted Appalachian County in Southeast Ohio. I work to enhance the county’s vitality and sustainability through community and economic development enhancements focused on the Community Capitals Framework (natural, human, cultural, social, political, financial and built capitals), aligned with CD-developed county strategic plans. I dedicate 25% of my time to serving as the local economic development organization, coordinating business retention/expansion visits, ED incentives (such as a new Joint Economic Development District and historic district for state/federal tax incentives, and an Enterprise Zone) as well as securing funding for a new $4.8 million business park, now under construction. I assisted in attracting a Federally Qualified Health Care Center with a Family Physician and staff. I provide 50% of teaching related to economic and business development, planning, and grant writing curriculum development. I have dedicated 15% of my time to enhancements to the county’s infrastructure through community surveys/data analysis, seeking and administering grants and other external funding to support planning, development and implementation. Enhancements to the county’s infrastructure include securing funding for asset mapping of water, wastewater and storm sewer resources and expansion of public water and broadband services. I provide 10% in support of the Noble County Community Foundation and from 2018-2022, I coordinated the USDA-funded Noble Rural Business Enterprise Grant revolving loan fund. My position is also 10% statewide efforts where I serve as Co-leader of the OSU Extension Energy Program, and a member of the State CD Broadband Team with Broadband Ohio, the Business Retention Expansion Team and the Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing Curriculum team (including CD & FCS and Central State Educators).

Campus: Statewide - Noble County

Hometown: Woodsfield, Ohio (Monroe County)

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Journalism – Ohio University
Masters in Marketing /Communications – Franklin University

What's a fun fact about you or what are some of your hobbies or interests? 
I minored in vocal music and enjoy singing and playing piano with Monroe Singers and our church praise team.

Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I earned several awards for the East of I-77 Commerce park development project including a Peer-nominated award through our JobsOhio partner, OhioSE; as well as the Community Development Society – Outstanding Programs Award in 2023.

Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty? 
I love the on-the-ground work of Extension Community Development in rural Appalachia. I joined the faculty track to enhance my skills and abilities and bring additional resources to Noble County and the greater Appalachian Ohio region.

I am joining the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science as an Assistant Professor of Weed Ecology in January 2024. My academic background is quite broad, including training in agronomy, ecology, engineering, environmental science, and economics. My prior research includes the restoration ecology of traditional indigenous food plants, developing agronomic management practices and food value chains for novel perennial grain crops, and coordinating a national precision integrated weed management network working to mitigate the herbicide resistance epidemic. The unifying theme tying it all together is my deep interest in how human management and natural processes interact to influence the sustainability of agroecosystems. The ecology and management of weedy plants has played a leading role in all of my work, and I look forward to building a robust research program in HCS spanning both basic and applied weed science. My current projects include examining how crop rotation, cover cropping, and harvest weed seed control influence weed populations and communities over time, and how sensor-based precision technologies can be used to both collect data for scientific research and inform site-specific weed management practices. On the extension side, I will be working with OSU Extension to provide farmers and other stakeholders with the most up-to-date information on precision integrated weed management tools and tactics, and to conduct participatory on-farm research addressing the most pressing challenges identified by growers. Last but certainly not least, I will be teaching HCS 5422, Biology and Management of Weeds and Invasive Plants, and one additional course, topic TBD.

Campus: Columbus

Hometown: Syracuse, New York

Education:
BS/MS: State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
PhD: Cornell University School of Integrative Plant Sciences, Soil & Crop Sciences Section
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Delaware Department of Plant & Soil Sciences / Visiting Scientist, USDA-ARS Sustainable Cropping Systems Laboratory

What are some of your hobbies or interests? 
My hobbies include playing games of all types, reading, visiting libraries and museums, weight lifting, yoga, hiking, backpacking, and kayaking.

Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I am most proud of being inducted into the Cornell University chapter of the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, which recognizes excellence of character, leadership, advocacy, scholarship, and service, particularly as they relate to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion within higher education.

Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty? 
A number of things factored into my decision. OSU is a world class institution with outstanding researchers and educators that I look forward to working with as I develop my own research, teaching, and extension program. While interviewing I felt a strong sense of welcome and community within HCS and CFAES, which has only been strengthened as so many have reached out to me to offer support and opportunities before I’ve even started. And lastly, I’ve had many opportunities to learn from and collaborate with OSU faculty and alumni over my academic career, and everyone that I asked when considering my options confirmed that OSU is a great place to work and Columbus is a great place to live.