{"id":203300,"date":"2023-08-31T08:00:12","date_gmt":"2023-08-31T12:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/?p=203300"},"modified":"2023-09-07T08:30:11","modified_gmt":"2023-09-07T12:30:11","slug":"cahnr-welcomes-new-faculty-members-for-fall-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2023\/08\/cahnr-welcomes-new-faculty-members-for-fall-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"CAHNR Welcomes New Faculty Members for Fall 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UConn\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/cahnr.uconn.edu\/\">College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources<\/a> (CAHNR) has hired many new full-time faculty members. This diverse cohort will bring new expertise and fresh perspectives to CAHNR\u2019s thriving academic community.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOver the last several years, we have seen a sea change within CAHNR faculty due to retirements and new positions,\u201d says Dean and Director Indrajeet Chaubey. \u201cWith this cohort of faculty, we once again welcome innovative scholars, dedicated educators, and committed extension specialists to ensure CAHNR\u2019s impact is felt both within the UConn community and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"563\" height=\"640\" class=\"wp-image-203303 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Bertotti_Extension.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Bertotti_Extension.jpeg 563w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Bertotti_Extension-264x300.jpeg 264w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Bertotti_Extension-369x420.jpeg 369w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 563px) 100vw, 563px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 563px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 563\/640;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Renata Bertotti, Assistant Cooperative Extension Educator, UConn Extension<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bertotti holds a master\u2019s degree in geography from Central Connecticut State University. Bertotti previously worked as an assistant extension educator in land use planning and climate resilience for CAHNR and an adjunct faculty member in the UConn School of Public Policy. She has also worked in town planning in Newington, Meriden, Manchester, Windsor, and Coventry.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" class=\"wp-image-203305 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Boyle_20221029_113432-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Boyle_20221029_113432-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Boyle_20221029_113432-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Boyle_20221029_113432-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Boyle_20221029_113432-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Boyle_20221029_113432-315x420.jpg 315w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Boyle_20221029_113432-499x665.jpg 499w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Boyle_20221029_113432-scaled.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 768px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 768\/1024;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Margaret Boyle, Assistant Professor in Residence, Natural Resources and the Environment<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Boyle\u2019s research, teaching, and service focus on questions of climate change, environmental policy, and governance, with a multidisciplinary lens. Her recent research has focused on understanding how the structure of international agreements and meeting processes for international climate and environmental cooperation can better support outcomes rooted in science, equity, and stakeholders\u2019 aims. Boyle has more than two decades of combined professional and teaching experience. She holds a PhD in geography from Penn State University and previously taught at Colby College.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"818\" height=\"1024\" class=\"wp-image-203306 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Cozens_mgge3-818x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Cozens_mgge3-818x1024.jpg 818w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Cozens_mgge3-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Cozens_mgge3-768x962.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Cozens_mgge3-1226x1536.jpg 1226w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Cozens_mgge3-1635x2048.jpg 1635w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Cozens_mgge3-335x420.jpg 335w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Cozens_mgge3-531x665.jpg 531w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Cozens_mgge3-scaled.jpg 2044w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 818px) 100vw, 818px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 818px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 818\/1024;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Margaret Cozens, Visiting Assistant Extension Educator, UConn Extension<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cozens has eight years of experience as an environmental scientist and educator. She has worked for the Maine Coast Heritage Trust as a community conservation outreach manager and an adjunct natural science lecturer for Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. Cozens has also been an educator and researcher for the Save the Sound initiative and the National Estuaries Research Reserve in North Carolina. Cozens holds a master\u2019s degree in environmental science from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" class=\"wp-image-203307 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DeScenza_1668614826091.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DeScenza_1668614826091.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DeScenza_1668614826091-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DeScenza_1668614826091-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DeScenza_1668614826091-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DeScenza_1668614826091-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DeScenza_1668614826091-100x100.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DeScenza_1668614826091-275x275.jpeg 275w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DeScenza_1668614826091-665x665.jpeg 665w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 800px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 800\/800;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Victoria (Tori) DeScenza, Assistant Professor in Residence, Kinesiology<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DeScenza is a certified Cancer Exercise Trainer. She has both training and research experience in exercise physiology, community programming for clinical populations, and behavioral health promotion interventions. Her research is rooted in theory-based lifestyle interventions in the promotion of health and disease prevention. DeScenza holds a PhD from The Ohio State University in health and exercise science. Before coming to UConn, DeScenza completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of South Carolina where she was engaged in a study on peer coaching for physical activity promotion among breast cancer survivors.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"373\" height=\"400\" class=\"wp-image-204149 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Eason_full-e1598623560745-373x400-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Eason_full-e1598623560745-373x400-1.jpeg 373w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Eason_full-e1598623560745-373x400-1-280x300.jpeg 280w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 373px) 100vw, 373px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 373px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 373\/400;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Christianne Eason, Assistant Professor in Residence, Kinesiology<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eason has served as the president of sport safety and education at the Korey Stringer Institute at UConn. She is the director of the innovATe project, which focuses on increasing athletic training services in secondary schools. Eason received her PhD in sport management from UConn in 2016. Eason has published 73 peer-reviewed articles. She is a certified athletic trainer who has worked clinically in the NCAA Division I, Division III, and secondary school settings. Her research has been supported by funding from the National Football League Foundation and the National Athletic Trainers\u2019 Association Research and Education Foundation.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"608\" height=\"700\" class=\"wp-image-204151 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Fields_Springfield.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Fields_Springfield.jpg 608w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Fields_Springfield-261x300.jpg 261w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Fields_Springfield-365x420.jpg 365w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Fields_Springfield-578x665.jpg 578w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 608px) 100vw, 608px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 608px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 608\/700;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jennifer Fields, Assistant Professor, Nutritional Sciences<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal of Fields\u2019 research is to enhance the health and performance of athletes. Her research involves assessments of nutrition knowledge, body composition, diet quality, and low energy availability in collegiate athletes. She has studied the effects of protein and vitamin D interventions. Before coming to UConn, Fields was an assistant professor in exercise science at Springfield College. Fields holds a PhD in exercise, fitness, and health promotion from George Mason University. She has authored 27 peer-reviewed articles.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" class=\"wp-image-203308 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Fusco_220203b008-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Fusco_220203b008-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Fusco_220203b008-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Fusco_220203b008-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Fusco_220203b008-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Fusco_220203b008-2048x1356.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Fusco_220203b008-630x417.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Fusco_220203b008-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Fusco_220203b008-1004x665.jpg 1004w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/678;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maryann Fusco-Rollins, Assistant Cooperative Extension Educator, UConn Extension<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since 2010, Fusco-Rollins worked as the educational program coordinator for UConn Extension Tolland County 4-H. She is now stepping into her new role in Tolland County. Fusco-Rollins will develop programming focused on healthy lifestyles literacy. Fusco-Rollins earned her bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees in animal science from UConn in 1991 and 2008, respectively. She has served on multiple committees in the College including two CAHNR Strategic Vision Implementation Committees. Fusco-Rollins has worked on nine grant projects.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" class=\"wp-image-203309 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gan_072523-HuijieGanSoilHealth-2b-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gan_072523-HuijieGanSoilHealth-2b-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gan_072523-HuijieGanSoilHealth-2b-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gan_072523-HuijieGanSoilHealth-2b-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gan_072523-HuijieGanSoilHealth-2b-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gan_072523-HuijieGanSoilHealth-2b-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gan_072523-HuijieGanSoilHealth-2b-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gan_072523-HuijieGanSoilHealth-2b-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gan_072523-HuijieGanSoilHealth-2b-998x665.jpg 998w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Huijie Gan, Assistant Research Professor, Plant Science and Landscape Architecture<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gan\u2019s research interests include soil health, agroecology, and biogeochemistry. Gan focuses on understanding three ecological processes that support major soil functions and ecosystem services in agroecosystems: soil carbon and nutrient cycling for soil fertility and soil health; plant-soil interactions and biodiversity for integrated pest and weed management; and the soil-water relationships for developing climate resilient agriculture. Gan previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the UConn Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. Gan holds a PhD in ecology from the University of Michigan. She has authored 13 peer-reviewed publications. She has worked on three funded grant projects.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" class=\"wp-image-203310 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gervasi_230606a026-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gervasi_230606a026-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gervasi_230606a026-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gervasi_230606a026-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gervasi_230606a026-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gervasi_230606a026-2048x1356.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gervasi_230606a026-630x417.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gervasi_230606a026-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gervasi_230606a026-1004x665.jpg 1004w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/678;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maria Gracia Gervasi, Assistant Professor, Animal Science<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gervasi\u2019s research focuses on animal reproduction. She is currently working on a USDA NIFA-funded grant studying the molecular mechanisms by which two novel sperm treatments are beneficial for fertilization and early embryo development in bovine. Her work has implications for the study of both human and animal fertility and reproduction. Gervasi\u2019s domestic and international collaborations have resulted in 34 peer-reviewed publications. Gervasi holds a PhD in reproductive biology from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" class=\"wp-image-204153 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Huggins_P1140325_Rob-1024x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Huggins_P1140325_Rob-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Huggins_P1140325_Rob-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Huggins_P1140325_Rob-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Huggins_P1140325_Rob-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Huggins_P1140325_Rob-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Huggins_P1140325_Rob-2048x2048.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Huggins_P1140325_Rob-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Huggins_P1140325_Rob-100x100.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Huggins_P1140325_Rob-275x275.jpeg 275w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Huggins_P1140325_Rob-665x665.jpeg 665w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/1024;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Robert Huggins, Assistant Professor, Kinesiology<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Huggins\u2019 research focuses on improving athletic training services at the secondary school level, the economic impact of medical services rendered by athletic trainers, heat illness and the assessment of physiological biomarkers, exercise stress, and training load on sport performance. Huggins has authored 61 peer-reviewed publications. His work has been supported by grant funding from agencies including the U.S. Department of Defense and the National Football League. Huggins has served as the president of research and athlete performance and safety at the Korey Stringer Institute at UConn since 2018 and an assistant research professor in the Department of Kinesiology since 2017. He is also a licensed athletic trainer.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" class=\"wp-image-203312 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DSC_0963-edited-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DSC_0963-edited-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DSC_0963-edited-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DSC_0963-edited-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DSC_0963-edited-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DSC_0963-edited-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DSC_0963-edited-996x665.jpg 996w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DSC_0963-edited.jpg 1203w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/684;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bonnie Kegler, Assistant Cooperative Extension Educator, UConn Extension<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kegler recently retired from her position as an agricultural education teacher at Killingly High School where she taught for 28 years. Throughout her career, Kegler has been engaged in leadership and youth development activities. She served as the president of the Connecticut Association for Agricultural Educators, and has held various positions for Tolland County 4-H. Kegler earned her master\u2019s degree in animal science with a concentration in education from UConn in 1988. In UConn Extension, she will be working for UConn 4-H in the Windham County Extension Office.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" class=\"wp-image-203313 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Kodati_LinkedIn-1576940958074.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Kodati_LinkedIn-1576940958074.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Kodati_LinkedIn-1576940958074-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Kodati_LinkedIn-1576940958074-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Kodati_LinkedIn-1576940958074-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Kodati_LinkedIn-1576940958074-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Kodati_LinkedIn-1576940958074-100x100.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Kodati_LinkedIn-1576940958074-275x275.jpeg 275w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Kodati_LinkedIn-1576940958074-665x665.jpeg 665w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 800px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 800\/800;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Srikanth Kodati, Assistant Cooperative Extension Educator, UConn Extension<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kodati will serve as a pesticide safety education and crop protection extension educator. His research interests include the impact of climate change on pathogenicity of fungal pathogens; pesticide efficacy and fungicide resistance; and integrated pest management. He has authored 14 peer-reviewed publications. Kodati previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the UConn Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. Kodati holds a PhD in agronomy and horticulture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" class=\"wp-image-203314 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Lentz_230411a028-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Lentz_230411a028-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Lentz_230411a028-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Lentz_230411a028-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Lentz_230411a028-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Lentz_230411a028-2048x1356.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Lentz_230411a028-630x417.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Lentz_230411a028-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Lentz_230411a028-1004x665.jpg 1004w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/678;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Evan Lentz, Assistant Cooperative Extension Educator, Plant Science and Landscape Architecture<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lentz\u2019s interests include commercial fruit production, integrated pest management, and agricultural technology. He will focus on fruit production and integrated pest management in this Extension position. Lentz\u2019s research combines traditional production, integrated pest management, and precision agricultural technology. Lentz earned his master\u2019s degree in plant science from UConn in 2022. Lentz has worked on three USDA-funded projects.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" class=\"wp-image-203315 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/MacKenzie_230124a046-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/MacKenzie_230124a046-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/MacKenzie_230124a046-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/MacKenzie_230124a046-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/MacKenzie_230124a046-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/MacKenzie_230124a046-2048x1356.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/MacKenzie_230124a046-630x417.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/MacKenzie_230124a046-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/MacKenzie_230124a046-1004x665.jpg 1004w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/678;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Allison MacKenzie, Instructor in Residence, Kinesiology<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MacKenzie has several years of leadership, teaching, and clinical experience. Before coming to UConn, MacKenzie worked as the program coordinator of health and exercise science at Manchester Community College (MCC). In 2015 and 2022, MacKenzie received the Merit Award for Faculty Excellence at MCC. MacKenzie holds an MS in clinical exercise physiology from Northeastern University. Her thesis focused on the prevalence of non-prescription dietary weight loss supplement use in subjects with diabetes mellitus.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"455\" class=\"wp-image-203339 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Maltz_UC-Berkeley-Portraits-2022-32-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Maltz_UC-Berkeley-Portraits-2022-32-1.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Maltz_UC-Berkeley-Portraits-2022-32-1-300x213.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Maltz_UC-Berkeley-Portraits-2022-32-1-591x420.jpeg 591w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/455;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mia Maltz, Assistant Professor, Plant Science and Landscape Architecture<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maltz is a microbial ecologist whose research focuses on ecological restoration, biogeochemistry, and agroecology. Maltz uses a combination of field and lab experiments, molecular tools, and bioinformatics software to uncover how assembly processes affect plant and microbial community structure and ecosystem functioning in managed ecosystems. Maltz received her PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of California Irvine. She was also a President&#8217;s Postdoctoral Fellow in the Division of Biomedical Sciences at UC Riverside.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"951\" height=\"1024\" class=\"wp-image-203316 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/McDowell_EFF039D9-B7AA-4A1B-AFCB-D3C2C8971281-951x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/McDowell_EFF039D9-B7AA-4A1B-AFCB-D3C2C8971281-951x1024.jpeg 951w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/McDowell_EFF039D9-B7AA-4A1B-AFCB-D3C2C8971281-279x300.jpeg 279w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/McDowell_EFF039D9-B7AA-4A1B-AFCB-D3C2C8971281-768x827.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/McDowell_EFF039D9-B7AA-4A1B-AFCB-D3C2C8971281-1427x1536.jpeg 1427w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/McDowell_EFF039D9-B7AA-4A1B-AFCB-D3C2C8971281-1903x2048.jpeg 1903w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/McDowell_EFF039D9-B7AA-4A1B-AFCB-D3C2C8971281-390x420.jpeg 390w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/McDowell_EFF039D9-B7AA-4A1B-AFCB-D3C2C8971281-618x665.jpeg 618w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 951px) 100vw, 951px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 951px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 951\/1024;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Paula Jean Kalksma McDowell, Lecturer 11 month, Allied Health Sciences<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">McDowell has experience teaching and mentoring in both academic and non-profit spaces. McDowell previously worked as the health promotion project coordinator at UConn. Prior to coming to UConn, she worked as the program director of CollegeTracks, a nonprofit organization which helps underrepresented students gain admission to and succeed in college. McDowell holds a master\u2019s degree in health promotion from the University of Delaware. She has published three peer-reviewed articles.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"592\" height=\"592\" class=\"wp-image-203337 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Placido_LinkedIn-1573850324420-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Placido_LinkedIn-1573850324420-1.jpeg 592w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Placido_LinkedIn-1573850324420-1-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Placido_LinkedIn-1573850324420-1-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Placido_LinkedIn-1573850324420-1-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Placido_LinkedIn-1573850324420-1-100x100.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Placido_LinkedIn-1573850324420-1-275x275.jpeg 275w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 592px) 100vw, 592px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 592px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 592\/592;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Owen Placido, Visiting Assistant Extension Educator, UConn Extension<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Placido will be working as an outreach coordinator for the Long Island Sound Study. Before coming to UConn, Placido worked with wastewater pollution from septic systems at the University of Rhode Island\u2019s Onsite Wastewater Resource Center. Placido has experience with community outreach through this position, which involved hosting open houses with the public and engaging the local community at farmer\u2019s markets. Placido holds a master\u2019s degree in biological and environmental sciences from the University of Rhode Island.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" class=\"wp-image-203318 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Qiao_230307a014-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Qiao_230307a014-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Qiao_230307a014-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Qiao_230307a014-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Qiao_230307a014-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Qiao_230307a014-2048x1356.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Qiao_230307a014-630x417.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Qiao_230307a014-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Qiao_230307a014-1004x665.jpg 1004w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/678;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mingyu Qiao, Assistant Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Nutritional Sciences<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Qiao is the founder and chief technology officer of Halomine, Inc., a company that produces a patented antimicrobial surface treatment. Qiao\u2019s research focuses on addressing microbial threats to both human health and animal production. He is especially interested in addressing emerging challenges surrounding antimicrobial resistance. Qiao holds a PhD from Auburn University and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Cornell University before coming to UConn. He has raised more than $9 million in grant funding for his research and company. Qiao holds three patents and has authored 16 peer-reviewed publications.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" class=\"wp-image-203319 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Rosen_230419b010-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Rosen_230419b010-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Rosen_230419b010-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Rosen_230419b010-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Rosen_230419b010-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Rosen_230419b010-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Rosen_230419b010-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Rosen_230419b010-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Rosen_230419b010-998x665.jpg 998w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Aviana Rosen, Assistant Professor in Residence, Allied Health Sciences<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rosen\u2019s research focuses on HIV\/AIDS and mHealth strategies to reach vulnerable populations. She has worked on international collaborations with colleagues in Cuba and Spain. Rosen is currently involved in a study looking at data from the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. and Spain. Rosen recently completed her PhD in allied health sciences at UConn, where she also earned her bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees. She received the CAHNR Excellence in Graduate Student Teaching Award in 2023. She has authored eight peer-reviewed publications.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" class=\"wp-image-203320 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Schechter_LinkedIn-1689262388263.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Schechter_LinkedIn-1689262388263.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Schechter_LinkedIn-1689262388263-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Schechter_LinkedIn-1689262388263-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Schechter_LinkedIn-1689262388263-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Schechter_LinkedIn-1689262388263-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Schechter_LinkedIn-1689262388263-100x100.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Schechter_LinkedIn-1689262388263-275x275.jpeg 275w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Schechter_LinkedIn-1689262388263-665x665.jpeg 665w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 800px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 800\/800;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sarah Schechter, Visiting Assistant Extension Educator, UConn Extension<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sarah Schechter will be working with Connecticut Sea Grant and UConn Extension programs. She will support the Long Island Sound Study\u2019s sustainable and resilient communities goals. Schechter recently completed her master\u2019s of environmental science and management at the University of Rhode Island. She completed a graduate certificate in geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing. She earned her bachelor\u2019s degree in environmental studies and anthropology from UConn in 2021.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" class=\"wp-image-203322 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Smith_Portrait-KB_CAHNR_2023-08-14-a_0003-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Smith_Portrait-KB_CAHNR_2023-08-14-a_0003-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Smith_Portrait-KB_CAHNR_2023-08-14-a_0003-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Smith_Portrait-KB_CAHNR_2023-08-14-a_0003-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Smith_Portrait-KB_CAHNR_2023-08-14-a_0003-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Smith_Portrait-KB_CAHNR_2023-08-14-a_0003-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Smith_Portrait-KB_CAHNR_2023-08-14-a_0003-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Smith_Portrait-KB_CAHNR_2023-08-14-a_0003-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Smith_Portrait-KB_CAHNR_2023-08-14-a_0003-996x665.jpg 996w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/684;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>James Smith, Assistant Professor in Residence, Kinesiology<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smith is a licensed physical therapist who served as the founding director of a physical therapist assistant education program. He has 17 years of experience teaching at Utica College\u2019s physical therapy education program. Smith holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Simmons University. Smith\u2019s expertise is acute care physical therapy. He also has experience with pharmacology, integumentary disorders, and examination and intervention for neuropathology. Smith\u2019s scholarship has focused on critical illness and recovery from critical illness. He has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" class=\"wp-image-203323 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tanaka-Shinsuke-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tanaka-Shinsuke-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tanaka-Shinsuke-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tanaka-Shinsuke-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tanaka-Shinsuke-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tanaka-Shinsuke-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tanaka-Shinsuke-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tanaka-Shinsuke-420x420.jpg 420w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tanaka-Shinsuke-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tanaka-Shinsuke-275x275.jpg 275w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tanaka-Shinsuke-665x665.jpg 665w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/1024;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Shinsuke Tanaka, Assistant Professor, Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tanaka\u2019s research interests include environmental economics, health economics, and development economics. In particular, he is interested in the effects of environmental pollution on human health; evaluations of environmental policies regulating pollution emissions or automobile fuel economy; valuation of environmental risk; and health policies and early childhood health. Before coming to UConn, Tanaka worked as an assistant professor of economics in The Fletcher School at Tufts University. Tanaka has authored eight peer-reviewed publications.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" class=\"wp-image-203324 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tulman_Geary-Lab-ATWR_CAHNR_2021-07-22-c_0001-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tulman_Geary-Lab-ATWR_CAHNR_2021-07-22-c_0001-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tulman_Geary-Lab-ATWR_CAHNR_2021-07-22-c_0001-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tulman_Geary-Lab-ATWR_CAHNR_2021-07-22-c_0001-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tulman_Geary-Lab-ATWR_CAHNR_2021-07-22-c_0001-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tulman_Geary-Lab-ATWR_CAHNR_2021-07-22-c_0001-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tulman_Geary-Lab-ATWR_CAHNR_2021-07-22-c_0001-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tulman_Geary-Lab-ATWR_CAHNR_2021-07-22-c_0001-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Tulman_Geary-Lab-ATWR_CAHNR_2021-07-22-c_0001-998x665.jpg 998w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Edan Tulman, Instructor in Residence, Pathobiology and Veterinary Science<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tulman has 25 years of research experience in academic and governmental positions. Tulman studies topics including viral and bacterial comparative genomics and bioinformatics, virology, molecular biology, pathogen-host interaction, and host response and immunity. He currently coordinates a USDA-funded network for research vaccinologists. Tulman received his master\u2019s degree in pathobiology from UConn in 1996. He has worked as a research associate at the Center for Excellence for Vaccine Research and the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science at UConn since 2004. Tulman has authored 65 peer-reviewed publications and worked on grants funded by the USDA NIFA, USDA, and NIH.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"777\" height=\"515\" class=\"wp-image-203982 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Uddin_Elias-2-New-2023-08-22-3.png\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Uddin_Elias-2-New-2023-08-22-3.png 777w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Uddin_Elias-2-New-2023-08-22-3-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Uddin_Elias-2-New-2023-08-22-3-768x509.png 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Uddin_Elias-2-New-2023-08-22-3-630x418.png 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Uddin_Elias-2-New-2023-08-22-3-150x100.png 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 777px) 100vw, 777px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 777px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 777\/515;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Md Elias Uddin, Assistant Professor, Animal Science<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Uddin\u2019s research focuses on evaluating diets and feed additives on enteric methane; manure methane and nitrous oxide, and farm-gate footprint; and understanding the aspects of carbon and nitrogen utilization efficiencies in large ruminants both at the animal and farm scale aiming to improve the sustainability of ruminant production systems. Uddin has secured $5.5 million in industry grants for his research program. Uddin holds a PhD in ruminant nutrition and systems modeling from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before coming to UConn, Uddin worked as an assistant professor in the Dairy and Food Science Department at South Dakota State University.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"777\" height=\"515\" class=\"wp-image-203984 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Vinayamohan_230207a035-New-2023-08-22-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Vinayamohan_230207a035-New-2023-08-22-1.jpg 777w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Vinayamohan_230207a035-New-2023-08-22-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Vinayamohan_230207a035-New-2023-08-22-1-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Vinayamohan_230207a035-New-2023-08-22-1-630x418.jpg 630w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Vinayamohan_230207a035-New-2023-08-22-1-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 777px) 100vw, 777px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 777px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 777\/515;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Poonam Vinayamohan, Assistant Research Professor, Animal Science<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vinayamohan\u2019s research interests include reducing antibiotic resistance transmission among foodborne pathogens and commensals using food-grade antimicrobials and study of their mechanism of action; developing strategies for controlling food-borne pathogens by targeting their virulence mechanisms across various environments; and identifying novel non-antibiotic strategies for reducing <em>C. difficile<\/em> infection using animal models.Vinayamohan earned her PhD in animal science from UConn in 2020. She also holds a DVM from the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. Before returning to UConn, Vinayamohan worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Ohio State University<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"329\" class=\"wp-image-203986 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Witharana_NRE-2.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Witharana_NRE-2.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Witharana_NRE-2-274x300.jpeg 274w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/329;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chandi Witharana, Assistant Professor, Natural Resources and the Environment<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Witharana\u2019s research uses high-resolution remote sensing to study the environmental, industrial, agricultural, and humanitarian applications of this technology. The diverse topics of Witharana\u2019s research have included Artic ice, wildlife, electric utilities, pest management, and censusing refugees in armed-conflicted areas of South Asia. Witharana earned his PhD in geological science from UConn in 2013. He has worked as an assistant professor in residence at UConn since 2020. Witharana is the program director for the Remote Sensing and Geospatial Data Analytics Graduate Certificate at UConn.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" class=\"wp-image-204155 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Wunder_YSPH-HS-24-1482-400x400-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Wunder_YSPH-HS-24-1482-400x400-1.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Wunder_YSPH-HS-24-1482-400x400-1-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Wunder_YSPH-HS-24-1482-400x400-1-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Wunder_YSPH-HS-24-1482-400x400-1-100x100.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Wunder_YSPH-HS-24-1482-400x400-1-275x275.jpeg 275w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 400px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 400\/400;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Elsio Wunder, Assistant Professor, Pathobiology and Veterinary Science<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wunder has an established research program specializing in leptospirosis. He has also studied Zika virus and SARS-Cov-2. Wunder\u2019s work focuses on the public health aspects of zoonotic diseases. Wunder holds a PhD in investigative medicine from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Brazil and a DVM from the Veterinary School of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Before coming to UConn, Wunder worked as a research scientist at the Yale School of Public Health. In his new role, Wunder will focus on One Health approaches to infectious diseases.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 33.33%\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" class=\"wp-image-203988 img-responsive lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Xiao_NUSC-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Xiao_NUSC-1.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Xiao_NUSC-1-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Xiao_NUSC-1-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Xiao_NUSC-1-100x100.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Xiao_NUSC-1-275x275.jpeg 275w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 400px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 400\/400;\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis: 66.66%\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Zhenlei Xiao, Associate Professor in Residence, Nutritional Sciences<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Xiao\u2019s research focuses on improving the nutrition, quality, and safety of fresh produce by exploring new agricultural practices and pre- and post-harvest interventions. Her lab is also interested in sustainable food systems and food innovation and product development. Xiao holds a PhD in nutrition and food science from the University of Maryland. Before coming to UConn, Xiao worked as an associate professor in the Department of Culinary Services &amp; Product Development at Johnson &amp; Wales University. She has served as the PI or co-PI on four grants and authored 22 peer-reviewed publications.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This diverse cohort will bring new expertise and fresh perspectives to CAHNR\u2019s thriving academic community<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":127,"featured_media":172175,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_crdt_document":"","wds_primary_category":0,"wds_primary_series":0,"wds_primary_attribution":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2297,2296,2298,2224,2304,2299,2300,2301,2302,2303],"tags":[],"magazine-issues":[],"coauthors":[2140],"class_list":["post-203300","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-agricultural-resource-economics","category-allied-health-sciences","category-animal-science","category-cahnr","category-extension","category-kinesiology","category-natural-resources-environment","category-nutritional-sciences","category-pathobiology-veterinary-science","category-plant-science-landscape-architecture"],"pp_statuses_selecting_workflow":false,"pp_workflow_action":"current","pp_status_selection":"publish","acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-23 11:55:03","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/posts\/203300","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/users\/127"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=203300"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/posts\/203300\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":204383,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/posts\/203300\/revisions\/204383"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/media\/172175"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=203300"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=203300"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=203300"},{"taxonomy":"magazine-issue","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/magazine-issues?post=203300"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=203300"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}