On Monday, August 22, 13 new students attended the CFAES/ACEL pre-convocation. These students are first year freshman, transfer students or have transitioned from an Ohio State regional campus to Columbus.
While not all new ACEL Buckeyes were in attendance, we’re glad we got to meet these 13 and wish all new students an easy transition to their time with us!
Nicole Volk, from Gibsonburg, Ohio, is a new ACEL graduate student working towards a master’s degree in agricultural communication, education, and leadership. Nicole attended The Ohio State University where she completed a Bachelor of Science in agricultural communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs. She will be serving as a teaching assistant for agricultural communication courses during her program.
After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Nicole enjoyed her time as communicator in the agriculture industry. She said, “during my career as a full-time ag communicator, I discovered a love for passing on knowledge to others in my field.” In the future, Nicole hopes to secure a faculty position at the collegiate level. Nicole enjoys the community at Ohio State but feels extra special for the ACEL.
Rockers
Rex and Ramsier
Bradi Rex, a sophomore studying agriscience education, worked at The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio as a tour guide.
Rex drove the open air safari bus while giving a fun filled tour about various endangered and extinct in the wild exotic animals. The mission of The Wilds is to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife.
She even had a few ACEL faces on a tour this summer, as Mrs. Ramsier, ACEL program coordinator at Ohio State ATI, and Dr. Filson, associate professor of agriscience education, visited with their families.
While students majoring in agriscience education complete their internship requirement through field experiences, many students gain additional educational opportunities like this one to broaden the knowledge about food, agricultural, and environmental sciences.
Congratulations to Erika Kraus on the successful defense of her master’s project “Addressing Gender Inequality in Morocco through Partnership with a Women’s Cooperative.”
Dr. Jera Niewoehner-Green, assistant professor of community leadership, served as Erika’s advisor. Dr. Mary Rodriguez, associate professor of community leadership, was her committee member.
Congratulations Erika!
Cluxton, right, with fellow intern Reagan Feldner
Carlie Cluxton (right), a junior studying agricultural communication, completed an internship with Ohio Farm Bureau as the Ohio State Fair intern.
Lawson, 2022
The Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) at The Ohio State University is pleased to share that Dr. Cara Lawson will join our department as an assistant professor in agricultural communication
“I am excited to welcome Dr. Lawson back to Ohio State to be part of our faculty,” said Dr. Shannon Washburn, professor and chair of ACEL. “Her experiences as a professional in the industry, as well as her passion for developing students into great communicators and researchers make her an excellent addition to our department.”
In this new role within the department, Lawson will engage in advancing the agricultural communication program through teaching and research by teaching undergraduate courses in agricultural communication and graduate courses that serve students across our department. She will also serve as an undergraduate academic advisor, work with our faculty and students in Columbus and at Ohio State ATI.
“I am honored and excited to join the faculty at Ohio State and look forward to engaging students and stakeholders in teaching and research opportunities,” said Lawson.
Lawson received a bachelor of science in agricultural education and a master of science in agricultural communication from Ohio State and a doctorate in agricultural communication from Texas Tech University. Most recently she was an instructor of agricultural communication at Oregon State University.
ACEL prepares communicators, educators and leaders in the food, agricultural, and environmental sciences to integrate research-based learning, practice and engagement, in ways that will advance positive changes that strengthen individuals, families and communities. For more information on the undergraduate and graduate academic programs and research available in ACEL, please visit acel.osu.edu.
Congratulations to recent graduate Dr. Justin Pulley on his new position with Tarleton State University as an assistant professor of agricultural mechanics.
Pulley graduated with a doctorate in agricultural communication, education, and leadership during our summer commencement ceremony.
Lindsey Okuley, an agricultural communication major from Botkins, Ohio, recently attended the annual Ag Media Summit in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ag Media Summit is the largest gathering of the top writers, editors, photographers, publishers and strategic communicators in the agriculture industry across the United States.
Okuley was one of four students across the nation to receive a travel scholarship through the Livestock Publications Council (LPC) Student Award Program as a finalist for the Forrest Bassford Student Award. This award recognizes and rewards excellence, leadership and encourages professionalism among students.
“I admire Lindsey’s initiative to apply for this scholarship and attend Ag Media Summit,” said Dr. Shannon Washburn, professor and chair of the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership. “This experience provided her with opportunities to network with agricultural communication professionals from around the country and gain additional skills and knowledge that will benefit her for years to come.”
At the conference, Okuley was able to attend sessions related to a variety of communication mediums including producing podcasts, engaging community on social media, photography in natural light, news writing and email marketing, as well as the annual meeting and awards ceremony for the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow student organization.
“Returning to Ag Media Summit again this year was as impactful as ever. In addition to being honored as a Forrest Bassford finalist, I took away amazing advice from industry peers, applicable skills and a new web of connections I can rely on from across the country,” said Okuley.
Okuley will begin her senior year at Ohio State this fall. She will serve as the vice-president of Ohio State’s chapter of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.
ACEL prepares communicators, educators and leaders in the food, agricultural, and environmental sciences to integrate research-based learning, practice and engagement, in ways that will advance positive changes that strengthen individuals, families and communities. For more information on the undergraduate and graduate academic programs and research available in ACEL, please visit acel.osu.edu.