CFAES Connect: April 2021
-
CFAES generosity bolsters Waterman, feeds those in need
On March 22, The Ohio State University’s Day of Giving, CFAES raised over $250,000 for scholarships, research and facilities at Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory, and other efforts. Over $31,000 was raised for Ohio 4-H camps, and for the fourth year in a row, meals were given away to households in need. Ohio State students boxed 120,000 meals that 4-H teens and volunteers delivered to Scioto, Jackson, and Pike counties. “Every gift, large or small, matters,” said Amy Jo Baughman, director of alumni engagement and annual giving. “I am so thankful to see such strong support from the CFAES community.”
-
Virtual Event - Your guide to estate and gift planning
Join Ohio State University's Alumni Association to hear a presentation from John C. Woods, Assistant Vice President of Estate and Gift Planning at Ohio State. John will share creative ideas for estate gifts as well as insight on tax implications of the CARES and SECURE Acts and potential new tax policies. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and schedule one-on-one appointments following the presentation for more in-depth conversation with experts from the Estate and Gift Planning team.
Wednesday, April 28 3:00 pm (EST)
Virtual event via Zoom, registration required
-
Ohio State’s Environmental Professionals Network to host annual signature Earth Day celebration
Take Flight! is an Earth Day celebration of local and global efforts to protect and restore the monarch butterfly. The monarch is an icon of our planet’s biodiversity. Its population in Ohio and globally borders on extinction* though there is hope in sight!
The monarch has a remarkable migration story cycling between Mexico to Canada across the United States. The U.S. Midwest region, including Ohio, serves as a vital corridor in this journey. The Midwest produces and nurtures multiple generations of monarchs each year and serves as the origin of most monarchs that migrate to Mexico. Monarch populations have declined by over 70% in North America, and a global conservation effort is required to restore them.
This is a global restoration effort and individuals can truly make a difference. This program focuses on solutions and provides tangible resources for all to contribute, including landscape planning by public and private landowners. Join New York Times bestselling author Dr. Doug Tallamy and Jane Breckinridge, director, Euchee Butterfly Farm, and an enrolled citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, as they teach us how to build monarch habitat in our yards and communities and share inspirational cultural stories on the connections we have to this iconic butterfly.
Dr. Tallamy and Ms. Breckinridge will share the virtual stage on April 21 with leading Ohioans from private, public, and non-profit sectors who are taking action across Ohio to protect pollinator habitat and will show us how individuals and communities can engage locally to make a difference in this global conservation movement.
Ohio State’s Environmental Professionals Network (EPN) is proud to host Take Flight!—its eighth annual signature Earth Day event—with the School of Environment and Natural Resources in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. This year’s event is in partnership with TEDxOhioStateUniversitySalon and Monarch Joint Venture.
On behalf of EPN and its partners, we hope you can join us. To learn more about the event and to register, visit go.osu.edu/epnapr21.
*The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded that listing the monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act is “warranted but precluded” on Dec. 15, 2020.
-
CFAES Alumni Spotlight: Mark Monaco
Even at an early age, Mark Monaco knew he wanted to spend his life working in marine science. He’s been able to do just that thanks to the start he received at CFAES—a start immersed, often literally, in Lake Erie.
Monaco, originally from Dover, Ohio, came to the CFAES School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) and earned a BS in fisheries management in 1981, an MS in environmental biology in 1984, and from 1981–1983 also served as the manager of Stone Laboratory, CFAES’ island campus at Put-in-Bay. The job included conducting long hours of Lake Erie water-quality sampling aboard the boat the R/V Hydra, and teaching eager high school students and teachers on the R/V BioLab—collecting water samples, netting fish, getting their feet wet in science.
From Ohio, Monaco went east in 1984 for a national Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and he has worked for the agency ever since—including as supervisory marine biologist and director of NOAA’s Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment; and, since 2017, as supervisory marine biologist and director of the Marine Spatial Ecology Division in NOAA’s Silver Spring, Maryland-based National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, the position he holds today. Along the way, in 1995, he earned his PhD in marine and estuarine environmental studies from the University of Maryland.
Over his career, Monaco’s water world has expanded to include the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, coral reefs and Capitol Hill, and the second-largest marine protected area in the world in the form of the northwestern Hawaiian islands. But he said Put-in-Bay—located some 5 miles out in Lake Erie, the home of Stone Lab—still holds a special place in his heart.
He answered a few questions for this CFAES alumni spotlight.
On his work and career
Q: Can you talk about in a nutshell what your work involves?
A: I am extremely fortunate to have a very diverse portfolio of activities that I cover as supervisory marine biologist in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). I direct the Marine Spatial Ecology Division within NCCOS, and my work portfolio is primarily comprised of conducting scientific investigations and leading and managing approximately 100 federal and contract staff. In addition, as part of the NCCOS leadership team, I am engaged in a number of activities to support my office and other NOAA entities. I really do not have a “typical day” as it can range from SCUBA diving to conducting monitoring of coral reef fishes, briefing congressional staff and members on Capitol Hill, mentoring staff, to developing research initiatives within and outside of NOAA.
Q: How has the pandemic changed your work?
A: Well, I have never spent 100% of my time at a desk via remotely teleworking during my career. Needless to say, I am a bit restless, but we have just started returning to some very limited field-based activities. Thus, I’m looking forward to interacting with my staff and getting underwater in the late summer!
Q: What are you most passionate about in your work? What gets you out of bed in the morning?
A: I knew from a very young age I wanted to have a career in marine science, and I’ve done so for over 40 years. The part of the work I am most passionate about is making a difference in the sustainable management of living marine and Great Lakes resources. Leading and conducting very cool research with an extremely talented and dedicated NOAA workforce and external partners makes it very easy to report to work each day. I often tell folks that I feel like I have not worked a day in my life as my opportunities in leading and conducting marine science are so rewarding and fun!
Q: What’s been the biggest achievement in your career, and what’s been the biggest challenge?
A: I have had many great achievements, ranging from creating scientific programs to conserve and protect natural resources, leading efforts to map nearly all of the nation’s coral reefs, educating the public and policy makers on the importance and value of marine and Great Lakes natural resources, designing and evaluating the efficacy of marine protected areas, and mentoring and leading staff in conducting applied research in support of management needs.
The largest challenge has been integrating natural and social science data and information into actionable science to facilitate implementation of management policies by governance entities that attempt to balance conservation and human uses of our oceans and coasts.
On Earth Day
Q: Earth Day is April 22. On reflection, what gives you hope when it comes to the state of the coasts and oceans? What are you optimistic about?
A: There are many stressors and human activities impacting the condition of our coasts and oceans. However, I have been part of many successful efforts to conserve and manage our natural resources in sustainable ways, including spatial planning of human uses in coastal and marine environments to minimize resource use conflicts. In addition, I have witnessed the restoration and resiliency of various coastal ecosystems, such as increases in water quality, recovery of fish populations, and enhancements of coral reef ecosystems. Often these environmental success stories are directly linked to community-based management actions.
Q: On the flip side, what are you most concerned about? What, if anything, keeps you up at night?
A: I think the impact of climate change on our coastal and Great Lakes communities and ecosystems is our greatest scientific and management challenge. Since the impact of climate change is a worldwide issue, we must continue to strive to reduce environmental stressors, increase coastal resiliency, and mitigate the impacts of coastal changes at local, regional, national, and worldwide spatial scales.
On his time at Ohio State
Q: How did your time at Ohio State—in the CFAES School of Environment and Natural Resources, at Stone Lab—influence your career?
If not for The Ohio State University and my experiences at Stone Lab, I would have not had the successful and rewarding career that I have enjoyed for over 40 years. My academic training at Ohio State, my professors, and research activities enabled me to successfully compete for the 1984 Knauss Sea Grant Fellowship that resulted in working for NOAA. Most importantly, my time at Ohio State enabled me to develop lifelong professional and personal relationships that have guided me through my career and life.
Q: Who were your biggest mentors while you were here, and what did you learn from them?
A: Drs. Eddie Herdendorf and Jeff Reutter, both former Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab directors, were my incredible mentors, and we have maintained our lifelong friendships. Eddie taught me about critical thinking in addressing scientific research, and Jeff helped shape my ability to communicate scientific information to the public. I was very fortunate to have Eddie and Jeff help lead and guide the early development of my scientific and professional career.
Q: What are your favorite memories from your time at Ohio State?
A: The friendships I developed at Ohio State in Columbus and at Stone Lab are my greatest memories, along with the research opportunities. I was able to participate as a student and as the Stone Lab manager in over 50 research projects from 1979–1984. These activities included environmental monitoring (part of my MS thesis), as a scientist on the R/V Hydra that was operated by Ohio State, and as a research assistant who supported Stone Lab’s faculty and students.
And finally …
Q: What are your favorite places on Earth, coastal or otherwise, and why?
A: I have travelled much of the world in my professional career and on vacations, and I still list Put-in-Bay, Ohio, as one of my favorite places on the planet. Of course, this is significantly influenced by my great memories and experiences at Stone Lab, fun times at PIB, and enjoying the beauty of Lake Erie!
Q: Along those lines, what are your favorite organisms on the planet, marine or otherwise, and why?
Fish, as they are cool, good to eat, and significantly contributed to my professional and personal experiences as I have travelled the globe to conduct many fish ecology studies.
Q: Any final thoughts?
A: Go Bucks!
Connect with Dr. Monaco on LinkedIn. Learn more about NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science.
-
Fending off pandemic fatigue
-
COVID-19 Inventor Showcase
-
Where are they now? Alumni Awards edition
The Young Professional Achievement Award recognizes alumni for their early professional accomplishments. This award provides recognition for these individuals and serves as a stimulus toward further efforts by younger alumni. Nominees are to be 35 years of age and younger at the time of receiving the award. We checked in with them to see what they have accomplished since earning their award and what it meant to them. Hear from a few of our honorees below.
Joshua JenningsBS ’00 Animal Sciences; ASC ’00 Livestock Production and Management, Beef and Sheep
Young Professional Achievement Award, 2015
Q: What has been your greatest achievement and/or milestone since receiving your alumni award?
A: Since receiving the award in 2015, Global Impact STEM Academy has expanded its programing to reach more students. In 2015, we served students in grades 9–12, offering a STEM educational experience immersed in the field of agriculture. In the fall of 2017, we completed another facilities project to expand to grades 7 and 8.
Q: What other thoughts do you have about your CFAES alumni experience?
A: I have appreciated the work of CFAES alumni, and am glad to say that our school has a number of students now attending CFAES and that those students will be future contributing alumni.
Allison Specht-JaynesMS ’07 Agricultural Economics, BS ’04 Agribusiness and Applied Economics
Young Professional Achievement Award, 2014
Q: Describe what receiving a CFAES Alumni Award meant to you.
A: Since graduating from Ohio State, my goal has been to make a positive impact in the food and agricultural industry. From advocating for agricultural policy early in my career to supporting new products and markets for agricultural commodities later in my career, I feel it is important for our industry to always be looking ahead and exploring the next opportunity. Receiving the CFAES Young Professional Achievement Award was a meaningful moment early in my career and affirmed the fact I was fulfilling my personal mission.
Q: What other thoughts do you have about your CFAES alumni experience?
A: I am forever grateful I selected an undergraduate major and a graduate degree program in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. CFAES does an outstanding job of creating an inclusive culture among their alumni and remaining connected. CFAES is more than a college—it’s a family, a support system, and a network. Over the years, I’ve remained engaged in department activities and speaking to students. I look forward to continued opportunities to further my involvement.
Tim BarnesBS ’72 Animal Sciences
Young Professional Achievement Award, 1984
Q: Describe what receiving a CFAES Alumni Award meant to you.
A: I was very honored to receive the CFAES Young Professional Award. It truly was a great surprise to receive this award. My early efforts and commitments to the livestock industry were a foundation for my future leadership and involvement in local, state, and national organizations.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement and/or milestone since receiving your alumni award?
A: I have been blessed to have a supportive agriculture family that has allowed me to be involved in sheep, swine, Farm Bureau, FFA, and 4-H leadership positions. Two of my top honors are: first, being a member of the Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences Hall of Fame; and second, receiving the Charlie Boyles Ohio Master Shepherd Award from the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association.
Dr. Nutsuda SumonsiriPhD ’12 Food Science and Nutrition
Young Professional Achievement Award, 2018
Q: What has been your greatest achievement or milestone since receiving your Alumni Award?
A: After receiving the Young Professional Achievement Award, I was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor at King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok and was selected to receive a Researcher Connect-OHEC Talent Mobility grant in 2019.
Q: Do you have other thoughts about your time at CFAES?
A: The knowledge, skills, memories, opportunities, and everything I received from my advisor, professors, and peers at the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, were extremely valuable and made me what I am today. Thank you.
Warren BoergerBS ’91 Agricultural Economics
Young Professional Achievement Award, 1998
Q: Describe what receiving a CFAES Alumni Award meant to you.
A: I was honored to receive the Young Professional Achievement Award from CFAES early in my career. The surprise of being contacted as a recipient from an anonymous nomination was humbling for someone who simply wants to contribute to the industry and represent my family and alma mater well.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement or milestone since receiving your Alumni Award?
A: Since the award, I have been blessed with the opportunity to live abroad and visit several agricultural areas around the world while holding a variety of roles, including sales, marketing, information technology, digital, and management. Each role provided me the opportunity to meet and work with a variety of great people focused on the challenges and opportunities in agriculture. The greatest achievements I will remember the most are those times when I helped someone develop and progress their career or business.
Scott Higgins
BS ’84 Agricultural Economics
Young Professional Achievement Award, 1994, Distinguished Alumni Award 2011
Q: Describe what receiving a CFAES Alumni Award meant to you.
A: Receiving the Young Professional Achievement Award recognition in 1994 was truly an honor and a privilege that I never expected. It was a humbling moment when I was notified of the award, and it was extremely gratifying to know that others were watching as I worked hard to make a difference for dairy farmers and the dairy industry in the first 10 years of my career upon graduating from The Ohio State University.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement since receiving your alumni award?
A: While I have several very satisfying achievements during my career, I am most proud of leading a partnership in the dairy industry that developed and launched the first line of flavored milk packaged in a round, resealable, recyclable, single-serve, 12-ounce plastic bottle. Some of you may recall the introduction of Moo Kooler in 1996. That innovation and marketing launch for single-serve milk was successful and instrumental toward inspiring further innovation for milk and milk packaging in the United States.
Elizabeth HebronMS ’01 Agricultural Economics, BS ’96 Agribusiness and Applied Economics
Young Professional Achievement Award, 2007
Q: Describe what receiving your CFAES Alumni Award meant to you.
A: To this day, I am still shocked at receiving this award! Knowing all the outstanding work of my fellow classmates and then young professional colleagues, I was honored and humbled. This award helped to bolster my confidence in my career path and is something I will always cherish.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement since receiving your Alumni Award?
A: I was raised to help my fellow neighbor and have carried that tenet into my professional career. As a government affairs professional, I quickly learned that working in partnership with like-minded allied organizations or “neighbors” was the key to success. My greatest achievements include building strong relationships with partner organizations that have helped to advance public policies benefiting agriculture, the environment, and all people.
Judith R. Lindsey
BS ’85 Horticulture
Young Professional Achievement Award, 1995
Q: What has been your greatest achievement or milestone since winning your Alumni Award?
A: There have been times I have looked back on receiving the Young Professional Achievement Award and wondered if I have let the university down in the years since as I have not invented some new food preservation process, contributed to solving world hunger, or taught the next generation of food scientists. But “by small and simple things, great things are brought to pass,” and those small and simple things are my greatest achievements since winning the award. I have helped numerous product developers better understand their consumers and get comfortable allowing the consumer to be part of their team, I have been the chair of the IFT Sensory Division and helped the members recognize that they have a responsibility to help other food scientists improve their work by applying sensory science principles, and I have developed a short course that brings food scientists together to learn from experts and each other what tools they can employ to build better products for their companies and consumers. My greatest achievement since winning the Young Professional Achievement Award in 1995 has been to stay engaged in the promotion of Ohio State and the field of food science by sharing my knowledge and experience with others so they can use it as a foundation upon which to achieve even greater things. I believe a milestone is that after 35 years of achieving my degree, I still love my career choice and would not change my path in any way. I willingly talk to any high school students or young professionals about how Ohio State and a degree from CFAES will be the best decision they could make when thinking about their future in the world.
Dr. Christine Taylor Waddill
PhD ’78 Plant Pathology, MS ’76 Plant Pathology
Young Professional Achievement Award, 1984
Q: What are your thoughts about your CFAES alumni experience?
A: I believe that the opportunities that I received at The Ohio State University prepared me for a diverse career in academia. My major professor for my master’s degree had a primary appointment in Extension, and this afforded me the opportunity to connect with both other Extension faculty, county agents, and clientele at an early stage in my career. My two PhD advisors were located at Wooster, so I did a lot of my dissertation work there. Back on main campus, I served as a teaching assistant in several classes in my department. I feel that these experiences truly made me competitive for my first position at Michigan State. As stated previously, receiving the Young Professional Achievement Award from Ohio State was an inspiration to keep working towards a successful career in academia.
Do you know of a deserving CFAES alumni or supporter of the food, agricultural or environmental industries?
Nominate them for the 2022 CFAES Alumni Awards! Nominations are due Wednesday, June 30, 2021.
Nomination forms found here.