In the Field Friday: Frank Becker

By: Nicole McMullen

This week we are featuring Ohio State ATI alumnus Frank Becker, from Smithville, Ohio. He received two degrees from ATI, an Associate of Science in Sustainable Agriculture in 2018 and an Associate of Science in Agronomy the following year. This year he earned his Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Plant Systems with a specialization in Agronomy from The Ohio State University Columbus campus.

Frank is currently employed by the Ohio State University Extension for Wayne County as the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program coordinator. Revitalizing the IPM program is his primary assignment. For this, he will be working with agronomic, fruit, and vegetable growers to make sure that their needs are met and continue to build and reinforce strong working relationships between growers, OARDC specialists, and the Extension program.

Frank explains how networking is important to establish a network and how having professionalism plays an important role in your long-term success. “Getting involved, having conversations, and building up your reputation within your perspective field are great ways to get your name out there,” said Frank, “and great ways to make connections with the right people.”

Ohio State ATI’s hands-on experience is appreciated by Frank. He also added, “I am very excited to begin my career in Extension with Ohio State and this fall marry my fiancé, Hannah, who also graduated from ATI!”

We would like to congratulate Frank on his engagement! To learn more about how to turn an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree visit, ati.osu.edu/pathways.