- Author: Pamela S Kan-Rice
“We are very excited to have Daniel Swain join UC ANR,” said Glenda Humiston, UC vice president for agriculture and natural resources. “He brings a unique blend of skills and expertise that are crucial to meet the challenge of climate change, here in California and across the globe. Daniel's research – and his ability to clearly explain the latest findings in climate science – can equip fellow academics, policymakers and communities with the vital tools they need to forge effective and sustainable solutions.”
Swain is known for his exceptional science communication skills, explaining weather and climate in terms easily understood by the public.
“I spend a great deal of time engaging directly with the public in California and beyond on weather, climate and disaster-related topics, so I'm thrilled to be joining UC ANR—where broad dissemination of research-based information is a key part of the mission,” Swain said. “I'm grateful for ANR's support for my unusual hybrid climate research and science communication role, and look forward to helping expand ANR's virtual and statewide reach in the years to come.”
In November, Swain was named one of Vox's Future Perfect 50 – “the thinkers, activists and scholars working on solutions to today's (and tomorrow's) biggest problems.” Vox wrote: “Our communities and institutions are largely unequipped to fully understand, let alone deal with, the impacts of climate change. That's where climate experts should, theoretically, come in. But knowing the science is one thing – being able to effectively communicate it is a whole other ballpark. Climate scientist Daniel Swain is that desperately needed liaison.”
On his widely read Weather West blog, Swain has been sharing his perspectives on California weather and climate since 2006. He hosts regular “virtual office hours” for the public on YouTube. On X/Twitter, he has more than 101,000 followers.
The “Weather Whisperer” fields hundreds of calls from reporters every year and has been the single most-quoted expert in recent years at UCLA, where he was a climate scientist in the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. Last year, when Swain was seeking institutional support that would allow him to do science communication as well as research, a Los Angeles Times columnist wrote, “I certainly rely on Swain and other scientists to tell environmental stories.”
The term "Ridiculously Resilient Ridge" was coined in 2013 by Swain on his Weather West blog to describe the large, formidable high-pressure mass that persisted over the West Coast during winter and diverted storms away from California, contributing to the state's 2013-2017 drought.
Before joining UC ANR, Swain, who grew up in the Bay Area, was at UCLA and held a concurrent appointment as a research fellow in the Capacity Center for Climate and Weather Extremes at the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research since 2018. While holding a 100% appointment with UC ANR, he will maintain his associations with UCLA and NSF NCAR.
Swain holds a Ph.D. in Earth system science from Stanford University and a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science from UC Davis.
He will be the keynote speaker at the California Irrigation Institute's annual conference on Jan. 27 in Sacramento. His talk is titled “Drier and Wetter in 21st Century California? Managing Increasing Hydroclimate Whiplash in a Warming World.”
In addition to posting on his blog at weatherwest.com, Swain is also on Twitter/X @Weather_West, Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/weatherwest.bsky.social, YouTube https://youtube.com/@weatherwest, Threads https://threads.net/@weather.west and Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@weatherwest.
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
- Author: Mike Hsu
- Author: Saoi Sope
As California faces new challenges, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has been hiring UC Cooperative Extension experts with different skills to help Californians, including residents in urban areas.
Recently hired UC Cooperative Extension specialists, advisors and coordinators bring expertise in youth development, pest management, healthy families, soil health, urban water quality, urban agriculture, animal science, woody biomass and forest products, small farms, livestock and innovation for small food-related businesses to their communities.
To better connect Californians with research developed at UC campuses, UC ANR has hired its first UCCE specialist based at UC Irvine.
Since 1914, UC Cooperative Extension researchers have been working directly with community members to improve their lives and livelihoods.
To see a list of UC Cooperative Extension experts who have joined in the past few months, visit https://ucanr.edu/About/DirectorySearch/Recent_Hires. The most recently hired scientists are introduced below.
Berris to advise on water management, soil health in northern Bay Area
Helaine Berris joined UC Agriculture and Natural Resources on Nov. 4 as the UC Cooperative Extension water and soil advisor for Sonoma, Marin, Napa and Mendocino counties. Berris will conduct research and extension activities that promote sustainable, innovative and economically viable on-farm water management.
“My program will be shaped around practices that help agricultural producers improve water efficiency and soil health, meet local regulations and adapt to environmental extremes,” Berris explained. “This may include soil health practices to improve water-holding capacity, irrigation management, research around soil-plant-water dynamics and more.”
Originally from northern Nevada, Berris attained her bachelor's degree in eco-hydrology from University of Nevada, Reno. She went on to earn a master's in hydrologic sciences – and another master's in international agricultural development – from UC Davis, where she studied farmer needs in water-stressed basins and soil-water dynamics in cover-cropped rice systems.
Her career path included some time at an agricultural technology company and four years as a teacher in China and Spain. Most recently, Berris worked as a soil conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Seattle.
“I love working on applied projects that have tangible outcomes, and working with passionate people,” Berris said. “I'm constantly inspired by the many incredible scientists, partners and producers working in this space – and it's a great feeling when we can all combine our strengths for a common goal.”
Berris said she looks forward to developing collaborations with clientele and community members to solve challenges across Sonoma, Marin, Napa and Mendocino counties.
“My main career goal is that my work is relevant to the local community; for me, that's what being an advisor is all about – to live and work in a few counties, where I can focus my energy on really understanding the nitty-gritty of the water/agriculture challenges at a local scale,” Berris said. “These challenges will be continuously changing, which will require me to be constantly learning and adapting – but that's the fun of the job.”
Based in Santa Rosa at the UCCE office for Sonoma County, Berris can be reached at hmberris@ucanr.edu or (707) 565-2621.
Belt to improve family, community health along North Coast
“I am responsible for providing leadership and research expertise in nutrition and youth development, as well as providing academic oversight of the local 4-H Youth Development Program and the local Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP),” Belt said. “I have lived in Humboldt for many years and am excited to make a difference in a community that means so much to me.”
While earning her bachelor's degree in psychology from Cal Poly Humboldt, Belt became interested in research related to the improvement of communities large and small – which motivated her to pursue a master's in psychology from the same school.
“The focus of my research projects, both qualitative and quantitative, has been on community success, economic development and social motivations for human behavior,” Belt said.
Equipped with that academic foundation, Belt is excited to share her perspective and partner with people and organizations along the North Coast to improve lives and livelihoods.
“I've always aspired to a position that allows me to bridge the gap between research and community improvement strategies,” Belt explained. “In this advisor role, I can bring novel, evidence-based solutions and strategies to challenges facing my community.”
Belt is based at the UC Cooperative Extension office in Eureka and can be reached at kbelt@ucanr.edu.
Daly joins 4-H as community education specialist in Alameda County
Tanya Daly joined UC ANR on Oct. 23 as the community education specialist for the 4-H Youth Development Program in Alameda County.
The long-time 4-H volunteer is excited about being involved again with 4-H. A former homeschooling parent, Daly said her focus has been on education.
Daly earned a bachelor's degree in art history at San Francisco State University and recently completed her master's degree in museum studies with an emphasis on education and public programming at San Francisco State University. She is interested in applying that background to educating children through 4-H.
Daly is based at the Hayward office and can be reached at tdaly@ucanr.edu.
Sung-Jereczek named UCCE's first beneficial burning and tribal land stewardship advisor
In this new role, Sung-Jereczek will be working alongside tribes to help identify needs and build capacity towards long-term sustainable land stewardship goals that align with the tribes cultural, social, and economic priorities.
She is currently working on connecting and listening to each of the tribes throughout the region. She hopes to build relationships to provide tools, resources and funding opportunities for partnerships among tribes, state agencies, private landowners, organizations and policymakers to support beneficial burning, climate adaptation planning and resiliency projects.
Born and raised on Muwekma Ohlone land in the East Bay Area, Sung-Jereczek always had an interest in humans and their connections to place and the environment. She earned a bachelor's degree in geography and conservation biology at UCLA.
Following graduation, she worked as an environmental planner and wildlife biologist. “I began to notice how our personal connections to the land shape our perspectives and define our decision-making,” she said.
Sung-Jereczek earned her master's degree at the University of Michigan, working on an interdisciplinary degree at the School for Environment and Sustainability specializing in environmental justice, behavior change, communication and ecosystem science management.
Her graduate research primarily focused on community-based participatory research and strengthening university and tribal partnerships alongside the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, facilitating listening circles and developing an ecological assessment that would support the priorities of the tribe for stewardship of the Chase Osborn Preserve (~3,000 acres of hemiboreal forest) located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She also worked on the Western Forest Fire Initiative at Michigan studying the relationship between wildfire, forests and communities in a changing climate as a social-ecological system.
“I am looking forward to going beyond checking the regulatory box set by federal and state regulators and working towards building reciprocal relationships rooted in cultural humility, respect and responsibility,” Sung-Jereczek said. “Although I understand the current fear and trauma of fire that climate change and fire suppression regimes have caused, I also hope to empower communities and shift the ways in which we currently think, interact and live with fire in the future.”
She will also be working alongside the UCANR Fire Network supporting the use of fire as a tool for land managers and climate resilience.
Sung-Jereczek is based out of the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center on ancestral and unceded Shóqowa (Sho-Ka-Wah) territory and can be reached at asungjereczek@ucanr.edu.
Warner becomes UCCE livestock and natural resources area advisor
Excited to serve the community in which she grew up, Warner will help ranchers solve their most pressing issues. Currently, small ranchers with up to 15 cows, for reference, need support establishing their operation. Commercial ranchers, however, are interested in technology and developing research that will help improve health and nutrition of their cattle.
“If a rancher's animals aren't healthy, they can't make money,” she said. “If they can't make money, they can't support their family or their business.”
Despite profitability being “priority zero” for consumers, Warner said that staying in business and/or expanding business operations is a primary goal for many ranchers. As an advisor, she's excited to not only support ranchers' endeavors to increase profits, but challenge consumers' perspectives on the matter, too.
Although a new advisor, Warner has worked for UC Cooperative Extension since 2022. First hired as a staff research associate at the Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center in Yuba County, Warner said her research work has focused on nutrition and health of beef cattle, oak regeneration and rangeland management.
Warner earned a master's degree in animal science from Oklahoma State University and a bachelor's in animal science from California State University, Chico. While her academic training will certainly be useful, Warner said that the mentorship she's received from colleagues has been instrumental during her transition.
She succeeds Dan Macon, UCCE livestock and natural resources advisor, who transferred to UCCE in Calaveras County.
Warner is based at the UCCE Placer-Nevada counties office in Auburn and can be reached at alnwarner@ucanr.edu.
Palta named first UCCE specialist based at UC Irvine
Palta is an urban ecosystem ecologist and environmental scientist who has conducted applied research in aquatic and coastal ecosystems throughout the U.S. Before taking the position with UC ANR, she was an associate professor in the Department of Environmental Studies and Science at Pace University in New York City.
The main goal of Palta's research is to develop sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships between natural ecosystems and human populations in urban watersheds. A central focus of her work is on interactions between infrastructure, ecosystem functions and associated environmental benefits to humans in urban waterfronts, and how these interactions may be altered by global change.
Her research investigates sources and mitigation strategies for water pollution, as well as develops green infrastructure and environmental management strategies to facilitate greater environmental benefit, equity, access and resilience in marginalized waterfront communities.
In 2023 she co-founded Participatory Science Solutions, LLC. This organization has provided research, training and evaluation on the social impact of urban environmental restoration projects (e.g., restoration of urban forests, wetlands and oyster reefs) conducted by nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
Palta earned a Ph.D. in ecology and evolution from Rutgers University and conducted postdoctoral work at Arizona State University. She earned a master's in ecology from the University of Georgia and a bachelor's degree in biology from Grinnell College.
In her new position with UC ANR, she is excited to collaborate with UC faculty and UC ANR colleagues from diverse disciplines as well as local communities and water managers. Her work will inform management for long-term resilience and reliability of water resources in Southern California under climate change, with a strong focus on strategies that sustain health and social equity within local populations.
Palta is jointly based at UC Irvine's Department of Civil Engineering (School of Engineering) and the Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy (School of Social Ecology) and can be reached at mpalta@uci.edu and @MonicaMPalta on X.
Azadfar joins UCCE as woody biomass and forest products advisor
His work will involve collaborating with forestland owners, rural communities and local organizations to develop science-based solutions for managing woody biomass, reducing wildfire risks and advancing forest products.
“I am committed to developing innovative strategies for forest management that empower communities and protect our natural resources,” Azadfar said. “By working closely with stakeholders, we can create sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the people who rely on it.”
Originally from northern Iran near the Hyrcanian forests, Azadfar grew up immersed in the rich biodiversity of these ancient woodlands, which inspired his lifelong dedication to forest stewardship. His early experiences witnessing the impact of forest degradation on both the environment and local livelihoods motivated him to pursue a career in natural resources.
“The moment I saw how utilizing old, corrugated container waste for paper production could reduce the need for deforestation was a pivotal turning point in my career,” Azadfar said. “It showed me the power of innovative, sustainable solutions in protecting our natural resources while still meeting industrial needs.”
Azadfar holds bachelor's and master's degrees in natural resources engineering with a focus on wood science and engineering from Iran, as well as a Ph.D. in biological and agricultural engineering from Washington State University. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Washington State University's Composite Materials and Engineering Center, where he specialized in sustainable woody biomass utilization.
“I look forward to working with local communities to continue addressing their needs by advancing sustainable woody biomass utilization and forest products, and improving forest resilience,” he said.
Azadfar is based at the UC Cooperative Extension office in Yreka and can be reached at mazadfar@ucanr.edu.
Beal joins UC IPM as advisor for Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito counties
“I hope to serve the growers of the three counties and develop more sustainable integrated pest management programs that are centered on their experiences and knowledge,” he explained. “My major goal is to support growers of leafy greens, cole crops, berry crops, grapes and other crops in ways that empower and elevate growers.”
A native of Valencia in Los Angeles County, Beal ventured east to Cornell University where he earned bachelor's degrees in entomology and plant sciences. As an undergraduate research assistant at Cornell, he had his first experiences with Cooperative Extension and the mission of the land-grant university system.
After attaining a European master's degree in viticulture and enology from Montpellier SupAgro in France and Universita degli Studi di Torino in Italy, Beal returned to the U.S. to complete a Ph.D. in environmental science, policy and management at UC Berkeley. His dissertation focused on studying spittlebug vectors of a bacterial pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa, which causes Pierce's disease in vineyards of California's North Coast.
Beal then went to Washington State University, where he worked as a postdoctoral researcher with growers on sustainable management strategies for spotted-wing drosophila in Washington cherry orchards and blueberry farms.
“Inspired by my Extension mentors at Cornell, UC Berkeley and WSU, I aim to be a bridge between growers and researchers,” he said.
Beal is based at the Monterey County UC Cooperative Extension office in Salinas and can be reached at djbeal@ucanr.edu and (831) 759-7359.
Okella joins UCCE as 4-H animal science youth advisor
“My focus is to partner with local communities to create new and innovative approaches that are responsive to the unique needs of the communities so as to strengthen and expand the 4-H animal science experience,” Okella said.
Prior to joining UC ANR, he was a postdoctoral researcher in veterinary science and molecular biology at the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center.
Originally from Dokolo, Uganda, Okella was born and raised in an extended family that cherishes goats, sheep, swine and poultry farming – a childhood experience that nourished his passion in animal science. In the past 15 years of his career, Okella witnessed the infinite potential of young people amid limited or no opportunities among the underserved youth living in multicultural communities of Uganda, India and United States.
“I envision extending more support with emphasis on animal science so that young people can discover and develop their full potentials,” he said.
Okella earned a Ph.D. from Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda, with a focus on fish immunology, specifically bioprospecting of novel antimicrobial peptide drug candidates for potential application in veterinary and human medicine. He also holds a master's degree in biotechnology from Saurashtra University, Gujarat, India, and a bachelor's degree in science education (biology major) from Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
“I hope to leverage my expertise to develop and implement applied research and extension programs focusing on animal science, particularly centered on livestock such as cattle, swine, sheep and goats, tailored for youth in San Benito, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties,” he said. “I am so excited to partner with the groups and community organizations to continue to address the needs of the communities we serve.”
Based at UC Cooperative Extension's San Benito County office in Hollister, Okella can be reached at hokella@ucanr.edu.
Weinberg joins F3 as academic coordinator for food innovation and small business
Weinberg will help promote specialty crops and support food business development in the valley. By enhancing local food distribution, processing and preparation, he hopes all valley residents get to taste the region's delicious food and benefit from the value it provides.
Before joining UC ANR, Weinberg studied European and Asian food systems. He earned master's degrees in resilient farming and food systems from Wageningen University in the Netherlands and in agroecology from Institut supérieur d'agriculture Rhône-Alpes in France. He also earned a bachelor's degree in history, technology and society from Georgia Tech.
His master's thesis centered on why conventional farmers in England transitioned to organic and regional markets on their own. He then researched the effects of indigenous farmers' transition to conventional practices in Cambodia. Later, he worked for a local nongovernmental organization to build a farmers market in Battambang.
Weinberg said he seeks to “harness his research and professional interests to nourish a bright future for the San Joaquin Valley's farming and food systems.” He will be working with food entrepreneurs who process, cook, sell and distribute local produce and foster connections among them across the food system in the valley.
“We are building out Instagram pages for F3Local and our flagship event Central Valley Flavor Fest,” he said. “We very much would love some follower-love from the community; our handles are @cvflavorfest and @f3local.”
He earned masters degrees in resilient farming and food systems from Wageningen University in the Netherlands and in agroecology from ISARA in France. He earned a bachelor's degree in history, technology and society from Georgia Tech.
Weinberg is based in Fresno and can be reached at yweinberg@ucanr.edu.
Levy becomes UCCE soil health and organic materials management advisor
To reduce food waste and greenhouse gas emissions, Levy is working on recovering edible food for human consumption and diverting organic material from landfills. She will collaborate with diverse clientele to develop closed-loop systems that replicate natural decomposition cycles that sequester carbon and improve soil health in both urban and agricultural settings.
“I am particularly excited to be working towards solutions to climate change and to promote carbon sequestration in California. What makes this role interesting is that the pathway to achieving these broader goals is through simple but powerful solutions,” said Levy.
For instance, applying a 3-to-4-inch mulch layer in a landscape not only improves soil water retention but also sequesters carbon and reduces landfill emissions by diverting and repurposing green waste. “In this role, I am also very excited about supporting food waste recovery and addressing food insecurity in the three counties that I serve,” she added.
Prior to becoming an advisor, Levy worked for UC ANR as a staff research associate at South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine, where she partnered with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to study urban runoff and water quality monitoring in Orange County.
Later, she became a UCCE associate specialist for water resources at South Coast REC, focusing on all phases of applied water resource management research and extension efforts. As a specialist, she managed national and statewide collaborative projects centered on water conservation, including the UC Landscape Plant Irrigation Trial program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded, multistate Climate Ready Landscape Plants project.
Levy earned a Ph.D. in agricultural and extension education and evaluation from Louisiana State University. Her dissertation research studied the types of management practices Louisiana homeowners were using to apply fertilizers in urban landscapes. Through this exploratory research, she identified behaviors that can increase nonpoint source nutrient runoff and designed Cooperative Extension programming to help change those behaviors. She also obtained a master's degree in agronomy from LSU and a bachelor's in environmental science from UC Berkeley.
Levy is based at South Coast REC and can be reached at nlevy@ucanr.edu.
Smith aims to improve community health, nutrition in Central Valley
“My focus is on promoting nutrition and health initiatives responsive to the unique needs of the communities and ensuring that the programs are impactful and sustainable,” Smith said.
Originally from Champaign, Illinois, Smith also lived in Thailand, the Dominican Republic and Kenya during her youth, as her father worked for the Foreign Agricultural Service. Her experiences overseas were a significant motivating factor in pursuing a career in community nutrition and health.
“Witnessing health disparities firsthand in different areas of the world highlighted the critical need for equitable access to nutrition and health care,” she explained. “These experiences have fueled my passion to address the root causes of these disparities and work towards creating healthier communities.”
Smith earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from North Carolina A&T State University, and a Ph.D. in human sciences from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where she studied obesity prevention in rural communities.
That focus continues in her current role, as Smith seeks to partner with local communities to promote health and wellness in underserved segments of California's population.
“I hope to leverage my experience to develop and implement strategies and programs that promote equitable access to healthy lifestyles,” she said. “I am also excited to collaborate with the teams and community partners to continue to address the needs of the communities we serve.”
Based at UC Cooperative Extension's San Joaquin County office in Stockton, Smith can be reached at jasm@ucanr.edu.
Robinson returns as urban ag, food systems and environmental issues advisor
Currently, he aims to serve San Diego County residents, especially those in urban interfaces. Robinson brings a wealth of knowledge about San Diego County's food system to his advisor role and his network consists of nonprofits and their members in North County and in the City of San Diego, mostly concentrated in low-income and traditionally marginalized communities in the region.
“I'm also eager to identify policy issues that need to be addressed, especially as it relates to my scope of work – policies involving worker standards or climate-change impacts, for example,” said Robinson.
His new role builds on work he did for UCCE in the past. From 2016 to 2019, he was a UCCE academic coordinator serving California. He developed and taught the “Living on My Own” curriculum for 14- to 24-year-olds, an expansion of the “Money Talks” financial literacy series promoting positive youth development. Before returning to UC ANR, Robinson worked for the Center on Policy Initiatives, a policy think tank focused on economic justice policy issues.
Originally from Atlanta, Robinson moved across the southeastern part of the U.S. in pursuit of higher education. He earned a doctorate in applied economics from Auburn University in Alabama after obtaining bachelor's degrees in communication and economics from the University of North Florida. Robinson also earned an associate's degree in geography from Florida State College.
Before moving to California, Robinson was an economics professor at the University of North Florida as well as at Tuskegee University in Alabama, where he taught agricultural economics. While in graduate school, Robinson conducted coastal resource evaluations with Sea Grant as a collegiate fellow for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Just prior to returning to UCCE, he helped to develop San Diego County's State of the Food System 2020 report and the Food Vision 2030 plan based on his outreach and community organizing.
Robinson is based at the UCCE office in San Diego County and can be reached at drobinson@ucanr.edu.
Babu joins UCCE Imperial County as entomology advisor
Babu earned his undergraduate degree in agricultural science from Kerala Agricultural University in Kerala, India. He started his career as an agriculture consultant on a project sponsored by the government of India, serving as an advisor for small-scale subsistence farmers of Southern India, providing technical assistance to a diverse clientele of underserved growers in making crop management decisions.
In 2011, Babu moved to the United States to join the master's program in entomology at Mississippi State University, where he studied why Helicoverpa zea, corn earworm, was becoming resistant to Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) (Bt) toxins in transgenic field corn.
During his Ph.D. studies and postdoctoral research at North Carolina State University, Babu worked extensively on integrated pest management in field crops, focusing on pests such as brown stink bugs, Euschistus servus, corn earworm and aphids in various crop systems. These studies generated tangible results with direct economic benefits for growers and crop consultants.
In further postdoctoral research at the University of Georgia, he focused on monitoring and sampling, behavioral and chemical management of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii in small fruit crops. Results from his trials enhanced adoption of IPM practices in managing D. suzukii in small fruit crops and helped growers reduce their dependency on frequent insecticide applications.
As an entomology advisor for Imperial County, Babu is committed to working with growers, pest control advisers, industry partners, government agencies and others. He is dedicated to developing practical, cost-effective solutions for the various pest management problems faced by the growers in Imperial County.
Babu is based at the UCCE Imperial County office in Holtville and can be reached at arbabu@ucanr.edu, (442) 265-7708 and @_ArunBabu_ on X.
Kraus named small farms advisor for Fresno County
Kraus aims to find solutions to small farms' production issues such as pests and soil nutrition. Some of her specific goals are to investigate the range and management strategies for Mexican rice borer, identify pest problems for longbean, and determine sustainable strategies for diversified cropping systems.
Prior to joining UC ANR, Kraus was a Cooperative Extension scientist for pesticide knowledge and safety in the Pesticide Information Office at the University of Florida.
The Indiana native earned her bachelor's degree in entomology at Purdue University, where she focused on both biological control and medical entomology. She earned her master's degree at Kansas State University, studying mosquito-transmitted diseases.
Then she took a break from academia to serve in the U.S. Peace Corps in Senegal, West Africa. Upon her return, she resumed her studies by working in integrated pest management in rice production at Louisiana State University.
While working on her Ph.D. she traveled extensively to rice-producing regions of the world. Her desire for travel carried her through her postdoctoral fellowship at Rhodes University in South Africa, where she again studied biological control. This experience set her up for a position with the Florida Department of Agriculture.
Kraus is based in Fresno and can be reached at ekraus@ucanr.edu.
- Author: Hanif Houston
Program that helps startups and companies scale technologies for California agriculture accepting applications
UCANR Innovate, the innovation arm of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, has opened applications for its VINE Connect program. Developed in partnership with Farmhand Ventures, the program empowers startups and established companies to scale their technologies in California, addressing key challenges for the state's farmers. Deadline to apply is Jan. 8, 2025.
California farmers are at the heart of global food production, but staying ahead requires constant innovation. To meet this challenge, VINE Connect bridges the gap between innovation and application by helping entrepreneurs tailor proven technologies for farmers to ease weed control, harvest and other farming tasks.
Each year, the VINE Connect program runs three cohorts, each centered on different focus areas within California agriculture. More than 20 solutions are selected annually to participate in a three-month cohort designed to accelerate market adaptation. Participants benefit from a workshop series on field trial readiness, opportunities to present their technologies during a field demonstration day, and extended network opportunities to connect with key stakeholders in California's agrifood sector. Eligible participants may also qualify for future innovation grants to support technology development, field trials or relocation to California.
"VINE Connect is all about bridging the gap between innovative ideas and the real-world challenges facing agriculture," said Hannah Johnson, industry lead at UCANR Innovate. "We're helping great technologies find their place in California's farms and fields, creating solutions that work for farmers and the entire food system."
"Programs like VINE Connect are critical for supporting entrepreneurs as they adapt their technologies to the unique needs of California's agriculture industry," said Connie Bowen, Founder of Farmhand Ventures. "It's about building solutions that are both impactful and sustainable while ensuring they have the potential to grow and attract future investment."
The VINE Connect program is part of UCANR Innovate's broader initiative, The VINE, which is dedicated to advancing agricultural innovation across California. Through a market-driven approach, The VINE collaborates with farmers, industry leaders and community groups to identify practical challenges and develop targeted solutions specifically for California.
The initiative operates through two complementary tracks: VINE Build and VINE Connect. VINE Build focuses on transforming early-stage University of California prototypes into viable startups, while VINE Connect supports the market adaptation of any proven technologies to meet California's unique agricultural needs. Together, these programs promote collaboration, sustainability and inclusive growth across one of the world's most essential agricultural regions.
"The VINE is about connecting the dots between innovation and agriculture,” said Gabe Youtsey, chief innovation officer at UC ANR and head of UCANR Innovate. “Together, these programs form a complete ecosystem for transforming agricultural challenges into opportunities, helping farmers, startups and communities thrive in California's dynamic landscape."
Applications for the VINE Connect program are open now and will close on Jan. 8, 2025. For more information or to apply, visit https://thevine.io.
UCANR Innovate is the innovation arm of University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, dedicated to driving agriculture, food, and biotechnology innovation in California. We connect people, ideas, and resources to tackle real-world challenges and drive progress that empowers entrepreneurs, strengthens industries, and secures a thriving, inclusive future for California's agriculture, its workers and its communities.
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- Author: Michael Hsu
New area director to support UC ANR programs in Colusa, Glenn, Butte, Yuba and Sutter counties
As the new University of California Cooperative Extension area director for five Northern California counties, Teghpreet “Preet” Ahluwalia has an impressive track record of connecting people with resources that can improve lives and uplift future generations.
After college at UC Davis, Ahluwalia immersed herself in the world of finance and real estate and started her own investment firm. Its clientele were mainly older adults seeking opportunities to build long-term wealth and security for their descendants.
“We wanted to open up these opportunities in our network to people who didn't have access to them, or wouldn't normally come across them,” Ahluwalia said.
She also volunteered on the board of the National Association of Women Business Owners to share her knowledge and help provide the resources that her entrepreneurial peers needed to thrive.
Beginning in her new role with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources this past August, Ahluwalia now provides administrative support as the area director to UCCE advisors and staff across Colusa, Glenn, Butte, Yuba and Sutter counties. Those teams offer expertise, partnerships and programs to benefit local food systems, community health and economic development.
Ahluwalia's passion for leading-edge research – coupled with her financial acumen and interest in agriculture – make her well-suited to serve as UCCE director.
“This position really represents the best of all worlds, where my experience in higher education and management just come together in this one role to help our clientele and community get to the next step of where they want to go,” she said.
Ahluwalia learned how to optimize budgets in Modoc County
Maximizing resources in a rural, farming area with a relatively small population is nothing new for Ahluwalia. After earning her MBA from UC Davis, Ahluwalia worked as the financial manager for the sheriff's office of Modoc County, in the far northeastern corner of California.
In remote Modoc, home to 8,500 resourceful people, Ahluwalia gained invaluable experience in navigating county government, working with the county administrator, seeing how budgets were determined – and then making the most of limited funds.
“We had a very limited budget in Modoc County, so we were always thinking creatively about what we could do differently to stretch that money or get more from another source,” she said.
Although Ahluwalia enjoyed living in Alturas and loved the natural beauty of the region, she moved back to the Sacramento area after getting married. In planning her next career move, Ahluwalia sought a path into higher education, taking a position in the admissions office of her alma mater, the UC Davis Graduate School of Management.
But when the UCCE area director job opening at UC ANR was posted, Ahluwalia saw an opportunity to tie-in another prominent aspect of her family story and heritage.
Childhood experiences, family history shaped ag interests
Although she was born in Calgary, Canada, Ahluwalia spent most of her formative years in Porterville in Tulare County. During her childhood, her father, who worked as a pharmacist during the day, also owned a small farm where he grew grapes and prunes. He would do his farm work from the evening until late at night – and on weekends.
“I think he was trying to do a little too much,” Ahluwalia said.
Although he eventually sold his operations, her father's herculean efforts demonstrate the importance of agriculture in their Sikh culture. Punjab, the homeland of many Sikhs, is a largely agricultural state in India.
Several UCCE advisors in the Central Valley identify as Sikh; during a recent regional UC ANR meeting, one of them expressed delight about Ahluwalia's leadership position.
“They didn't know I was in a director role,” Ahluwalia recalled. “They were just like, ‘We're excited to see you in this role because we've never seen anyone in this role from our community.'”
New director builds on legacy of strong relationships
In the first few months on the job, Ahluwalia has been focused on strengthening relationships with county agricultural commissioners, boards of supervisors and other key community leaders and organizations. Building upon the foundation set by the preceding UCCE county directors, Ahluwalia aims to make more people aware of the wide range of Cooperative Extension programs.
“I'm realizing, through my conversations in each of the counties, that people know we're here, they know we exist,” she said. “But to a certain extent, the community may not be familiar with the full spectrum of what UCCE is doing. Some of them don't know that we're pioneering 4-H youth programs, or that we're providing nutrition education through CalFresh Healthy Living – in addition to our farm advisors and volunteer programs such as UC Master Gardeners.”
To make work more productive, efficient and enjoyable for those advisors and staff, Ahluwalia said she is also looking to streamline administrative processes and offer support in whatever way she can.
“One of the biggest things I'll be doing is listening a lot,” she said. “What do they need and how can I advocate for that? I can't do anything alone – I can do the outreach; I can build the relationships. But they're the actual people who are connecting the research to our communities and providing that education and extension.”
Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty, UC ANR's director of county Cooperative Extension, believes that Ahluwalia has just the skill set and experience to thrive in managing teams and partnerships across five counties – all with their different priorities and needs.
“With her previous appointments in the Modoc County Sheriff's Office and the UC Davis School of Management, she has the essentials to successfully navigate the complex UCCE environment,” said Schmitt-McQuitty. “I'm excited to see how these skills will expand the research and extension in the region and build on the solid foundations the previous county directors established.”
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Board of Directors to promote philanthropy through advocacy and fundraising in support of agriculture, natural resources and community health
The new University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Foundation has been established to advance UC ANR's essential research and extension mission.
The foundation – to be incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization following approval by UC President Michael Drake in October – will support programs that promote California's agriculture and food systems; natural ecosystems and working landscapes; and healthy and thriving communities.
“The establishment of this foundation could not have come at a better time, as it will inspire the vital resources and energy we need to meet the pressing challenges we pinpointed in our recently released Strategic Vision 2040,” said Glenda Humiston, UC vice president for agriculture and natural resources.
Modeled after similar entities at UC campuses, the UC ANR Foundation will be guided by a volunteer Board of Directors. Representing a variety of regions and communities across California, the directors collectively bring years of experience in the agriculture, natural resources, government, academic and nonprofit sectors.
“By tapping into the board's connections, relationships and knowledge of our work and its impact, UC ANR is well-positioned to undertake significant and truly transformative fundraising initiatives and campaigns,” said Greg Gibbs, executive director of UC ANR Development Services.
The Board currently comprises eight community leaders and three ex officio members:
Don Bransford
Owner and Operator
Bransford Farms
Tom Delfino
Sr. Principal
S.S. Papadopulos & Associates
Bill Frost
UC Cooperative Extension Advisor Emeritus and former Associate Vice President
UC ANR
Anne Haddix
Co-President, Board of Directors
UC Master Gardeners of Sonoma County (Volunteer)
Corinne Martinez, Board Chair
President and Chief Operations Officer
Berryessa Gap Vineyards
Soapy Mulholland
Principal
Sopac & Associates LLC
Sharon Nance
President
NTAPROBLM LLC Inc.
Stephen Reid
Head Gardener of the Rose Garden
The Huntington Library and Botanic Gardens
Ex Officio Members
Greg Gibbs, Board Secretary
Executive Director, Development Services
UC ANR
Glenda Humiston
Vice President
UC ANR
Tu Tran, Board Treasurer
Associate Vice President
UC ANR
“We are grateful to the members of the new board for their leadership, expertise and passion for our mission, and we're thankful to the many donors – past, present and future – who generously support our work to improve lives all across California,” Humiston said.
History of philanthropic support empowered creation of foundation
It has been that outpouring of support – channeled by Gibbs' fundraising team – that enabled the establishment of the UC ANR Foundation. Gibbs was part of a nascent development team created just seven years ago, in 2017, to increase private funding from individuals, foundations, companies and agricultural commodities groups.
Within that time, the Development Services team has raised crucial funds for a wide range of impactful programs and projects. For example, philanthropic support is fueling efforts to cultivate workforce development in agriculture and related fields in Orange County, drive innovations in the “circular bioeconomy” within the San Joaquin Valley, strengthen wildfire resiliency in communities across the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and propel leading-edge research to benefit growers of citrus, grapes and other valuable commodities.
“People are seeing the true impact of UC ANR, and I think this foundation board is a testament to that,” Gibbs said. “It's a validation of all the work that's been done over the last seven years.”
In 2023, a Vice President's Cabinet began laying the groundwork for the foundation by establishing its bylaws and structure. That group comprised several current board members, as well as Andrea Ambrose, UC ANR director of advancement; Adina Merenlender, professor of Cooperative Extension in conservation science; and Kerry Tucker, chief strategic counsel at Nuffer, Smith, Tucker.
Then, presented with UC ANR's track record of robust fundraising and measurable impacts, UC President Drake approved the incorporation of the new nonprofit foundation on Oct. 2. The foundation will begin work with UC ANR leadership and staff in early 2025 to develop short- and long-term fundraising plans.
For the public, there is an immediate opportunity to support UC ANR's work – Giving Tuesday. From midnight to midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 3, visit give.ucanr.edu to donate and participate in a global online giving event.
“Just as UC ANR programs significantly improve lives in California and across the nation and world, our donors substantively improve those programs,” Gibbs said. “They believe in what we do, and they make our research and extension activities better in every sense – more impactful, more accessible and more sustainable.”
For more information on the UC ANR Foundation and opportunities to contribute, contact Greg Gibbs at glgibbs@ucanr.edu.
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