Welcome to the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County office – we’re excited to serve this community and its people! Check out our six Extension Agents to learn more about what they do and why they do it!

 

Dr. Cindy Sanders

County Extension Director & Livestock Extension Agent IV

How did you become an Extension Agent?

My grandfather was an Extension Agent in Florida in Highlands County in the 1940’s. I was approached about an open position and thought I would give it a try. 23 years later, here I am.

Her favorite topic to teach is:

Beef Cattle Reproduction

Did you know?

1. Beef cattle, like humans, have about a 9 month pregnancy.
2. Artificial Insemination and embryo technology is also used in beef cattle, as well as sexing embryos.
3. Reproduction is one of the most important aspects of Beef Cattle Production – every year, approximately 200,000 yearling heifers will join the Floridian breeding herd.

 

Dr. Kevin Korus

Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agent III

How did you become an Extension Agent?

My journey into Extension started in Nebraska. My master’s degree had an Extension focus where I learned how to write and teach to a diverse audience. I fell in love with teaching and making a positive impact on the agricultural community.

His favorite topic to teach is:

Plant diseases and how to identify and treat sick plants

Did you know?

1. There are three key components to plant disease development, a) a susceptible host, b) a plant pathogen, and c) a favorable environment. These 3 components make up the Disease Triangle.
2. There are 5 major groups of plant pathogens: Fungi, Water molds, Bacteria, Viruses, and Phytoplasmas.
3. The man who wrote the book on Plant Pathology, Dr. George Agrios, was a professor at the University of Florida.

 

Dr. Tatiana Sanchez-Jones

Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent III

How did you become an Extension Agent?

During my postdoc in plant pathology, I was doing research on local watermelon farms and enjoyed the dynamic between the farmers, science, and agriculture. Since we grow so much of this crop in Alachua County, it was a natural transition!

Her favorite topics to teach are:

Plant pathology, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, and honey bee biology

Did you know?

1. Growing watermelons requires a lot of land because a soilborne fungal pathogen prevents growers from reusing the same fields in consecutive seasons, necessitating the rotation of watermelon fields for at least 5 years.
2. Trees can increase resale home values between $1,000 and $10,000 depending on their location, size and health.
3. Worker honey bees can lay eggs, however, their eggs will all be drones!

 

Dr. Cynthia Nazario-Leary

Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent II

How did you become an Extension Agent?

After pursuing my degrees at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa, I began working in Extension as an urban horticulture agent and Master Gardener volunteer coordinator in Maui County. After 20 years in Hawaiʻi, I moved to Gainesville, FL in 2019.

Her favorite topic to teach is:

Native plants and pollinators

Did you know?

1. Florida is home to a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and even bats. These pollinators play a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping plants reproduce and ensuring biodiversity.
2. Native plants, such as the Florida tickseed (Coreopsis floridana) and the Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. They require less water and fewer pesticides, making them environmentally friendly choices for landscaping.
3. Many native plants have evolved alongside their pollinators, creating mutually beneficial relationships. For example, the passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is specifically adapted to attract Gulf fritillary butterflies, which lay their eggs on the plant. The caterpillars then feed on the leaves, while the adult butterflies pollinate the flowers.

 

Martha Maddox

Family & Consumer Science Extension Agent IV

How did you become an Extension Agent?

I grew up in 4-H and knew I wanted to teach and help others. My Extension Agents, State 4-H Leader and Dean of Extension were great mentors. They invited me to Extension Day at the University of Arkansas and encouraged me to pursue Extension.

Her favorite topics to teach are:

Nutrition, food safety, and table etiquette & manners

Did you know?

1. When in doubt, throw it out!
2. Salt is a flavor enhancer which can be substituted with herbs or spices.
3. If you sit down at a table and are not really sure which utensil to use, start from the outside in.  This means using the utensil furthest from your plate is used first for each course. Forks are placed on the left of the plate and knives and spoons are on the right with the blade of the knife facing towards the plate.

 

Mary Lee Sale

4-H Youth Development Extension Agent II

How did you become an Extension Agent?

I majored in Family, Youth, & Community Science at the University of Florida, and I knew I wanted to teach others about youth development. As a 4-H alum, I knew it would be the perfect fit!

Her favorite topics to teach are:

Volunteer development and leadership skills for youth

Did you know?

1. When using Parliamentary Procedure, the President doesn’t get a vote unless there is a tie.
2. One popular tip for public speaking is to have bullet points on your note cards rather than your whole speech. That way, you don’t end up just reading your notes. This method takes lots of practice!
3. There are five different types of youth-adult partnerships ranging from adult-centered leadership to youth-centered leadership. 4-H clubs usually fall under the “youth-led collaboration” category since youth are leading their club meetings with only a little bit of input from the adults.