Author: coppler.14

Graduate Student Spotlight: Aaron Giorgi

Aaron Giorgi is a current Ph.D. student in the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership. His area of study is teaching and learning for first generation college students. 

Giorgi is originally from Miami, Florida and received his B.S. and M.S. in agricultural education from the University of Florida.  

When asked why he chose to pursue his Ph.D. at ACEL he responded that, “the history of quality graduate education and being able to see a completely different ag ed model,” were the reasons. 

As a Ph.D. student, Giorgi is a Teaching Assistant for undergraduate Ag Ed courses, the instructor for COMLDR 3535 and is a Price Chair Fellow researching first generation college student success. 

In the future he hopes to be faculty in a tier 1 land-grant university in Ag Ed or Career and Workforce Development. “That position would allow me to continue building my research agenda and support a state’s secondary ag/CTE teachers.” 

He added that “ACEL is a family and Ohio State provides so many students opportunities.”

Faculty Spotlight: Jeff King

Dr. Jeff King is an associate professor for the community leadership program in the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL). 

King received his B.S. in Agricultural Education and his Ph.D. in Extension Education from The Ohio State University. 

Dr. King has conducted research in leadership development, emotional intelligence and leadership, as well as organizational development for extension education. He also instructs the professional leadership ethics course (COMLDR 5430) offered in our department. 

In addition to his role as a professor, Dr. King is also a co-director of the OSU Leadership Center. He facilitates workshops covering topics that range from ethics and leadership to professional development. 

We are grateful to have Dr. King in our department! 

 

Graduate Student Spotlight: Alyssa Rockers

Alyssa Rockers is a current Ph.D. student in the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership where she is studying agricultural communication.  

She is from Carthage, Missouri and received her B.S. in general agriculture/communications from Missouri State University. Alyssa went on to receive her M.S. in agricultural communication from Oklahoma State University.  

When asked why she chose to pursue her Ph.D. at ACEL she shared that “The ACEL faculty provide me unique support and opportunities to learn and grow.” 

She added, “I love agricultural communication and teaching/researching the discipline. I have a passion for knowledge and learning.”

Faculty Spotlight: Emily Buck

Dr. Emily Buck is a professor and academic advisor for the agricultural communication program in the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL). 

Buck received her B.S. in Agricultural Communication from The Ohio State University in 2002 and went on to complete her M.S. and (2004) Ph.D. (2006) in Agricultural Communication from University of Florida. 

Dr. Buck has conducted research in multiple areas including visual communication, new communication tools, and communicating agriculture to consumers. 

As a Buckeye, Dr. Buck has taught a number of undergraduate and graduate courses in our department. A few of her courses include visual media in agricultural and natural resources (AGRCOMM 2130), agricultural feature writing (AGRCOMM 5135), and exploring agricultural communication, education, and leadership (COMLDR 1100). 

In addition to her involvement as a professor, Dr. Buck is also a co-director of the OSU Leadership Center and is actively involved in the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) here on campus. We are so glad to have engaged faculty like Dr. Buck in our department! 

Graduate Spotlight: Paige Andrews

Paige Andrews is a current master’s student in agricultural communication, education, and leadership where she is studying community and extension education and leadership. She is from Sherrodsville, Ohio and graduated with a B.S. in animal science from Ohio State.

When asked why she chose ACEL to pursue her master’s degree Andrews explains, “to broaden my expertise and get more of the human exposure that I thought would be beneficial.” She also added that “I chose Ohio State because the faculty are helpful and encouraging and I had a great experience during my undergrad at the university!”

Paige’s thesis is analyzing parent involvement in 4-H projects and she plans to work in community outreach or with animals in some capacity after completing her degree.

When asked what she loves about Ohio State and the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership, she shared that “I love that you can go to any professor with questions and they’ll do their best to help you. I’m thankful for the amount of resources available to students, as well.”