Epsilon Sigma Phi - 2026 Member Presentations

Discussions Calendar

Donate

Home

Home
2026 Member Presentations

2026 ESP National Conference

Join us in Springfield, IL October 12-15, 2026

Accepted Presentations

Concurrent Sessions

Posters

Concurrent Sessions I, II and III

Tuesday, October 13th

Title: The Mindful Leader: Cultivating Leadership through Awareness and Presence

A presentation on mindful leadership that addresses supervision challenges and introduces five key traits—self‑awareness, compassion, communication, emotional regulation, and presence. It links these traits to practical behaviors and uses reflection and SMART goals to strengthen leadership.

Lead Presenter: Callie Nelson, Assistant Director for Field Operations, Alabama – Alpha Pi (Southern)

Time & Location: 11:30 am - 12:25 pm, Ottawa A

Title: Lost in Translation? Prioritizing Linguistic Needs to Strengthen Community Engagement

This workshop will equip Extension professionals with practical, dialect‑aware strategies to improve Spanish language access. Through hands‑on activities and decision‑making tools, participants will assess current practices, identify challenges, and develop actionable steps to strengthen inclusive, community‑responsive communication.

Lead Presenter: Claudia Gil-Arroyo, County Agent III, New Jersey – Alpha Xi (Northeast)

Co Presenters: Ricardo Kairios

Time & Location: 11:30 am - 12:25 pm, Ottawa B

Title: Adding the “Why”: Focus Groups for Deeper Program Insights

What do your participants really think? This session introduces a quick, powerful focus group method that reveals motivations, needs, and barriers beyond survey data. Gain simple tools to boost engagement, equity, and impact across every Extension program.

Lead Presenter: Marie Witzel, Positive Youth Development, Wisconsin – Alpha Sigma (North Central)

Co Presenters: Christa Van Treeck

Time & Location: 11:30 am - 12:25 pm, Freeport Room A

Title: Engaging Older Adults Through Movement: Tai Chi for Health and Social Well-Being

Older adults face high fall and pain risks. Evidence shows Dr. Paul Lam’s Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention reduces falls, improves balance, and eases arthritis pain. This session shares research and programming outcomes from 16 programs in 8 counties and offers a guided tai chi experience.

Lead Presenter: Sara Attig, Extension Educator, Illinois – Alpha Nu (North Central)

Co Presenter: Emily Harmon, Tessa Hobbs-Curley, and Robin Ridgley

Time & Location: 11:30 am - 12:25 pm, Freeport Room B

Title: Beyond the Trip: Building Leadership Capacity Through Global Professional Development

Explore how international professional development expands leadership capacity and strengthens local programming. Through stories, early data, and practical guidance, this session equips chapters with actionable strategies to design, launch, and sustain meaningful global engagement experiences locally and beyond.

Lead Presenter: Amber Otis, Food, Families, and Communities Educator, Pennsylvania – Alpha Omicron (Northeast)

Co Presenters: Kristi Carpenter, Steve Brady and Megan Slater

Time & Location: 11:30 am - 12:25 pm, Freeport Room C

Title: Beyond the Inbox: Strengthening Connectivity and Documenting Impact through Digital Inquiry Management

Move beyond individualized inboxes to a centralized digital model that utilizes organized workflows and response templates to meet client needs and program outcomes, identify trends and foster team collaboration. Data on client connection and actions and a replicable framework and tools will be included.

Lead Presenter: Kaitlin Davis, Agriculture Outreach Specialist, Wisconsin – Alpha Sigma (North Central)

Co Presenter: Peggy Damann

Time & Location: 11:30 am - 12:25 pm, Gov. Altgeld Suite

Title: Public Health–Public Safety Partnerships to Prevent Youth Substance Use: A Replicable Extension Model

High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas face rising overdose rates and youth substance use, especially in rural communities with limited resources. This session highlights partnerships engaging youth in workforce skill development and prevention to strengthen protective factors and reduce risk.

Lead Presenter: Barbara Brody, Professor of Practice, Oregon – Gamma (Western)

Time & Location: 11:30 am - 12:25 pm, Gov. Bond Suite

Title: Feedback that Builds Capacity in Extension: Practical Tools for Coaching Conversations

Effective feedback strengthens collaboration, performance, and team culture. This interactive session equips Extension professionals with practical feedback frameworks and introduces the Performance Feedback Coaching Model to help guide coaching conversations that support growth with colleagues, teams, and volunteers.

Lead Presenter: Tearney Woodruff, Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist, Texas – Alpha Zeta (Southern)

Co Presenter: Hannah Gerken

Time & Location: 2:05 pm - 3:00 pm, Ottawa A

Title: Nonprofit Essentials for Leading Extension Programs

This session explores how nonprofit principles can strengthen Extension programming and leadership. Participants will gain a better understanding of key nonprofit concepts, including mission alignment, stakeholder engagement, and organizational sustainability, and how these ideas apply to Extension work.

Lead Presenter: Karen Henry, 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent, Florida – Alpha Delta (Southern)

Co Presenters: Dale Pracht and Jessica Sprain

Time & Location: 2:05 pm - 3:00 pm, Ottawa B

Title: Beyond Awareness: Creating Access and Action for ALL in Extension

Move beyond awareness to action. This session helps Extension professionals better understand disabilities through experiential activities and discussion while exploring practical strategies to create accessible, inclusive programs that expand participation and opportunity across Extension audiences.

Lead Presenter: Sonja Jones, CEC/4-H Agent, Georgia – Alpha Beta (Southern)

Time & Location: 2:05 pm - 3:00 pm, Freeport Room A

Title: Turning Data into Action: A Strategy-Focused Council Collaboration Abstract

Learn how county extension councils translate data into action by identifying key issues, aligning programs with local needs, and creating community driven plans to guide impactful programming.

Lead Presenter: Randa Doty, Extension Agent, Extension Engagement Specialist, Missouri – Alpha Tau (North Central)

Co Presenter: Chelsea Corkins and Jennifer Osborne

Time & Location: 2:05 pm - 3:00 pm, Freeport Room B

Title: Lessons Learned Through Extension Scholars of Practice: Practical Insights for Extension Professionals

Extension Scholars of Practice shares practical lessons gained through a professional learning community that strengthened leadership, research confidence, and workplace belonging. Gain ready-to-use strategies to improve individual communication, collaboration, and professional growth - and learn how to bring this model to your chapter.

Lead Presenter: Jamie Mullins, Associate Professor/ 4-HYD Extension Agent, West Virginia - Phi (Northeast)

Co Presenter: Mollie Toppe, and Leslie Woodrum

Time & Location: 2:05 pm - 3:00 pm, Freeport Room C

Title: Navigating Evolving Technologies: Decide (vs. Slide) with Digi_Life Strategies

Support communities in making thoughtful technology choices with Digi_Life. Learn practical, adaptable strategies that help people “decide, not slide” as they navigate digital life. This is applicable across youth, family, agricultural, and community Extension programs.

Lead Presenter: Heather Sedges, Professor & State Human Development Specialist, Tennessee - Omega (Southern)

Time & Location: 2:05 pm - 3:00 pm, Gov. Altgeld Suite

Title: Bridging Generations Through Innovation: The 4-H Ag Tech Program

As technological advancements increase within the agriculture sector, many farmers are reluctant to adopt these new advancements. The 4-H’s Ag Tech program empowers youth-adult teams to help farmers learn about emerging precision ag technologies. This session highlights the program’s development and implementation.

Lead Presenter: Cheryl Poppell, District Extension Director, 4-H Youth Development, Georgia – Alpha Beta (Southern)

Co Presenter: Kasey Bozeman and Jason Edenfield

Time & Location: 2:05 pm - 3:00 pm, Gov. Bond Suite

Title: Strengthening Extension at the Local Level: Strategies for Working with County Commissioners, Councils, and Office Staff

Strong local partnerships and effective governance are essential to Extension’s success. This session shares practical strategies for engaging county commissioners, strengthening Extension councils, and supporting office staff. Participants will gain replicable tools to improve communication, build trust with local leaders.

Lead Presenter: Mikayla Neil, Extension and Engagement Specialist, Missouri – Alpha Tau (North Central)

Co Presenter: Elaine Anderson

Time & Location: 4:00 pm - 4:55 pm, Ottawa A

Title: Move to Connect: Training Extension Professionals to Lead Arts-Based Social Connection Programs

Move to Connect is a research-informed, arts-based program that strengthens social connection and mental well-being. This session introduces a train-the-trainer curriculum teaching Extension professionals to lead movement-based sessions using videos, lesson plans, and tools to reduce isolation.

Lead Presenter: Amy Kostelic, University of Kentucky, Kentucky - Alpha Kappa (Southern)

Co Presenter: Susie Thiel

Time & Location: 4:00 pm - 4:55 pm, Ottawa B

Title: What's Possible? Question Thinking for Better Outcomes

Are "Judger" questions holding you back? Master the Choice Map™ to pivot from "What’s wrong?" to "What’s possible?" This interactive session equips Extension professionals with Question Thinking™ tools to tame the internal critic, build win-win relationships, and drive positive social change in any academic field.

Lead Presenter: Luisa Gerasimo, Human Development and Relationships Educator, Wisconsin – Alpha Sigma (North Central)

Time & Location: 4:00 pm - 4:55 pm, Freeport Room A

Title: Driving Positive Energy in Extension Teams

Driving Positive Energy in Extension Teams applies lessons from The Energy Bus to strengthen morale, teamwork, and purpose. Participants will explore practical strategies to address negativity, build resilience, and align personal energy with organizational mission, leaving with actionable tools to energize colleagues.

Lead Presenter: Joddee Jacobsen, Community, Vitality, and Health Educator, Member at Large

Co Presenters: Gretchen Gasvoda and Roubie Younkin

Time & Location: 4:00 pm - 4:55 pm, Freeport Room B

Title: Multimedia Engagement - The Everyday Environment Project

In the age of doomscrolling, lower news media consumption, and short attention spans, how can Extension connect with audiences? Bridge the gap and meet your audience where they are! Everyday Environment is a multimedia seasonal series of blogs, podcasts, social media videos, webinars, and email newsletters that explores our human connection in the natural world.

Lead Presenter: Emily Steele, Media Communications Manager, Illinois – Alpha Nu (North Central)

Co Presenters: Abigail Garofalo

Time & Location: 4:00 pm - 4:55 pm, Freeport Room C

Title: Building authentic connections that inspire trust, engage teams, and achieve goals

Establish trust by building strong team connections that drive engagement, retention, and productivity. Early relationship building fosters cohesion, commitment, and psychological safety (Lazcarena et al., 2018). Learn research-based practical strategies to build high-performing teams in both in-person and virtual settings.

Lead Presenter: Lisa Peterson, Food and Nutrition Educator, Illinois – Alpha Nu (North Central)

Co Presenter: Carrie Elsen

Time & Location: 4:00 pm - 4:55 pm, Gov. Altgeld Suite

Title: Leading our future: Building the next generation of public service leaders

A postgraduate public service placement program prepares the next generation of leaders through structured partnerships with public agencies and legislative offices. This session shares evaluation findings, best practices, and a replicable model grounded in authentic leadership, equity, and cross-sector collaboration.

Lead Presenter: Dr. Vanna Pianfetti, Outreach Associate, Government Affairs, Illinois – Alpha Nu (North Central)

Co Presenter: Dr. Shelly Nickols-Richardson and Bobbie Lewis-Sibley

Time & Location: 4:00 pm - 4:55 pm, Gov. Bond Suite

Concurrent Sessions IV, V and VI

Wednesday, October 14th

Title: The Ripple Effect of Mentorship: Strengthening Extension and Community through Meaningful Connections

Explore how mentorship creates a ripple effect across Extension and community settings. Hear real stories from mentors and mentees and discover strategies to build a culture of meaningful connections. Gain practical ideas to strengthen growth, collaboration, and community engagement through intentional mentoring.

Lead Presenter: Maria Calvert, Field Specialist in Human Development and Family Science, Missouri – Alpha Tau (North Central)

Co Presenter: Amber Allen, Jessica Trussell and Kristin Miller

Time & Location: 11:15 am - 12:10 pm, Ottawa A

Title: Belonging At Work: How Social Wellbeing Strengthens Extension

The concurrent session explores how declining social connection affects Extension professionals and how Self Determination Theory and the Working Out Loud program strengthen motivation, belonging, and collaboration. Participants will examine the 8 C’s and strategies for thriving across Extension disciplines.

Lead Presenter: Barbara Dunn Swanson, Health and Human Sciences Educator, Iowa – Alpha Mu (North Central)

Time & Location: 11:15 am - 12:10 pm, Ottawa B

Title: No Survey? No Problem! Authentic Strategies for Measuring Impact

Explore authentic, survey-free assessment strategies Extension professionals can use to document learning, skill development, and program impact without relying on post-program survey.

Lead Presenter: Emma Gardner, CSTE Specialist, West Virginia - Phi (Northeast)

Time & Location: 11:15 am - 12:10 pm, Freeport Room A

Title: Oh Deer! Addressing Food Insecurity in Rural Communities through Deer Donation

Hunters Feeding STATE connects hunters, meat processors, and food pantries to increase nutrition security by providing donated venison to families in need. The program not only helps reduce food insecurity but also supports community partnerships among hunters, processors, and hunger-relief organizations.

Lead Presenter: Michelle , Extension Educator, Illinois – Alpha Nu (North Central)Fombelle

Co Presenter: Meredith Probst

Time & Location: 11:15 am - 12:10 pm, Freeport Room B

Title: Scaling Extension Programs: Why Systems Matter More Than Staffing

Most conversations about program growth start with hiring more staff or recruiting more volunteers. But scaling Extension programs often depends more on systems than staffing. This session explores the conditions that allow programs to expand reach while maintaining quality.

Lead Presenter: Stacey Ellison, State 4-H Program Leader, Florida – Alpha Delta (Southern)

Time & Location: 11:15 am - 12:10 pm, Freeport Room C

Title: Leading Through Change: Extension Education in an AI World

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we create, share, and access information. How can Extension professionals lead with confidence in this new landscape? Explore practical ways to use AI for programming, outreach, and reporting while maintaining the trust and integrity of research-based education.

Lead Presenter: Lori Greiner, Assistant Director for VCE Publishing, Virginia – Alpha Gamma (Southern)

Co Presenters: David Warren

Time & Location: 11:15 am - 12:10 pm, Gov. Altgeld Suite

Title: Seeing is Believing: Engaging Middle Schoolers with Hands-On Ag-Science

Learn how we bring agriculture to life for middle school students! Join us for a hands-on look at this four-lesson program, "Seeing is Believing". We’ll share our results and give you the tools to replicate these engaging, practical lessons in your own community.

Lead Presenter: Barbara Little, 4-H Agent for Raleigh County, West Virginia - Phi (Northeast)

Co Presenter: Kayla Boerboom

Time & Location: 11:15 am - 12:10 pm, Gov. Bond Suite

Title: “All you need to know about engaging with your elected officials”

This session provides Cooperative Extension personnel with education, framework, and resources to successfully engage with local, state, and federal government. Building and expanding government relationships improves programmatic success, outreach, and funding opportunities and is an essential tool for Extension members.

Lead Presenter: Carl Baker, Assistant Director of Government Relations, Illinois – Alpha Nu (North Central)

Co Presenter: Evangeline Pianfetti and Sami Pierce

Time & Location: 1:45 pm - 2:40 pm, Ottawa A

Title: Why Extension Needs Entrepreneurs: Applying Entrepreneurial Thinking to Your Work as an Extension Agent

The needs of communities are increasingly complex and the work required to tackle those needs is changing. This presentation explores how adopting an entrepreneurial mindset can help Extension professionals respond to these increasingly complex needs by increasing their resilience and ability to see their work through.

Lead Presenter: Sarah Traub, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Extension, Missouri – Alpha Tau (North Central)

Co Presenter: Robert Russell, Ashley Allen-Brown

Time & Location: 1:45 pm - 2:40 pm, Ottawa B

Title: From Burnout to Belonging: Research-Informed Strategies to Strengthen Professional Fulfillment, Psychological Capital, and Faculty Self-Efficacy

This session integrates findings from three research studies to demonstrate how individual, interpersonal, and organizational strategies can reduce burnout and strengthen professional fulfillment, psychological capital, and faculty self-efficacy.

Lead Presenter: Amber Allen, Field Specialist in Human Development and Family Science, Missouri – Alpha Tau (North Central)

Co Presenters: Jessica Trussell, Kristin Miller

Time & Location: 1:45 pm - 2:40 pm, Freeport Room A

Title: Many Hands Working Towards a Change: Youth Health and Wellness Ambassadors, A Peer-Led Approach to Community Well-Being

This session highlights a youth Health and Wellness Ambassador model that builds leadership while promoting nutrition, physical activity, and well-being through peer education, experiential learning, and community engagement.

Lead Presenter: Christina Garner, Georgia 4-H, Georgia - Alpha Beta (Southern)

Time & Location: 1:45 pm - 2:40 pm, Freeport Room B

Title: From Insight to Investment: Communicating Program Impact Through Story + Data

From Insight to Investment: Communicating Program Impact Through Story + Data is an interactive session in which Extension professionals clarify and communicate the impact of their own programs. Participants connect outcomes and data into clear narratives they can immediately use with stakeholders and partners.

Lead Presenter: Ashley Allen-Brown, Regional Economic Development Specialist, Missouri - Alpha Tau (North Central)

Time & Location: 1:45 pm - 2:40 pm, Freeport Room C

Title: From Outreach to Online: Integrating Learning Management Systems in Extension Programming

Explore how Learning Management Systems can transform Extension programming. Learn practical strategies for creating engaging, scalable online and hybrid educational programs that expand reach, improve learning outcomes, and strengthen community education.

Lead Presenter: Troy Anderson, Extension Agent, Maryland - Tau (Northeast)

Time & Location: 1:45 pm - 2:40 pm, Gov. Altgeld Suite

Title: Creative Placemaking and Community Resilience: An Extension Model for Protecting Local Cultural Assets

This workshop situates learning theory within an Extension program delivery framework to strengthen experiential learning, improve leadership and team success, and strengthen program outcomes. Assessments will be introduced and discussed as tools for personal and professional development.

Lead Presenter: Anne Stephens, Extension Agent for Community Arts, Kentucky – Alpha Kappa (Southern)

Time & Location: 1:45 pm - 2:40 pm, Gov. Bond Suite

Ignite Presentations

Time & Location: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm, Presidential Ballroom

Title: Strengthening Team Dynamics: Parsing the differences between belonging and fitting in

An evidence-based productivity tool was used to bridge the knowledge gap of an Extension team through a series of experiential exercises. The exercises resulted in an increased capacity for the team to develop strategies that supports a culture which increases capacity for team success.

Lead Presenter: Marguerite Beckford, County Extension Director, Florida – Alpha Delta (Southern)

Title: Navigating Disabilities in Extension

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively support individuals with disabilities in Extension/4-H. Objectives are for viewers to learn common disabilities, principles of inclusion & respect, supporting strategies, research-based information, & examples of successful programs for all youth.

Lead Presenter: Sonya Jones, CEC/ 4-H Agent, Georgia – Alpha Beta (Southern)

Title: Strengthening Engagement Through Dialect‑Aware Communication

This presentation presents an evidence informed resource for prioritizing linguistic needs to improve community engagement and service access. Using dialect aware strategies, it offers practical tools, decision guides, and checklists that support culturally responsive communication across diverse outreach and education settings.

Lead Presenter: Claudia Gil Arroyo, ANR County Agent III, New Jersey – Alpha Xi (Northeast)

Co Presenter: Ricardo Kairios

Title: Leadership Lessons: Extension Programming with Labor Organizations

Extension professionals across program areas often engage with complex workforce, community, and organizational issues. This program highlights a partnership with multiple labor organizations to build workforce capacity, promote leadership development, and strengthen organizational effectiveness.

Lead Presenter: Tony Michael, West Virginia - Phi (Northeast)

Co Presenter: Dennis Scott

Research Presentations

Date & Location: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Gov. Yates Suite

Title: Empowering 4-H Professionals in the Classroom: A Model for LGUs Wanting to Bridge Research and Practice

This session shares the development and impact of the 4-H In-School Delivery Training Institute, a program designed to boost the instructional capacity of 4-H personnel teaching in schools. Research findings, training models, evaluation results, and practical strategies to strengthen effectiveness will be presented.

Lead Presenter: Kasey Bozeman, Extension 4-H Specialist, Georgia – Alpha Beta (Southern)

Co Presenter: Ashley Carroll, Christina Garner and Kelle Ashley

Time: 11:30 am - 11:55 pm

Title: Beyond the Barn: Investigating Youth Motivation, Work-Readiness, and Financial Literacy in Livestock Programs

What truly happens "Beyond the Barn"? Explore findings from a "STATE" study of 62 youth exhibitors revealing how livestock projects build more than just agricultural skills. Discover how these programs cultivate resilience, real-world financial literacy, and career-ready skills that last a lifetime.

Lead Presenter: Julia Bolen, Extension Instructor, West Virginia - Phi (Northeast)

Co Presenter: Jamie Mullins

Time: 12:00 pm - 12:25 pm

Title: Motivation and Well-being: A Study of STATE Extension Volunteers

This presentation will discuss the study's findings, implications for volunteer recruitment and retention, and strategies to foster volunteer well-being and engagement. Join me to explore how STATE Extension is leveraging volunteerism to build resilient communities and improve lives across STATE.

Lead Presenter: Amber Goff, Family and Community Development Extension Agent/Assistant Professor, West Virginia - Phi (Northeast)

Time: 2:05 pm - 2:30 pm

Title: Engaging Extension Volunteers for Meaningful Program Impact: A Qualitative Study

Extension programs rely on volunteers across many program areas. This session shares research from three programs using a program-independent evaluation approach focused on wellbeing and motivation. Participants will gain practical strategies to strengthen volunteer-led programs and better communicate Extension impact.

Lead Presenter: Heather VonDielingen, Juntos 4-H Specialist, Indiana - alpha Lambda (North Central)

Time: 2:35 pm - 3:00 pm

Title: EXPANDing Professional Development in the North Central Region…and Beyond!

EXPAND is a professional development experience that caters to the unique programmatic needs of seasoned Extension professionals; it provides Extension professionals with tangible competency training and development around crucial topics while also providing opportunities to network and apply learning in real time.

Lead Presenter: Matt Hanson, Wisconsin – Alpha Sigma (North Central)

Co Presenter: Amber Shanahan and Karl Martin

Time: 4:00 pm - 4:25 pm

Title: Unlocking Impact: Virtual Escape Rooms as a Strategy for Engagement and Skill Development

This interactive session explores virtual escape rooms as innovative tools for delivering content across Extension program areas. Participants will experience a sample room, learn facilitation best practices, align puzzles with objectives, and access templates to replicate and adapt the strategy for diverse audiences.

Lead Presenter: Mandi Dolan, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, Virginia – Alpha Gamma (Southern)

Co Presenter: Marc Cournoyer

Time: 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Posters

Location of all posters: Lincoln Room

Title: Good Grief: Dealing with Death and Critical Illness

Although death and dying is a natural human process, many people are unprepared for these challenging events. This poster details a lesson initially developed for community groups exploring best practices for navigating both emotional and practical considerations during difficult times.

Lead Presenter: Tony Michael, Director and Professor, West Virginia - Phi (Northeast)

Co Presenter: Denis Scott

Title: Building Bridges with Natural Dyes: An Extension Case Study of Collaboration Between Horticulture and Home and Community

Horticulture and Home and Community Extension faculty partnered to bring natural dye plant programming to the annual Clothing and Textile Training. Over three classes, 100 participants were reached, demonstrating cross-department collaboration as a scalable Extension model.

Lead Presenter: Wesley Crump, Extension Assistant Professor, Utah - Iota (West)

Co Presenters: Patricia Mathis

Title: Advancing Careers in Agriculture & STEM (ACAS): Teen Agri-Science Internship program with LGU 1 and LGU 2

The ACAS Teen Agri‑Science Internship is an experiential college & career readiness program that builds youth interpersonal skills and exposes them to agriculture and STEM pathways. The model reduces barriers, strengthens leadership, and opens opportunities through partnerships with Extension, LGUs, industry, and community.

Lead Presenter: Kristen Cowan, 4-H Agent, New Jersey – Alpha Xi (Northeast)

Co Presenters: Jenna Jones

Title: Embracing the 360 Review Process for Personal and Professional Growth

Leadership is a constant journey of growth and self-reflection. The 360-review process is a structured system where leaders can gather feedback and better understand their leadership potential through both self-assessments and peer-led reviews. Come learn more about this process and its benefits in leadership development.

Lead Presenter: Sara Marten, County Director, Illinois – Alpha Nu (North Central)

Title: Research Ready: Growing the Next Generation of Youth Scholars

Are you Research Ready? Learn about a youth program that opened access to research through a One Health lens supporting teens in building STEM identity and workforce skills. Participants developed a unique research question and completed a project with support from peers, faculty, LGU researchers, and community partners.

Lead Presenter: Sharon Toth, 4-H Agent, New Jersey – Alpha Xi (Northeast)

Co Presenters: Kirsten Cowan

Title: Growing a Beyond Ready Generation: From Career Exploration to Workforce Preparation

Poster highlights workforce readiness workshops for teens that increased career awareness, professional skills, and confidence. Evaluation results and youth reflections demonstrate program impact and offer adaptable strategies for preparing young people for future employment success.

Lead Presenter: Ashley Carroll, Extension 4-H Specialist: Youth Development and Curriculum, Georgia – Alpha Beta (Southern)

Co Presenter: Jackie Nunn, Abbie Salmon and Christina Garner

Title: Five Years of Progress: Women Increasing Skills and Education (WISE)with Virginia Cattle and Equipment

Women in Ag play a significant role on farm operations. Female Virginia Cooperative Extension ANR Agents developed hands-on series of animal and farm equipment topics for farm women in a safe, friendly, environment. The program name is WISE (Women Increasing Skills and Education) and were coined CATTLE and EQUIPMENT.

Lead Presenter: Cynthia Gregg, Extension Agent, ANR, Virginia – Alpha Gamma (Southern)

Title: 4-H Afterschool STEM Programs: Building Beyond Ready Skills Among Rural Youth

4-H Afterschool STEM programs expand hands-on STEM learning for rural youth through virtual reality, coding, and engineering challenges. Evaluation findings show increased STEM interest, problem-solving confidence, and collaboration, demonstrating how interdisciplinary Extension partnerships build Beyond Ready skills.

Lead Presenter: Shannon Cromwell, Extension Professor, Utah - Iota (West)

Co Presenter: Elizabeth Davis

Title: Family STEAM Night: Connecting Family STEAM Learning to Career Pathways

Family STEAM Night is an Extension-led program expanding access to hands on STEAM learning for rural families through monthly take home activities and a community Mini STEAM Fest, strengthening family connection, curiosity, and awareness of future education and career opportunities.

Lead Presenter: Christina Pay, Extension Associate Professor, Utah - Iota (West)

Title: Your Money, Your Future: Revamping a Financial Literacy Curriculum for Middle School Youth

Middle school youth often lack opportunities to develop financial literacy skills. This poster highlights Your Money, Your Future, a revamped curriculum designed as two four-lesson programs that teach budgeting, saving, and consumer decision-making. The program is designed for easy replication in youth programs.

Lead Presenter: Christina Garner, Georgia 4-H Health and Wellness, Georgia – Alpha Beta (Southern)

Co Presenter: Ashley Carroll, Jakyn Tyson and Kris Peavy

Title: Using eDNA to Detect Invasive Carp

This project used environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect invasive carp in aquatic ecosystems. Curriculum for middle and high school students was piloted and evaluated with 19 groups (~400 participants). Methods, impacts, and replicability will be shared.

Lead Presenter: Amy Workman, Director, Wisconsin – Alpha Sigma (North Central)

Title: Leveraging Extension Expertise to Build Library-Based Community Resources

Extension professionals partnered with a rural library to expand access to community education through themed bookbag kits and curated book club lists. These resources promote awareness, reflection, and dialogue around challenges and well-being. Launched in 2025, the model shows a replicable approach for rural communities.

Lead Presenter: Maria Calvert, Field Specialist in Human Development and Family Science, Missouri – Alpha Tau (North Central)

Title: How One Chapter Used a Learning Community to Create Belonging in Extension

A year-long, cohort-based model with monthly book and journal discussions to strengthen leadership, research literacy, and professional growth. Participants gained confidence, applied learning to practice, and built cross-disciplinary connections, fostering engagement and belonging.

Lead Presenter: Jamie Mullins, Associate Professor/4-HYD Agent, West Virginia - Phi (Northeast)

Co Presenter: Alex Mathias and Zach White

Title: The Long-Term Impact of Informal STEM Service Learning on College Student Skill Development and Career Pathways

This session shares new research showing how informal STEM service learning shapes college students’ long-term practical, interpersonal, civic, and personal responsibility skills, as well as their academic and career pathways. Participants learn actionable ways to strengthen similar Extension programs.

Lead Presenter: Emma Gardner, CSTE Specialist, West Virginia - Phi (Northeast)

Title: From Club to Certification: Building a Rural Drone Workforce Pipeline Through School–Extension Partnerships

Explore how a rural Extension–school partnership built a “club-to-certification” drone pathway connecting youth to FAA Remote Pilot training, AI literacy, and emerging technology careers. This model offers a scalable approach for workforce-ready STEM learning and technology career exploration in rural communities.

Lead Presenter: Meghan Thoreau, Extension Educator, Ohio – Alpha Eta (North Central)

Title: Stronger Together: 4-H Expands Opportunities for Youth with Special Needs

4-H partnered with the Center for Special Needs to co-design inclusive, sensory-friendly programs. By leveraging Extension expertise and community trust, the collaboration expanded life skills education, youth leadership, and meaningful inclusion for youth with special needs.

Lead Presenter: Jennifer Bowen, Senior Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, Virginia – Alpha Gamma (Southern)

Co Presenters: Malyka Walton

Title: Strengthening Engagement Through Dialect‑Aware Communication

This poster presents an evidence informed resource for prioritizing linguistic needs to improve community engagement and service access. Using dialect aware strategies, it offers practical tools, decision guides, and checklists that support culturally responsive communication across diverse outreach and education settings.

Lead Presenter: Claudia Gil Arroyo, ANR County Agent III, New Jersey - Alpha Xi (Northeast)

Co Presenters: Ricardo Kairios

Title: Leadership Lessons: Extension Programming with Labor Organizations

Lead Presenter: Denis Scott, Extension Professor and Specialist, West Virginia - Phi (Northeast)

Co Presenters: Tony Michael

Title: Sustainable Beekeeping: Equipping Newbies with Tools for Success

The Beekeeper School has been a staple for many years. As the average age of a beekeeper in the U.S. climbs, there is a need to get more young people involved in the pursuit. Thus, a “Getting Started” series targeting new keepers began to be offered at the event. The results of the survey will be shared for others to use.

Lead Presenter: Amanda Bennett, Extension Educator, Ohio - Alpha Eta (North Central)

Co Presenters: Gregory Meyer, Trevor Corboy and Gigi Neal

Title: Navigating Disabilities in Extension

Lead Presenter: Sonya Jones, CEC/ 4-H Agent, Georgia - Alpha Beta (Southern)

Co Presenters: Opportunity for All Committee

Join us in Springfield, IL October 12-15, 2026

Accepted Presentations

Concurrent Sessions

Tuesday Wednesday

Ignite Presentations

Research Presentations

Posters

Concurrent Sessions I, II and III

Concurrent Sessions IV, V and VI

Menu

Ignite Presentations

Menu

Research Presentations

Menu

Posters

Menu