Leading Extension with Dr. Brad Hillman

The Future of Extension with Claudia Urdanivia

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Claudia Urdanivia.  Claudia serves as the Senior 4-H Program Coordinator in Hudson County, NJ.  She joined Rutgers Cooperative Extension during the pandemic and has grown the Hudson County 4-H program in that short time.  Claudia is passionate about food security, food systems, and urban agriculture and exposing young people to all of these topics.     Rachel and Kathleen talk with Claudia about her work and what led her to a career with RCE in the area of 4-H Youth Development.

The Future of Extension with Kate Brown

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Kate Brown.  Kate is a Program Associate in the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources stationed in Burlington County.  She shared about her work with farm safety and other related projects.     Rachel and Kathleen talk with Kate about her work and what led her to Cooperative Extension.

Leading Extension with Dr. Brad Hillman

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Dr. Bradley Hillman.  Brad served as the Director of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station for nearly 15 years until 2015.  He has been a professor in the Department of Plant Biology for 35 years. Over the course of his career, his research has focused on virus diseases of blueberry and cranberry, two of New Jersey's most important crops.     Rachel and Kathleen talk with Brad about his work and what led him to this field of study and to a career at a land-grant university.  Brad also shares his knowledge about the land-grant university system as well as his personal philosophy and advice for success.

Extension Excellence with Laura Bovitz

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Laura Bovitz, Middlesex County 4-H Agent. Laura's Project GIFT program is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! Rachel and Kathleen talk with Laura about two of Laura's signature programs - Project GIFT and EWeek.  Laura shares her thoughts and philosophies on excellence in Extension programming.  She shares how she approaches his work and creates opportunities for youth in Middlesex County and beyond.

Extension Excellence with Shailja Mathur

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Shailja Mathur, the recipient of 2020 Mary Jane Willis Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award.  Shailja currently serves as an FCHS senior program coordinator with Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Middlesex County.    Rachel and Kathleen talk with Cecilia about her current work.  Shailja shares her philosophies and strategies for Extension programming.  She shares her family connection with Extension and her personal journey to an Extension career.