Get to Know our New CFAES Faculty!
We're pleased to welcome the following new faculty to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences! Some are new to CFAES in 2025 and others are transitioning to new faculty roles after years with the college, but we're lucky to have each of them, so we hope you'll take a few minutes to get to know them!
Horticulture and Crop Science
As an assistant professor and extension state specialist, I’m focused on developing applied forage systems research that helps address the needs of Ohio farmers. One thing that excites me about forage research is that crop management can have such a strong impact on nutritive value, not just yield. Our lab’s first trial investigates how nitrogen management impacts yield, protein, and other qualities for winter annual forages. We’re also hoping to also look at forage establishment methods this year, since that information is helpful when we think about renovating pastures after droughts and other environmental stressors. One of my extension programming goals for the year is to write articles for at least three Ohio State newsletters and at least two other outlets. I am a Certified Crop Adviser, and I’m excited to develop extension programs that qualify as continuing education programming for both CCAs and Certified Livestock Managers. I’ve been invited to speak at some different producer meetings this winter, such as the Ohio Forage and Grassland Council annual meeting and Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference. Most of my talks this year will include data from my time at the University of Florida, and will focus on how crops respond to different nutrient sources during dry weather and how different crop input decisions can impact heavy metal risk. I’m really looking forward to these winter meetings, since they’re such a great opportunity to meet farmers and learn more about the forage production issues facing the state.
Campus: Columbus
Education/Previous Institutions:
BS in Forest Ecosystems Management at Ohio State (SENR, 2016)
MS in Crop Science at Ohio State (HCS, 2019)
PhD in Agronomy at University of Wisconsin-Madison (Agronomy, 2022)
Assistant Professor of Nutrient Cycling at the University of Florida (2022-2024)
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
My main hobbies are knitting (and some related crafts) and riding my bike. I’m a reader in a family of readers, and sci-fi is probably my favorite genre.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I was awarded the American Society of Agronomy Outstanding Paper Award at the ASA/ CSSA/ SSSA annual meeting in November 2024.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I’m so excited to be back in CFAES—it’s great to have such a strong network of colleagues on campus and in county offices across the state.
As an assistant professor and extension state specialist, I’m focused on developing applied forage systems research that helps address the needs of Ohio farmers. One thing that excites me about forage research is that crop management can have such a strong impact on nutritive value, not just yield. Our lab’s first trial investigates how nitrogen management impacts yield, protein, and other qualities for winter annual forages. We’re also hoping to also look at forage establishment methods this year, since that information is helpful when we think about renovating pastures after droughts and other environmental stressors. One of my extension programming goals for the year is to write articles for at least three Ohio State newsletters and at least two other outlets. I am a Certified Crop Adviser, and I’m excited to develop extension programs that qualify as continuing education programming for both CCAs and Certified Livestock Managers. I’ve been invited to speak at some different producer meetings this winter, such as the Ohio Forage and Grassland Council annual meeting and Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference. Most of my talks this year will include data from my time at the University of Florida, and will focus on how crops respond to different nutrient sources during dry weather and how different crop input decisions can impact heavy metal risk. I’m really looking forward to these winter meetings, since they’re such a great opportunity to meet farmers and learn more about the forage production issues facing the state.
Campus: Columbus
Education/Previous Institutions:
BS in Forest Ecosystems Management at Ohio State (SENR, 2016)
MS in Crop Science at Ohio State (HCS, 2019)
PhD in Agronomy at University of Wisconsin-Madison (Agronomy, 2022)
Assistant Professor of Nutrient Cycling at the University of Florida (2022-2024)
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
My main hobbies are knitting (and some related crafts) and riding my bike. I’m a reader in a family of readers, and sci-fi is probably my favorite genre.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I was awarded the American Society of Agronomy Outstanding Paper Award at the ASA/ CSSA/ SSSA annual meeting in November 2024.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I’m so excited to be back in CFAES—it’s great to have such a strong network of colleagues on campus and in county offices across the state.
OSU Extension
Amanda has been the Agriculture and Natural Resource Educator in Miami County since 2015. Raised on a grain farm in the county, she has developed a passion for growing all types of plants whether they grow in rows, by the acre, in her raised bed vegetable gardens or in her native plant focused landscape. She provides education and conducts research on a variety of topics to meet the varying needs of the county, including farm management, small business management, agronomy topics, women in agriculture, local food production home gardening, consumer horticulture, soil health, sustainability, and pollinator health.
Campus: Statewide
Hometown: Troy, Ohio
Education/Previous Institutions:
MS, The Ohio State University, Agricultural and Extension Education
BS, The Ohio State University, Animal Sciences.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love to travel. My goal is to travel to all 50 states by the time I’m 50. I have three more to go: Alaska, Washington, and Idaho. Then, as many countries as I can.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I earned the Achievement Award from National Association of County Agricultural Agents in 2019. The purpose of the Achievement Award Program is to encourage and recognize excellence in the field of professional Extension for members with less than ten years of service.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I chose to join CFAES faculty because over almost nine years of dedicated service within Extension, I believe that a faculty position represents the logical and advantageous next step in my professional journey. My work as an A&P Educator has allowed me to engage with communities, address critical issues, and share valuable knowledge that aligns seamlessly with the Extension's commitment to education, outreach, and community development. Transitioning to a faculty position will enable me to further leverage this.
Shannon Carter is an Assistant Professor and Area Leader with The Ohio State University. She holds bachelors and masters degrees from Ohio State University in Family Relations and Human Development. A third-generation Extension educator in family and consumer sciences, Shannon is passionate about helping others live smart by using research-based information to better their lives, families, and communities. As an Extension Educator with 23 years of experience, Shannon enjoys teaching others about health and wellness, mindfulness, gluten free eating and safe food preserving. As a Buckeye Wellness Innovator, Shannon is committed to helping her fellow Buckeyes implement healthy changes at work so that her university can be the healthiest one on the planet. As an Area Leader, Shannon enjoys helping her staff achieve their aspirations and goals. Her greatest impact in Extension has been bringing out the best in others, so they can do life, better. Her greatest impact in life to this point has been, along with her husband, raising two amazing children into even more wonderful young adults. In 2024, she received a national award for Administrative Leadership from Epsilon Sigma Phi, a national Extension professional organization. She is proud to be part of the nationwide network of Extension professionals that bring the best of ourselves, so our audiences have the knowledge and resources they need to actively engage in creating conditions in which they thrive.
Campus: Statewide
Kulhanek joined OSU Extension in 2013, but has been with Ohio State University (OSU) for many years. She earned her Master's of Science in Entomology at OSU and began working as a Program Coordinator for the Good Agricultural Practices Team at OSU's Ohio Agricultural Research Development Center (OARDC) in Wooster. Kulhanek uses these experiences to provide research-based information and programming about on-farm food safety regulations; pest management; invasive species like emerald ash borer; conservation; and horticulture to Medina County and the state.
Campus: Statewide
Dr. Yiyun Lin’s extension and research interests focus on advancing the understanding of the diverse urban agriculture practices and addressing the unique challenges faced by urban farmers in Ohio. Her work aims to provide accessible resources and education tailored to the needs of growers operating in complex and dynamic urban environments, and explore innovative strategies to improve the environmental, economic, and social viability of urban farming systems using her background in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and biotechnology. Through her leadership role in the OSU urban agriculture team, she is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices that strengthen the resilience of urban agriculture systems and improve the well-being of urban communities across Ohio and beyond.
Campus: Columbus
Education/Previous Institutions:
B.S. in Biological Sciences from China Agricultural University
Ph.D. in Horticulture and Crop Science from The Ohio State University
Kathy Tutt is an Assistant Professor and Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences at Ohio State University Extension, Clark County. Kathy does community educational programs to help families build resiliency through all stages in life. Kathy has written an “Aging Smart” curriculum that focuses on falls prevention, aging and eating, personal safety and scams. Kathy has also created a family empowerment curriculum called “On My Terms”. The family communication tool ensures that loved ones know and understand the later life wishes of older adults.
During her graduate work at Miami University, her interest in the unique issues with aging and family communication began. Her graduate research on transnational caregiving looked at the stress experienced by first generation immigrant men who were caregiving for their aging parents who still resided in their country of origin. However, it wasn’t until her mother's Parkinson's Disease diagnosis in 2011 that her personal life intersected with her scholarly work. The intersection gave her a full understanding of caregiving stress and navigating long term dementia care.
Campus: Statewide
Hometown: Hamilton, Ohio
Education/Previous Institutions:
Kathy is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she received a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Social Work and a Master of Science in Family and Child Studies. Kathy worked for Miami University for 17 years where she served as the assistant to the Director of Multicultural Services on the Regional Campus in Hamilton, Ohio. Kathy came to Ohio State University Extension as a Program Assistant in the Development of Living Skills Program in the Butler County Extension Office in May 2010. She became the Family and Consumer Sciences Educator in Butler County in May 2012, and relocated to Clark County in 2015.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
My hobbies are anything outdoors, especially when I can include my dogs. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, I enjoy playing board games and doing puzzles with my family.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
Received the Continued Excellence Award from National Extension Association in 2024
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I chose to join CFAES faculty to fulfill my ultimate career goal which is to lift up the idea and practice of Extension so that our organization can positively impact our world. At the personal level, advancement to faculty further recognizes my achievements and identity as a leader. However, promotion to faculty is much more than a personal honor; it provides me the opportunity to further influence colleagues, academic programs, research, and outreach to the residents of Ohio and beyond.
I serve as an Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Wayne County. My programming focus is livestock and forage production/management. This is my second appointment with the Ohio State University Extension. I was previously the Extension Educator for Ag and Natural Resources in Fayette County from 2001 to 2011. I have a variety of research/teaching/outreach interests. My current research involves evaluation of grazing behavior, water and feed consumption behaviors associated with management practices in beef cattle. I am also coordinating agronomic projects that evaluate the management of small grains as forages. My teaching is focused on livestock stockmanship, year-round forage management, and emergency response involving livestock facilities and livestock transportation. Livestock biosecurity best management practices is a current focus of my outreach efforts.
Campus: Statewide
Hometown: Shinnston, WV
Education/Previous Institutions:
B.S. Animal Science from WVU 1996
M.S. Animal Sciences from WVU 1999
Ph.D. Agriculture and Extension Education from WVU 2019
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I enjoy anything I can do with my family. We love to hunt, fish, camp, and go hiking. I also enjoy woodworking.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
For me there are two. I was awarded the 2023 Distinguished Service Award by the Research Center Administrators Society. Second, I was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School located at Ft. Bragg, NC, beginning in 2016.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
My role with OSU Extension affords me the opportunity to do everything I love. I can engage in meaningful research, teaching and outreach that directly impacts the lives of Ohioans and the broader agriculture community. Joining the faculty ranks of OSU opens a variety of doors that will strengthen the impact of my efforts and allow me to continue my professional growth as a researcher and teacher.
Amanda has been the Agriculture and Natural Resource Educator in Miami County since 2015. Raised on a grain farm in the county, she has developed a passion for growing all types of plants whether they grow in rows, by the acre, in her raised bed vegetable gardens or in her native plant focused landscape. She provides education and conducts research on a variety of topics to meet the varying needs of the county, including farm management, small business management, agronomy topics, women in agriculture, local food production home gardening, consumer horticulture, soil health, sustainability, and pollinator health.
Campus: Statewide
Hometown: Troy, Ohio
Education/Previous Institutions:
MS, The Ohio State University, Agricultural and Extension Education
BS, The Ohio State University, Animal Sciences.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love to travel. My goal is to travel to all 50 states by the time I’m 50. I have three more to go: Alaska, Washington, and Idaho. Then, as many countries as I can.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I earned the Achievement Award from National Association of County Agricultural Agents in 2019. The purpose of the Achievement Award Program is to encourage and recognize excellence in the field of professional Extension for members with less than ten years of service.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I chose to join CFAES faculty because over almost nine years of dedicated service within Extension, I believe that a faculty position represents the logical and advantageous next step in my professional journey. My work as an A&P Educator has allowed me to engage with communities, address critical issues, and share valuable knowledge that aligns seamlessly with the Extension's commitment to education, outreach, and community development. Transitioning to a faculty position will enable me to further leverage this.
Shannon Carter is an Assistant Professor and Area Leader with The Ohio State University. She holds bachelors and masters degrees from Ohio State University in Family Relations and Human Development. A third-generation Extension educator in family and consumer sciences, Shannon is passionate about helping others live smart by using research-based information to better their lives, families, and communities. As an Extension Educator with 23 years of experience, Shannon enjoys teaching others about health and wellness, mindfulness, gluten free eating and safe food preserving. As a Buckeye Wellness Innovator, Shannon is committed to helping her fellow Buckeyes implement healthy changes at work so that her university can be the healthiest one on the planet. As an Area Leader, Shannon enjoys helping her staff achieve their aspirations and goals. Her greatest impact in Extension has been bringing out the best in others, so they can do life, better. Her greatest impact in life to this point has been, along with her husband, raising two amazing children into even more wonderful young adults. In 2024, she received a national award for Administrative Leadership from Epsilon Sigma Phi, a national Extension professional organization. She is proud to be part of the nationwide network of Extension professionals that bring the best of ourselves, so our audiences have the knowledge and resources they need to actively engage in creating conditions in which they thrive.
Campus: Statewide
Kulhanek joined OSU Extension in 2013, but has been with Ohio State University (OSU) for many years. She earned her Master's of Science in Entomology at OSU and began working as a Program Coordinator for the Good Agricultural Practices Team at OSU's Ohio Agricultural Research Development Center (OARDC) in Wooster. Kulhanek uses these experiences to provide research-based information and programming about on-farm food safety regulations; pest management; invasive species like emerald ash borer; conservation; and horticulture to Medina County and the state.
Campus: Statewide
Dr. Yiyun Lin’s extension and research interests focus on advancing the understanding of the diverse urban agriculture practices and addressing the unique challenges faced by urban farmers in Ohio. Her work aims to provide accessible resources and education tailored to the needs of growers operating in complex and dynamic urban environments, and explore innovative strategies to improve the environmental, economic, and social viability of urban farming systems using her background in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and biotechnology. Through her leadership role in the OSU urban agriculture team, she is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices that strengthen the resilience of urban agriculture systems and improve the well-being of urban communities across Ohio and beyond.
Campus: Columbus
Education/Previous Institutions:
B.S. in Biological Sciences from China Agricultural University
Ph.D. in Horticulture and Crop Science from The Ohio State University
Kathy Tutt is an Assistant Professor and Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences at Ohio State University Extension, Clark County. Kathy does community educational programs to help families build resiliency through all stages in life. Kathy has written an “Aging Smart” curriculum that focuses on falls prevention, aging and eating, personal safety and scams. Kathy has also created a family empowerment curriculum called “On My Terms”. The family communication tool ensures that loved ones know and understand the later life wishes of older adults.
During her graduate work at Miami University, her interest in the unique issues with aging and family communication began. Her graduate research on transnational caregiving looked at the stress experienced by first generation immigrant men who were caregiving for their aging parents who still resided in their country of origin. However, it wasn’t until her mother's Parkinson's Disease diagnosis in 2011 that her personal life intersected with her scholarly work. The intersection gave her a full understanding of caregiving stress and navigating long term dementia care.
Campus: Statewide
Hometown: Hamilton, Ohio
Education/Previous Institutions:
Kathy is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she received a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Social Work and a Master of Science in Family and Child Studies. Kathy worked for Miami University for 17 years where she served as the assistant to the Director of Multicultural Services on the Regional Campus in Hamilton, Ohio. Kathy came to Ohio State University Extension as a Program Assistant in the Development of Living Skills Program in the Butler County Extension Office in May 2010. She became the Family and Consumer Sciences Educator in Butler County in May 2012, and relocated to Clark County in 2015.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
My hobbies are anything outdoors, especially when I can include my dogs. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, I enjoy playing board games and doing puzzles with my family.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
Received the Continued Excellence Award from National Extension Association in 2024
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I chose to join CFAES faculty to fulfill my ultimate career goal which is to lift up the idea and practice of Extension so that our organization can positively impact our world. At the personal level, advancement to faculty further recognizes my achievements and identity as a leader. However, promotion to faculty is much more than a personal honor; it provides me the opportunity to further influence colleagues, academic programs, research, and outreach to the residents of Ohio and beyond.
I serve as an Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Wayne County. My programming focus is livestock and forage production/management. This is my second appointment with the Ohio State University Extension. I was previously the Extension Educator for Ag and Natural Resources in Fayette County from 2001 to 2011. I have a variety of research/teaching/outreach interests. My current research involves evaluation of grazing behavior, water and feed consumption behaviors associated with management practices in beef cattle. I am also coordinating agronomic projects that evaluate the management of small grains as forages. My teaching is focused on livestock stockmanship, year-round forage management, and emergency response involving livestock facilities and livestock transportation. Livestock biosecurity best management practices is a current focus of my outreach efforts.
Campus: Statewide
Hometown: Shinnston, WV
Education/Previous Institutions:
B.S. Animal Science from WVU 1996
M.S. Animal Sciences from WVU 1999
Ph.D. Agriculture and Extension Education from WVU 2019
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I enjoy anything I can do with my family. We love to hunt, fish, camp, and go hiking. I also enjoy woodworking.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
For me there are two. I was awarded the 2023 Distinguished Service Award by the Research Center Administrators Society. Second, I was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School located at Ft. Bragg, NC, beginning in 2016.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
My role with OSU Extension affords me the opportunity to do everything I love. I can engage in meaningful research, teaching and outreach that directly impacts the lives of Ohioans and the broader agriculture community. Joining the faculty ranks of OSU opens a variety of doors that will strengthen the impact of my efforts and allow me to continue my professional growth as a researcher and teacher.
Kulhanek joined OSU Extension in 2013, but has been with Ohio State University (OSU) for many years. She earned her Master's of Science in Entomology at OSU and began working as a Program Coordinator for the Good Agricultural Practices Team at OSU's Ohio Agricultural Research Development Center (OARDC) in Wooster. Kulhanek uses these experiences to provide research-based information and programming about on-farm food safety regulations; pest management; invasive species like emerald ash borer; conservation; and horticulture to Medina County and the state.
Campus: Statewide
Dr. Yiyun Lin’s extension and research interests focus on advancing the understanding of the diverse urban agriculture practices and addressing the unique challenges faced by urban farmers in Ohio. Her work aims to provide accessible resources and education tailored to the needs of growers operating in complex and dynamic urban environments, and explore innovative strategies to improve the environmental, economic, and social viability of urban farming systems using her background in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and biotechnology. Through her leadership role in the OSU urban agriculture team, she is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices that strengthen the resilience of urban agriculture systems and improve the well-being of urban communities across Ohio and beyond.
Campus: Columbus
Education/Previous Institutions:
B.S. in Biological Sciences from China Agricultural University
Ph.D. in Horticulture and Crop Science from The Ohio State University
Kathy Tutt is an Assistant Professor and Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences at Ohio State University Extension, Clark County. Kathy does community educational programs to help families build resiliency through all stages in life. Kathy has written an “Aging Smart” curriculum that focuses on falls prevention, aging and eating, personal safety and scams. Kathy has also created a family empowerment curriculum called “On My Terms”. The family communication tool ensures that loved ones know and understand the later life wishes of older adults.
During her graduate work at Miami University, her interest in the unique issues with aging and family communication began. Her graduate research on transnational caregiving looked at the stress experienced by first generation immigrant men who were caregiving for their aging parents who still resided in their country of origin. However, it wasn’t until her mother's Parkinson's Disease diagnosis in 2011 that her personal life intersected with her scholarly work. The intersection gave her a full understanding of caregiving stress and navigating long term dementia care.
Campus: Statewide
Hometown: Hamilton, Ohio
Education/Previous Institutions:
Kathy is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she received a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Social Work and a Master of Science in Family and Child Studies. Kathy worked for Miami University for 17 years where she served as the assistant to the Director of Multicultural Services on the Regional Campus in Hamilton, Ohio. Kathy came to Ohio State University Extension as a Program Assistant in the Development of Living Skills Program in the Butler County Extension Office in May 2010. She became the Family and Consumer Sciences Educator in Butler County in May 2012, and relocated to Clark County in 2015.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
My hobbies are anything outdoors, especially when I can include my dogs. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, I enjoy playing board games and doing puzzles with my family.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
Received the Continued Excellence Award from National Extension Association in 2024
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I chose to join CFAES faculty to fulfill my ultimate career goal which is to lift up the idea and practice of Extension so that our organization can positively impact our world. At the personal level, advancement to faculty further recognizes my achievements and identity as a leader. However, promotion to faculty is much more than a personal honor; it provides me the opportunity to further influence colleagues, academic programs, research, and outreach to the residents of Ohio and beyond.
I serve as an Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Wayne County. My programming focus is livestock and forage production/management. This is my second appointment with the Ohio State University Extension. I was previously the Extension Educator for Ag and Natural Resources in Fayette County from 2001 to 2011. I have a variety of research/teaching/outreach interests. My current research involves evaluation of grazing behavior, water and feed consumption behaviors associated with management practices in beef cattle. I am also coordinating agronomic projects that evaluate the management of small grains as forages. My teaching is focused on livestock stockmanship, year-round forage management, and emergency response involving livestock facilities and livestock transportation. Livestock biosecurity best management practices is a current focus of my outreach efforts.
Campus: Statewide
Hometown: Shinnston, WV
Education/Previous Institutions:
B.S. Animal Science from WVU 1996
M.S. Animal Sciences from WVU 1999
Ph.D. Agriculture and Extension Education from WVU 2019
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I enjoy anything I can do with my family. We love to hunt, fish, camp, and go hiking. I also enjoy woodworking.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
For me there are two. I was awarded the 2023 Distinguished Service Award by the Research Center Administrators Society. Second, I was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School located at Ft. Bragg, NC, beginning in 2016.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
My role with OSU Extension affords me the opportunity to do everything I love. I can engage in meaningful research, teaching and outreach that directly impacts the lives of Ohioans and the broader agriculture community. Joining the faculty ranks of OSU opens a variety of doors that will strengthen the impact of my efforts and allow me to continue my professional growth as a researcher and teacher.
Kathy Tutt is an Assistant Professor and Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences at Ohio State University Extension, Clark County. Kathy does community educational programs to help families build resiliency through all stages in life. Kathy has written an “Aging Smart” curriculum that focuses on falls prevention, aging and eating, personal safety and scams. Kathy has also created a family empowerment curriculum called “On My Terms”. The family communication tool ensures that loved ones know and understand the later life wishes of older adults.
During her graduate work at Miami University, her interest in the unique issues with aging and family communication began. Her graduate research on transnational caregiving looked at the stress experienced by first generation immigrant men who were caregiving for their aging parents who still resided in their country of origin. However, it wasn’t until her mother's Parkinson's Disease diagnosis in 2011 that her personal life intersected with her scholarly work. The intersection gave her a full understanding of caregiving stress and navigating long term dementia care.
Campus: Statewide
Hometown: Hamilton, Ohio
Education/Previous Institutions:
Kathy is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she received a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Social Work and a Master of Science in Family and Child Studies. Kathy worked for Miami University for 17 years where she served as the assistant to the Director of Multicultural Services on the Regional Campus in Hamilton, Ohio. Kathy came to Ohio State University Extension as a Program Assistant in the Development of Living Skills Program in the Butler County Extension Office in May 2010. She became the Family and Consumer Sciences Educator in Butler County in May 2012, and relocated to Clark County in 2015.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
My hobbies are anything outdoors, especially when I can include my dogs. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, I enjoy playing board games and doing puzzles with my family.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
Received the Continued Excellence Award from National Extension Association in 2024
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I chose to join CFAES faculty to fulfill my ultimate career goal which is to lift up the idea and practice of Extension so that our organization can positively impact our world. At the personal level, advancement to faculty further recognizes my achievements and identity as a leader. However, promotion to faculty is much more than a personal honor; it provides me the opportunity to further influence colleagues, academic programs, research, and outreach to the residents of Ohio and beyond.
I serve as an Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Wayne County. My programming focus is livestock and forage production/management. This is my second appointment with the Ohio State University Extension. I was previously the Extension Educator for Ag and Natural Resources in Fayette County from 2001 to 2011. I have a variety of research/teaching/outreach interests. My current research involves evaluation of grazing behavior, water and feed consumption behaviors associated with management practices in beef cattle. I am also coordinating agronomic projects that evaluate the management of small grains as forages. My teaching is focused on livestock stockmanship, year-round forage management, and emergency response involving livestock facilities and livestock transportation. Livestock biosecurity best management practices is a current focus of my outreach efforts.
Campus: Statewide
Hometown: Shinnston, WV
Education/Previous Institutions:
B.S. Animal Science from WVU 1996
M.S. Animal Sciences from WVU 1999
Ph.D. Agriculture and Extension Education from WVU 2019
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I enjoy anything I can do with my family. We love to hunt, fish, camp, and go hiking. I also enjoy woodworking.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
For me there are two. I was awarded the 2023 Distinguished Service Award by the Research Center Administrators Society. Second, I was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School located at Ft. Bragg, NC, beginning in 2016.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
My role with OSU Extension affords me the opportunity to do everything I love. I can engage in meaningful research, teaching and outreach that directly impacts the lives of Ohioans and the broader agriculture community. Joining the faculty ranks of OSU opens a variety of doors that will strengthen the impact of my efforts and allow me to continue my professional growth as a researcher and teacher.
Plant Pathology
I am an Assistant Professor and Vegetable Pathologist at The Ohio State University, specializing in sustainable disease management for vegetable crops. My research integrates plant pathology, microbiome research, and disease epidemiology to develop practical solutions for growers. I am particularly interested in disease monitoring and epidemiology, as well as integrating different disease management approaches and their impact on plant pathogens and beneficial microbes. My work explores disease monitoring, microbial community dynamics, and the development of effective, science-based disease management strategies.
Additionally, I have been actively involved in anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) research, evaluating its effectiveness against soilborne pathogens in vegetable production. My extension program aims to bridge the gap between research and practical application, ensuring that Ohio's vegetable growers have access to the latest disease management tools and strategies. I also have extensive experience in international research collaborations and consulting in agricultural epidemiology.
Campus: Wooster
Hometown: Asunción, Paraguay
Education/Previous Institutions:
Most recent institution: North Carolina State University (Postdoctoral Researcher)
2021 Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, NC, USA.
2018 M.Sc. in Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, OH, USA.
2014 B.S. in Agronomy, Universidad Nacional de Asuncion, Paraguay.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I enjoy drinking various types of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis), especially those from Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. I am also a fan of rock and classical music and love attending concerts.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
One of my most significant achievements is receiving the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship, which enabled me to advance my research in plant pathology with a focus on sustainable disease management approaches. Additionally, I was honored with the Storkan-Hanes-McCaslin Graduate Research Award from the American Phytopathological Society in recognition of my contributions to the development of alternative management strategies for soilborne pathogens. I have also had the opportunity to present my research at multiple APS conferences, actively contributing to the advancement of innovative disease management solutions for horticultural crops.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I was drawn to CFAES because of its strong emphasis on applied research and extension, as well as its commitment to supporting Ohio’s agricultural industry. The opportunity to conduct impactful field trials, collaborate with growers, and develop innovative plant disease management strategies aligns perfectly with my professional goals. I look forward to contributing to the CFAES community and working with colleagues across disciplines.
I am an Assistant Professor and Vegetable Pathologist at The Ohio State University, specializing in sustainable disease management for vegetable crops. My research integrates plant pathology, microbiome research, and disease epidemiology to develop practical solutions for growers. I am particularly interested in disease monitoring and epidemiology, as well as integrating different disease management approaches and their impact on plant pathogens and beneficial microbes. My work explores disease monitoring, microbial community dynamics, and the development of effective, science-based disease management strategies.
Additionally, I have been actively involved in anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) research, evaluating its effectiveness against soilborne pathogens in vegetable production. My extension program aims to bridge the gap between research and practical application, ensuring that Ohio's vegetable growers have access to the latest disease management tools and strategies. I also have extensive experience in international research collaborations and consulting in agricultural epidemiology.
Campus: Wooster
Hometown: Asunción, Paraguay
Education/Previous Institutions:
Most recent institution: North Carolina State University (Postdoctoral Researcher)
2021 Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, NC, USA.
2018 M.Sc. in Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, OH, USA.
2014 B.S. in Agronomy, Universidad Nacional de Asuncion, Paraguay.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I enjoy drinking various types of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis), especially those from Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. I am also a fan of rock and classical music and love attending concerts.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
One of my most significant achievements is receiving the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship, which enabled me to advance my research in plant pathology with a focus on sustainable disease management approaches. Additionally, I was honored with the Storkan-Hanes-McCaslin Graduate Research Award from the American Phytopathological Society in recognition of my contributions to the development of alternative management strategies for soilborne pathogens. I have also had the opportunity to present my research at multiple APS conferences, actively contributing to the advancement of innovative disease management solutions for horticultural crops.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I was drawn to CFAES because of its strong emphasis on applied research and extension, as well as its commitment to supporting Ohio’s agricultural industry. The opportunity to conduct impactful field trials, collaborate with growers, and develop innovative plant disease management strategies aligns perfectly with my professional goals. I look forward to contributing to the CFAES community and working with colleagues across disciplines.