The UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communications is proud to highlight the remarkable achievements of our graduate students who have recently defended their master’s theses and PhD dissertations. These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication, creativity, and expertise in their respective fields.

Caitlynne Youmans – MS

• Title: Reimagining Impacts: Exploring Using AI and BI to Understand Extension Impact Statements to Market Extension
• Specialization: Agricultural Communication
• Plans After Graduation: Caitlynne plans to work in a communications role.
• Committee: Dr. Lauri M. Baker & Dr. Matt Benge

Dorcas Sunday – MS

• Title: Communicating Science: An Analysis of Risk Perceptions and Trust Among Undergraduate Students in the Context of an Avian Influenza Outbreak
• Specialization: Agricultural Communication
• Plans After Graduation: Dorcas will continue her academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Agricultural Communication.
• Committee: Dr. Lauri Baker (Chair) & Dr. Heather Young

Karlibeth Leitheiser – MS

• Title: Mentorship in Action: Exploring Practices Utilized by Extension Mentors
• Specialization: Extension Education
• Plans After Graduation: Karlibeth aims to work in the field of Extension, applying her research to real-world practices.
• Committee: Dr. Matt Benge (Chair), Dr. Lauri Baker, & Dr. Amy Harder (Associate Dean for University of Connecticut Extension)

Damilola Ajayi – Ph.D.

• Title: Evaluation of Sustainable Pest Management Practices for Spotted Wing Drosophila control Among Berry and Cherry Growers in the United States
• Specialization: Extension Education
• Plans After Graduation: Damilola’s future plans include becoming a faculty member and independent evaluation consultant.
• Committee: Dr. Kathleen Kelsey (Chair), Dr. Sebastian Galindo (Co-chair), Dr. Paul Monaghan, Dr. Bachir Kassas, Dr. JC Bunch

Maggie Murphy – MS

• Title: From Field to Screen: Agricultural and Natural Resource Communicators’ Perceptions, Trust, and Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools for Video Production
• Specialization: Agricultural and Natural Resource Communication
• Plans After Graduation: Maggie’s future plans include continuing her impactful work in the field of agricultural and natural resources communication. She has applied to the AEC PhD program and is eagerly awaiting a response from admissions. This summer, she aims to secure an internship related to agriculture or natural resources to further enhance her practical experience.
• Committee: Dr. Jaime Loizzo (Chair), Dr. Lauri Baker

Madison Dyment – PhD

• Title: Journeys of Junior Faculty: Exploring Cross-Sections of Experiences, Curriculum Development, Mentorship, and Identity Among Agricultural and Natural Resources Communication Junior Faculty Members
• Specialization: Agricultural and Natural Resources Communication
• Plans After Graduation: Maddi will enter her role as an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Communications at New Mexico State University this August.
• Committee: Dr. Ricky Telg (Chair), Dr. Jamie Loizzo, Dr. Lisa Lundy, & Dr. Heather McAuslane

Kiera Packer – MS

• Title: Exploring Directors’ Perspective of Youth Engagement in Agricultural Teen Leadership Programs in Northeast Florida
• Specialization: Leadership, FYCS Minor
• Plans After Graduation: After graduation, Kiera will be moving to Brookings, South Dakota to be the Assistant Coordinator of Recruitment and Academic Services for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at South Dakota State University.
• Committee: Dr. Sarah Bush (Chair), Dr. Laura Greenhaw, Dr. Kate Fogarty (FYCS)

Elanie Mason – MS

• Title: An Examination of the County Extension Instructional Coaching In-Service Training: An Exploratory Practice-Based Study
• Specialization: Agricultural Education
• Plans After Graduation: Elanie plans to pursue a career in UF/IFAS Extension
• Committee: Dr. JC bunch (Chair), Dr. Matt Benge, Dr. Brian Myers

Katie Jones – MS

• Title: Utilizing Community of Practice to Support Professional Development for Early Career Extension Agents
• Specialization: Extension Education
• Committee: Dr. Matt Benge, Dr. Laura Greenhaw

Carrie Baker – Ph.D.

• Title: Building Community Capacity to Address Stress and Mental Health Support Needs of Florida’s Agricultural Workforce
• Specialization: Leadership
• Plans After Graduation: Carrie has accepted a position as an Assistant Professor in Agricultural Communications at Oklahoma State University in the Department of Agricultural Education, Communications, and Leadership and will begin in July.
• Committee: Dr. Sarah Bush (Chair), Dr. Lauri Baker, Dr. Sebastian Galindo, Dr. Angie Lindsey

Ange Asanzi – Ph.D.

• Title: It’s More Than Just About Food: An In-Depth Study of How Low-Income Mothers with Young Children Navigate the Food Environment in Urban Florida
• Specialization: Extension Education
• Committee: Dr. Paul Monaghan, Dr. Sebastian Galindo, Dr. Sarah McKune, Dr. Laura Gonzales

Marisa Crowhurst – MS

• Title: A Branding Guide for house Passport Kennel to Enhance Marketing, Adapt Offerings, and Meet Buyer Needs in the Modern Pet Industry
• Specialization: Agricultural and Natural Resource Communication
• Plans After Graduation: Marisa plans to work in a communications role in the agriculture and natural resources industry, whether it is for a trade organization, non-profit, etc.
• Committee: Dr. Lisa Lundy, Dr. Jaime Loizzo

Caitlin Walker – MS

• Title: A Network Analysis of Co-Authorship Among AEC Faculty
• Committee: Dr. Sebastian Galindo

We are incredibly proud of these students and their contributions to the field of agricultural education and communication. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their respective fields. Congratulations to all!

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