CEDLab Leadership
Alexandra (Ali) Hill (she/her)
CEDLab Co-Chair
Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension, Economics of Diversity and Equity
UC Berkeley, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics
Primary Counties: Statewide
Cell: (510) 685-2134
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Workforce Development; Agricultural Workforce; Policy Analysis; The Bioeconomy; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice; Applied Economics
Bio: Alexandra Hill is an Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension at UC Berkeley. Her research focuses on the US agricultural workforce, examining factors impacting worker well-being and making a business case for employers to implement policies promoting it. Despite contributing to diversity, hired farmworkers often face inequities and hardships. Hill aims to dismantle these by identifying ways employers can enhance well-being without compromising profits. With experience improving firm data collection, she builds an extension program for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the agri-food system. Hill holds a PhD in Agricultural and Resource Economics from UC Davis, and MS and BS in Agricultural and Consumer Economics from the University of Illinois. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor at Colorado State University.
Ashley M. Hooper, PhD.
CEDLab Vice Co-Chair
UCCE Urban Community Resiliency Advisor
Primary Counties: Los Angeles County, Orange County
CERF: Los Angeles County, Orange County
(626) 586-1971
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Community Resiliency; Urban Food Systems; Climate Change Adaptation; Transportation Policy; Trauma-informed Pedagogy; Water Resource Policy; Affordable Housing; Sustainability
Bio: Ashley collaborates with community-based organizations to explore barriers and opportunities in building community resilience, focusing on indicators like access to economic, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Her efforts include facilitating communities of practice to support community partners in designing and evaluating resilience-building programs and creating educational curricula for California communities. With teaching experience at UC Irvine, she co-taught the Solutions for Sustainable Societies program and led courses in urban planning and public policy. As a Postdoctoral Scholar, she taught graduate-level pedagogy courses and researched trauma-informed teaching approaches. Hooper, a social science researcher for over a decade, specializes in qualitative research on urban community resilience. Holding a Ph.D. in Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy from UC Irvine, she also has a Master of Water Resources degree and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of New Mexico.
Keith Taylor
CEDLab Vice Co-Chair
Community Economic Development Specialist
UC Cooperative Extension
UC Davis Department of Human Ecology
Primary Counties: Statewide
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Business Support; Community Economic Development; Triple Bottom Line Enterprises; Co-operatives; Business Governance and Management
Bio: Keith works extensively with co-operative businesses and marginalized communities to identify sustainable community economic development strategies that enhance the well-being of the local population. Formerly with the Ostrom Workshop at Indiana University, his research focused on community economic development spillovers from renewable energy and food systems. As a governance member for Common Ground Food Cooperative and chair of the boards for Indiana Cooperative Development Center and We Own It, “the national network for cooperative members’ rights, education, and organizing”, Taylor actively contributes to cooperative initiatives. His forthcoming book, “Governing the Wind Energy Commons,” analyzes the community economic differentials of community and investor-owned wind energy, a culmination of three years of research in rural North Dakota and Illinois. With a Ph.D. in human and community development from the University of Illinois, an M.S. in public administration, and a B.A. in political science, his academic background enriches his work in promoting equitable and community-focused economic development.
CEDLab Committee Leads
Aaron Wilcher
Communications Chair
UCCE Community Economic Development Advisor
Primary Counties: Mono, Inyo and Northeastern Kern
CERF: Sierra Jobs First
(760) 873-7854
Areas of Expertise and Interest: CED 101; Small business support; governance; outdoor recreation and tourism; regional economics data
Bio: Aaron has spent his career leading and supporting multi-stakeholder regional community development partnerships across California and nationally. During his 15-year career, Aaron served as the director of an applied research program for workforce strategy in the Sacramento region’s community college system and as a workforce development program manager in the San Francisco Bay Area community college system. He holds a BA in Spanish from UCLA, an MA in American Studies from Saint Louis University, and an MCP, Community and Economic Development, from UC Berkeley. Aaron is a Certified Economic Research Professional (CERP) from C2ER. He has been a lifelong outdoor recreation enthusiast and rides mountain bikes and skis in the backcountry.
Alec Dompka
CEDLab Community Resiliency Chair
UCCE Rural Communities Economic Development Advisor
Primary Counties: Del Norte, Humboldt, and Trinity counties
CERF: Redwood Coast
(707) 464-4711
Areas of Expertise and Interest: CED 101; Tourism Economies; Rural Economic Development; Community Controlled Development; Rural Place-making
Bio: Alec focuses on supporting community economic development that emphasizes local leadership and inclusivity. Applying technical knowledge, he aims to create accurate economic evaluation methods, addressing environmental and cultural factors in underserved communities. Researching the legacy of extractive industries, Alec supports community resilience. Living in the rural region, he offers an on-the-ground perspective, quickly responding to community needs. Covering topics from energy to tourism, Alec makes economic education accessible. Additionally, a Del Norte Search and Rescue team member, he enjoys mountain activities. Alec earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics, double majoring at North Carolina State, and holds an M.A. in agricultural and natural resources economics from NC State, continuing his educational journey.
Domena Agyeman
CEDLab Data Chair
UCCE Agriculture and Natural Resources Economics Advisor
Primary Counties: Butte, Glenn, and Tehama
(530)-552-5812 (cell or work)
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Food Systems; Rural Economic Development; Business Support; Sustainability; Policy Analysis
Bio: Domena Agyeman is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Economics Advisor for Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties. He is responsible for promoting rural economic development and ensuring economic viability of agricultural and natural resources-based businesses. His responsibilities extend to promoting broadband accessibility and facilitating the effective utilization of online resources. Domena’s research interests encompass natural resources and environmental policy impact assessments, economic contributions and impacts analyses, producer decision-making assessments, and consumer preferences assessments.
James Sayre
CEDLab Communications Co-Chair
Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension
UC Davis, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics
Primary Counties: Statewide
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Food Systems; International Trade; Agricultural Production and Supply Chains
Bio: I specialize in the economics of food supply chains, and study policies to better understand the role of intermediaries in agricultural distribution and promote greater competition and opportunities for small to medium scale agricultural producers. As an agricultural international trade economist, an important part of my role is to explain how world developments will directly affect Californians. I have a particular interest in studying the close connections between the agricultural systems of California and Mexico.
Cristina Murillo Barrick (she/ella)
CEDLab Workforce Chair
UCCE Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Community Development Advisor
Primary Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco and San Mateo (Bay Area)
CERF: Bay Area
Work cell: (510) 305-3256 (Call/Text)
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Community Resiliency; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; BIPOC Communities; Community Resiliency; Food Systems; Environmental Justice
Bio: Cristina’s career has centered on partnering with research institutions and higher education entities to address climate change adaptation, food systems, environmental justice; within her work, she aims to increase actions aimed at diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by actively addressing racial and social injustices. In her previous role at UCCE as an Agricultural Land Acquisitions Academic Coordinator, she worked with the California Department of Conservation (DOC) supporting the Sustainable Agricultural Land Conservation Program (SALC) by encouraging smart growth and protecting productive farmland. She also collaborated with California agencies, including the DOC and the Strategic Growth Council to offer insights on how to increase access to underserved regions. Cristina has worked with the US State Department on human rights reporting, as an environmental science educator in US National Parks and protected areas in Central America. Her research has included community impacts of natural resource management regimes (Nicaragua) and policy impacts of California designated DACs (disadvantaged communities). She is proficient in Spanish and has received training in translation and interpretation, further enriching her ability to engage with diverse communities and bridge communication gaps.
Helle Petersen
CEDLab Food Systems Chair
Regional Director Local Farm and Food Innovation
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
Primary Counties: Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare
(559) 801-1022
Areas of Expertise and Interest: AgTech; Innovation; Small Farms; Value Added Food; Technology; Ecosystems
Bio: Helle previously managed the Water, Energy, and Technology Center (WET Center) at Fresno State, driving innovation and entrepreneurship. Working closely with funders, she supported water, energy, and ag-tech companies, contributing to regional economic development. As a project manager for the BlueTechValley Innovation Cluster, she built ecosystems to support entrepreneurs. Petersen secured funding for the first water, energy, and ag-tech-focused accelerator in the San Joaquin Valley, now part of the WET Center's programs. With a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark and an MBA from Fresno State, Petersen's diverse education complements her role in fostering technology innovation in water, energy, and agriculture.
CEDLab Staff
Alexis Atsilvsgi Zaragoza (she/her)
Community Economic Development Coordinator and Policy Analyst
UC ANR Community and Economic Development
Primary Counties: Statewide
Cell: (209) 277-3301
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Community Resiliency; Community Economic Development; Indigenous Education and Opportunity; GIS Projects; Networking Across California
Bio: Alexis serves as a Community Economic Development Coordinator and Policy Analyst for the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, engaging in network mapping of community economic development partners across California. Alexis Atsilvsgi, a Cherokee and Chicana activist in Higher Education, served on the California Community College’s Board of Governors and as the 2020-22 Student Regent for the University of California Board of Regents. Alexis completed dual bachelor’s degrees in geography and political science at UC Berkeley, as well as a Master of Public Policy, focusing her research on educational disparities for BIPOC in rural California. She contributed to projects addressing tribal government collaboration, network mapping of Native activists, indigenous data systems for California Community Colleges, and local broadband mapping for Tuolumne County. Alexis also engaged in computational topology research at the University of Puget Sound.
CEDLab Members
Ahmed Kayad (he/him)
UCCE Agricultural Engineering Advisor
UC ANR Intermountain REC
Primary Counties: Siskiyou, Modoc, Lassen, Plumas, Sierra, and Eastern Shasta
CERF: North State
Work: (530) 667-5117
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Ag Tech; Agricultural Engineering; Drone Applications; Digital Agriculture; Farm Machinery; Remote Sensing
Bio: Ahmed focuses on integrating new technologies related to mechanization, automation, and precision agriculture into intermountain cropping systems. He employs satellite, drone, and ground sensors to map fields, aiming to understand spatial and temporal yield variability to help farmers make informed management decisions. Kayad earned a Ph.D. in digital agriculture from Padua University, Italy, worked as a service engineer at CLAAS in Egypt, researcher at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia, and a visiting doctoral researcher at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre in Mexico. Joining IREC, Kayad strives to enhance farmers' decision-making through informed insights into crop production management practices.
Alicia Baddorf
Sustainable Supply Chain Coordinator
UC Sustainable Agricultural Research & Education Program (SAREP)
Primary Counties: Statewide
(530) 786-0571
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Food Systems; Local and Regional Food Systems; Food Hubs, Sustainable Farms; Niche Crops
Bio: As the Sustainable Supply Chain Coordinator with UC SAREP, Alicia Baddorf aims to strengthen regional food systems by increasing small to mid-scale farmer access to markets. Alicia coordinates the CA Food Hub Network and Farmer Educator Network, and works on projects that support farmer adoption of specialty crops that have both ecological and economic benefits. She approaches this work through relationship development with her clientele, a focus on peer-to-peer learning, and creating audience-appropriate outputs including written resources, workshops, and gatherings.
Christy Getz
Professor of Cooperative Extension, Rural Development
UC Berkeley, Division of Society and Environment
Primary Counties: Statewide
(510) 207-9424
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Food Systems; Community and Economic Development; Social Justice; Agricultural Workforce; Sustainable Food Systems; Community Food Security and Health
Bio: Christy specializes in research areas that include ethics, history, politics, and rural development. She is actively engaged in conducting research and extension activities that forge critical connections between natural resource-dependent individuals, their activities, enterprises, and organizations in California, and the teaching and research programs within the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management (ESPM) to promote socially-just sustainable development in California. One significant aspect of her program involves delving into community and economic development within natural resource-dependent communities. Furthermore, her research extends into the realm of sustainable food systems and community food security, where she works to advance environmentally sustainable and socially responsible approaches to food production and distribution within local communities, as well as concerns around social justice and labor in these communities.
Cindy Chen
UCCE Woody Biomass and Forest Products Advisor
Primary Counties: Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Mariposa, & Tuolumne
CERF: Eastern Sierras
(209) 533-6989
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Bio-based Products; Forestry; Bioenergy; Bioeconomy; Social Ecology
Bio: Cindy’s work mainly focuses on helping the bioproducts and forest products industries develop by providing technical assistance and other resources to industry partners and stakeholders. Cindy works with nonprofits, industry leaders, community partners, and my UC colleagues to conduct applied research and extension activities to educate local residents and provide science-backed references associated with bioenergy, bioproducts, and forest products. With two decades of West Coast experience, Chen tackles projects involving whole-building life cycle assessment, biomass supply chain logistics, wood products innovation, and mass timber production optimization. She actively collaborates with various stakeholders contributing to the development of the bioenergy and mass timber industries in California. With a bachelor's in social ecology and master's in demography from UC Irvine, and a Ph.D. in environmental and forest sciences from the University of Washington, Chen's expertise in wood products processing and marketing is grounded in a multidisciplinary academic background.
Grant Johnson
UCCE Urban Agriculture Technology Advisor
Primary Counties: Orange, Los Angeles
CERF: Orange and LA counties
(949) 414-8022
Areas of Expertise and Interest: AgTech; Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA); Hydroponics; Nursery Management; Greenhouse; Irrigation; Plant Production; Urban Agriculture; Agtech
Bio: Grant Johnson is the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Urban Agriculture Technology Advisor for Los Angeles and Orange Counties, providing impartial, research-driven insights to optimize plant production in urban environments. With a focus on indoor production, his diverse clientele includes nurseries, commercial growers, school districts, and community gardens. He aims to present research and extension of horticultural topics related to irrigation, plant culture, and agricultural technology such as agrivoltaic system innovations that drive the future of farming, ensuring technological advancements that benefit a wide range of urban farming practitioners.
Gwenael Engelskirchen
Sustainable Food and Farming Coordinator
UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
Primary Counties: Statewide
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Food Systems; Local Food; Food Production and Ecological Stewardship; Institutional Purchasing of Locally Produced Foods
Bio: Gwenael Engelskirchen is the Sustainable Food & Farming Coordinator with UC Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program. In this role she works at the intersection of agricultural practices and food systems resilience to meet the research and education needs of diverse clientele groups across the state. Her current work focuses on supporting pathways for 1) emerging and early-commercial crops with unique ecological benefits and/or cultural relevance (e.g. blue elderberry and perennial wheatgrass), 2) institutional purchasing of locally produced and sustainably-grown food, and 3) regional and values-based supply chains.
Haris Gilani
UCCE Biomass & Bioenergy Advisor
Primary Counties: Riverside and San Bernardino Counties
CERF: Inland Empire
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Bio-based Products; Woody Biomass; Bioenergy; Bioeconomy; Community Resiliency
Bio: Haris Gilani’s primary research is focused on commercializing and deploying low-carbon and carbon negative fuels using non-merchantable forest biomass in the state of California. With academic roles at UC Berkeley, SUNY, and the University of British Columbia, he conducted techno-economic and policy analysis to produce hydrogen from biomass and also helped organize a statewide Forest Biofuels Working Group. As Project Director Bioeconomy at SUNY, he developed a wood-based bioeconomy roadmap for New York State to meet the greenhouse gas reduction and environmental justice targets under NYS's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Gilani, holding a Ph.D. in forest products marketing from the University of British Columbia, a Master of Business Administration from Technical University Freiberg in Germany, and a bachelor's in mathematics and physics from the University of the Punjab in Pakistan, brings a diverse educational background to his research on forest economics and wood products marketing.
Julia Van Soelen Kim
UCCE North Bay Food Systems Advisor
Primary Counties: Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Food Systems; Community Food Security; Sustainable Food Systems; Community Institutions, Health, and Social Services
Bio: Julia concentrates on the viability, sustainability, and equity of regional food systems in Marin, Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma Counties. Her work strengthens connections between farmers and consumers, supporting small-scale agricultural production and enhancing access to affordable local food. Julia actively contributes to multiple food policy councils and alliances, reflecting her commitment to community collaboration. With a Master of Science in Community Development and a Master of Public Health from UC Davis, Julia's educational background equips her with a comprehensive understanding of community dynamics and public health, complementing her role in advancing resilient and equitable food systems in the North Bay.
Kristin Dobbin
Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension, Water Justice Policy and Planning Specialist
UC Berkeley, Environmental Science, Policy, and Management
Primary Counties: Statewide
Areas of Expertise and Interest:
Bio: Kristin aims to deepen scholarly understanding of drinking water disparities, equity gaps in environmental policy, and the
role of social movements. Formerly with the Community Water Center, she contributed to grassroots environmental
justice solutions in the Central Valley. Joining Rausser College from UCLA's Luskin Center for Innovation, Dobbin, a
National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow, emphasizes community water managers and residents as leaders in
water discussions. With a Ph.D. in ecology from UC Davis and a B.A. in environmental analysis from Pitzer College, her
academic background informs her commitment to advancing community-based solutions for water justice and
environmental equity.
Laurie (Lio) Wayne
UCCE Nutrition and Food Systems Advisor, Modoc, Lassen and Siskiyou counties
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
Primary Counties: Modoc, Lassen and Siskiyou
lwayne@ucanr.edu
(530) 233-6400
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Food Systems; Resilient Communities; Local Value Chain; Producer Prosperity; Collaboration
Bio: Laurie, a UCCE Nutrition and Food Systems Advisor, collaborates with community members on healthy lifestyles, nutrition, and local food systems in northeastern California. Drawing on her experience owning Locavore Farms, founding the Surprise Valley Saturday Market and Modoc Harvest, and contributing to the Modoc Harvest Food Hub, she engages with producers to enhance food system resilience. Laurie, with a master's in TESOL from Portland State University and a bachelor's in Italian literature from UC Santa Cruz, combines academic expertise with practical experience. Her commitment to supporting healthy communities includes building school and community gardens with multigenerational immigrant and refugee families, demonstrating a holistic approach to nutrition and food systems.
Manpreet Singh
UCCE Technology and Innovation Advisor for Small Farms
Primary Counties: Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, and Kings
Areas of Expertise and Interest: AgTech; Technology Development; Small Farms; Business Support; Technology Marketing and Evaluation
Bio: Manpreet assesses and tests new technologies to address challenges faced by small farms, emphasizing crop production efficiency, post-harvest, and marketing. With a focus on weed control and water efficiency, Singh aids small farms in evaluating the feasibility and economic impact of technological options. Holding a master's in horticulture and a bachelor's in agriculture from Punjab Agricultural University, his research during the master's program concentrated on hybrid breeding of melons. Singh continued his academic journey in the United States, earning a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University, where he explored limited irrigation strategies for vegetable production in West Texas. His educational background uniquely positions him to contribute to innovative solutions for small farms.
Michael Cohen
UCCE Organic Materials Management & Agri-Food System Advisor
Primary counties: Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, San Francisco
(707) 338-7420
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Bio-based Products; Bioeconomy; Community Resiliency; Food Systems; Waste Reduction
Bio: Michael's work at UCCE is dedicated to advancing sustainable practices in organic materials management. Michael engages in collaborative applied research and community outreach activities to develop innovative solutions for redirecting organic materials away from landfills and repurpose them for alternative uses, such as soil amendments and bioenergy production. Through the implementation of such projects, nutrients from the organic waste sector cycle back into working landscapes and food system supply chains, thereby bolstering the resilience and sustainability of Bay Area food and farming systems.
Paramveer Singh
UCCE Agricultural Technology Advisor
Primary Counties: Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz
(575) 571-0767
Areas of Expertise and Interest: AgTech; Agronomy; Irrigation; Resource-use Efficiency; Ecologically-sustainable Production Strategies
Bio: The focus of Paramveer's work is on the evaluation and adoption of the latest agricultural technologies to address critical production challenges in the Central Coast counties. With a background in agronomy and crop science, his research and extension programs aim to facilitate the identification and integration of ag technologies that enhance crop production, address labor shortages, optimize irrigation and nutrient management, and ensure compliance with regulatory policies. Paramveer holds a bachelor's degree in agriculture from Punjab and a Ph.D. in Plant and Environmental Sciences from New Mexico State University. His expertise includes the use of drones, sensors, and field equipment to improve agricultural system design and efficiency.
Rachael Callahan
Statewide Agritourism Coordinator
Primary Counties: Statewide
(530) 792-8254
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Food Systems; Agritourism; Small Farm Viability; Sustainability
Bio: Rachael has devoted her career to strengthening vibrant and sustainable food systems. Currently serving as the Statewide Agritourism Coordinator in the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, she assists farmers in diversifying revenue through agritourism, conducts research on its impacts, and fosters a statewide network of agritourism stakeholders. With 14 years of experience in non-profit organizations promoting urban farming, building local food economies, and showcasing agroforestry techniques, Rachael recognizes agritourism's power to provide resilience, education, economic contribution, and community connection. She earned a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the University of Georgia and a Master's degree in Global Environmental Policy from American University.
Vikram Koundinya
Associate Professor of Extension, Evaluation of Community & Regional Development
UC Davis, Community & Regional Development
Primary Counties: Statewide
(530) 400-0345 (cell or work)
Areas of Expertise and Interest: Food Systems; Community Resiliency; Program Evaluation Capacity; Training
Bio: Vikram conducts research to inform the evaluation practices of ANR colleagues and relevant stakeholders and works with them to build their evaluation capacity. Previously an Evaluation Specialist at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Extension, he collaborated on agricultural, conservation, and environmental program evaluations. His experience spans roles as a Postdoc at the University of Connecticut and Iowa State University, focusing on agricultural, extension, and economic development programs. Vikram holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from A.N.G.R. Agricultural University, India, and master’s and doctoral degrees in agricultural and extension education from A.N.G.R. Agricultural University and Iowa State University.
Tracy Celio
Program Manager
Southwest Regional Food Business Center (SW RFBC)
Primary Counties: California, Nevada, Arizona, & Utah
Website: https://swfoodbiz.org/
(530) 236-7360
Bio: Tracy oversees the Southwest Regional Food Business Center at UC Agriculture and Natural Resources which provides business and marketing education and financial awards to small food and farm businesses across Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah. She has been with UC ANR since 2012 and has successfully managed UC community-based programs in California. As a social scientist, her expertise focuses on program management, community engagement, training, and program development. Tracy served as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer in Central America, as a food security extension agent, and an Americorps VISTA volunteer along the US/ Mexico border. Having served in both organizations, she has been recognized with a Harris Wofford Award for outstanding service and civic engagement at home and abroad. Tracy earned her degrees from CSU San Diego in Social Science and Environmental Studies.
Olivia Henry
UCCE Food Systems Advisor, Capital Corridor
Primary Counties: Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, Placer and Nevada
(707) 389-0723
Olivia Henry, focusing on marketing, resilient supply chains, and food waste issues, brings a wealth of experience from various newsrooms and media development organizations. Prior to UC ANR, she engaged with communities through roles in CapRadio, KALW Public Radio, and others. Henry, the assistant editor of "The Ivanhoe Sol," a bilingual newspaper in rural Tulare County, earned her journalism degree from Western Washington University and a master's in community development from UC Davis. Her research delves into community- and employee-owned news enterprises, emphasizing stakeholder ownership to safeguard journalism as a public good. Henry is also a certified California Naturalist and candidate for California Master Beekeeper, reflecting her diverse agricultural experiences.
Rachel Surls, Ph.D.
UCCE Sustainable Food Systems Advisor
Primary Counties: Los Angeles
(626) 586-1982
Rachel has an over 30-year career with UC Cooperative Extension, coordinating training and resources for urban farmers, and directing the UC Master Gardener Volunteer program in Los Angeles. Engaged in diverse programs, from school gardens to urban agriculture, she draws from her Peace Corps service in Honduras that influenced her career choice in food, farming, and sustainability. Rachel co-authored "From Cows to Concrete: The Rise and Fall of Farming in Los Angeles" and earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Claremont University in 2008, an M.S. in Agricultural Science from Cal Poly Pomona, and a B.S. in Agronomy from Virginia Tech. She received the prestigious Bradford Rominger Agricultural Sustainability Leadership Award.
Lucy Diekmann, Ph.D.
UCCE Urban Agriculture/Food Systems Advisor
Primary Counties: Santa Clara & San Mateo Counties
(408) 282-3104
Lucy, the Urban Agriculture and Food Systems Advisor for UCCE in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, dedicates her expertise to research in Community Food Security, Sustainable Food Systems, Food System Assessments, and Policy. Focused on enhancing the resilience and sustainability of urban agriculture, she collaborates with community organizations, government agencies, and local farmers. With nine years of research and outreach in urban agriculture, Diekmann's journey began as a USDA NIFA postdoctoral fellow. Her commitment to addressing food security and community well-being in the region reflects in her impactful work, contributing to vibrant urban agriculture in the South Bay. Lucy's educational background includes a postdoctoral fellowship, sho