Progress 05/01/23 to 04/30/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Undergraduate students were educated and trained through hands-on activities in agricultural research and Extension programs focused on row crops in Tennessee, with specific disciplines including plant pathology, entomology, corn/soybean agronomy, small grains/cotton agronomy, crop physiology, systems agronomy, soil science, and weed science. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The entire project, from start to finish, provided 16 undergraduate interns with training and professional development with a focus in agricultural research and Extension throughout the 10 week internship period, as well as teaching and mentoring opportunities for the 6 graduate students that worked with the interns. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We've continued to advertise the internship opportunity across the local colleges and universities around Jackson, as well as, to other "sister" land grant universities and local universities and colleges originally listed in proposal, as well as through the platform 'Handshake'. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?This is the final annual report
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We worked with WTREC faculty, techs, and graduate students to develop an assessment that had definitive correct and incorrect answers for the assessment questions, as opposed to self-perception style questions. This was changed to have a better understanding of what interns actually knew or didn't know before and after the summer internship. The exact same assessment was used in both 2022 and 2023. Each question was a multiple-choice style question with 3-5 possible answer choices. Each question had a "I do not know" answer choice; interns were told to select that answer if they truly did not know the answer to the question.In 2023, interns overall got 48% of questions correct at the beginning of summer assessment and got 63% of questions correct at the end of summer assessment.It can be concluded the interns gained knowledge during both summer internship programs, with a slightly higher gain in 2023 than in 2022. End of program knowledge gained 2022 (11%) and 2023 (15%). Two Advisory Board meeting were held each year: the first was held prior to the start of the REEU program, typically in early April. Second, advisory board meetings were following the conclusion of the REEU program each summer in September. The meetings were held to share activities of the interns, assessment results, and for WTREC faculty/staff and to gain input from the advisory board members for ways to improve the program. The advisory board consisted of various persons from the agriculture industry including researchers, agronomists, producers, retailers, and government agency officials. Meetings were typically conducted via Zoom to accommodate member's schedules. 2023 Facebook internship page: 330 followers, 377 likes Total summer 2022 posts: 10 Post impressions: 6,437 Post reach: 5,803 Post engagements: 1,679
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
K. REID, A. McLaughlin, D. Foster, L. E. Steckel, H. M. Kelly. 2023. Damping off Palmer pigweed Evaluation of soil fungi for potential management of Palmer Amaranth. Phytopathology (113) 11s. Plant Health 2023 Supplement.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
A. SISCO, E. Zuchelli, L. Marques, K. Reid, A. V. Blazek, H. M. Kelly. 2023. Germination and culturing evaluations of Ramulariopsis Causal agent of areolate mildew. Phytopathology (113) 11s. Plant Health 2023 Supplement.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
A. V. BLAZEK, E. Zuchelli, A. McLaughlin, H. M. Kelly. 2022. Evaluation of fungicide product and timing for grey leaf spot management in corn. Phytopathology (112) 8s. Division Meeting Abstract Supplement.
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Progress 05/01/20 to 04/30/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Undergraduate students were educated and trained through hands-on activities in agricultural research and Extension programs focused on row crops in Tennessee, with specific disciplines including plant pathology, entomology, corn/soybean agronomy, small grains/cotton agronomy, crop physiology, systems agronomy, soil science, and weed science. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The program had 76 students participate in the internship (average 19/year) from 2020 through 2023 summers, providing them withtraining and professional development with a focus in agricultural research and Extension throughout the 10 week internship period, as well as teaching and mentoring opportunities for the 8graduate students that worked with the interns. Specifically, each year there were approximately 3 site visits to industry/producers, 6 professional development sessions (including:resume building, mock interviews, etc.), and 2 panel discussions about graduate school and careers in industry and/or academia. Additionally, students were provided the opportunity to attend and/or present research/Extension projects at scientific society meetings, where 4 interns placed in student compeitions for their presentations. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We've continued to advertise the internship opportunity across the location colleges and universities around Jackson, as well as, to other "sister" land grant universities and local universities and colleges originally listed in proposal and on the platform 'Handshake'. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Undergraduate students were educated and trained through hands-on activities in agricultural research and Extension programs focused on row crops in Tennessee, with specific disciplines including plant pathology, entomology, corn- soybean agronomy, small grains/cotton agronomy, crop physiology, systems agronomy, soil science, and weed science. The program has had 76 students participate in the internship (average 19/year) from 2020 through 2023 summers, exceeding initial estimate of 16 interns per year. Approximately 65% of interns were from under-represented groups mainly female and African-American. There has been 100% graduation rate for our interns (across 9 different institutes) and 73% of those graduated have entered some field of agriculture including local co-ops, chemical companies, public government agencies (USDA and NRCS) and graduate schools (across 5 institutes: 5 MS and 1 PhD). Some interns have also taken secondary teaching and instructor positions, further educating youth on agriculture. From survey responses, 73% said their REEU experience influenced their decision to work for their current employer/pursue graduate degree and 87% said their REEU experience helped them in some aspect of their undergraduate program. Additional outreach was achieved through social media outlets where on average there was 7,454 post impressions, 5,233 post reach, and 1,624 post engagements from initial posts on various platforms (Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram) annually. Through our advisory board meetings, we received valuable feedback from our stake-holders on targeting and emphasizing values and skills employers wanted. These stakeholders interacted directly with interns through farm and company visits and industry panels for the internship. Intern assessment results shaped overall and individual mentors' activities to increase knowledge and skills as represented by both perception-based assessments (showed on 10-point scale, 1 to 3 point increased knowledge from 'low' to 'moderate' and 'high' levels) and discipline specificbased assessments (showed 11 to 15% increase in knowledge). Information on the program was presented not only from faculty mentors and coordinator, but also from support staff and interns themselves at scientific meetings, where 4interns placed in student competitions for their presentations. Additionally, very positive feedback was provided from interns and graduate students on the peer mentoring that was provided between these 2 groups and will be more formalized in a layered/tiered mentoring program in future internships.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Adotey, N., Caraway, C., Jennings, G., & Raper, T. B. (2020) Impact of Nitrogen Source and Application Rate on Ammonia Volatilization from Surface Applied Urea-Based Fertilizers in Dryland Cotton [Abstract]. ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings (2020) | VIRTUAL, Phoenix, AZ. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2020am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/128503
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Logwood, S., Adotey, N., Boyle, H., Kendall, B., Montgomery, N., Davis, A., & Kozlowski, B. G. (2022) In-Vitro Evaluation of Urease Inhibitors on Nitrogen Source and Rate [Abstract]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2022am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/144635.
This presentation won 3rd place in undergraduate category.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Boyle, H., Adotey, N., Kozlowski, B. G., Logwood, S., Kendall, B., Montgomery, N., & Davis, A. (2022) Evaluation of the Effect of Enhance Efficiency N Fertilizer in Dryland Corn Production System [Abstract]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2022am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/144636
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Progress 05/01/22 to 04/30/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Undergraduate students were educated and trained through hands-on activities in agricultural research and Extension programs focused on row crops in Tennessee, with specific disciplines including plant pathology, entomology, corn/soybean agronomy, small grains/cotton agronomy, crop physiology, systems agronomy, soil science, and weed science. Changes/Problems:Due to a faculty retirement (Dr. Angela McClure), the new faculty hire (Dr. Jake McNeal) is taking over the soybean and corn agronomy section of the program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The entire project, from start to finish, provided 16undergraduate interns with training and professional development with a focus in agricultural research and Extension throughout the 10week internship period, as well as teaching and mentoring opportunities for the 6 graduate students that worked with the interns. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We've continued to advertise the internship opportunity across the location colleges and universities around Jackson, as well as, to other "sister" land grant universities and local universities and colleges originally listed in proposal. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Similar number of interns will be hired for the next reporting period, and similar hands-on acitivies in agricultural research and Extension will be conducted, as well as similar assessments and meeting with advisory board to make sure the program is accomplishing its goals in the most efficient and effective way.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Assessment Procedures • An assessment was developed based on the 10 learning outcomes proposed in the REEU grant. • The assessment contained 62 multiple choice questions that focused on "General Knowledge" and "Program Specific" questions. Interns completed the assessment pre-, mid-, and post- internship period. Summary of Assessments Questionnaire Information: 62 Total Questions, multiple choice 4-10 questions provided by each of the 8 areas that made up assessment Data Collected at 3 Points: Pre-Internship Assessment (5/24/22) Mid-Summer Assessment (6/24/22) End of Summer Assessment (8/1/22) Assessment Results Among All Interns Pre-Internship Assessment: Average # of Correct Answers: 27 (43.55%) Mid-Summer Assessment: Average # of Correct Answers: 33.5 (54.03%) End of Summer Assessment: Average # of Correct Answers: 33.7 (54.66%) Overall takeaways from Assessment Interns showed knowledge growth at each data collection point Intern assessment gains were greatest between the first and second data collection point. Interns mastered majority of questions at the second and third data collection point
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Blazek, A. V., E. Zuchelli, A. McLaughlin, H. M. Kelly. 2022. Evaluation of fungicide product and timing for grey leaf spot management in corn. Phytopathology. Vol 112, No. 8S. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-112-8-S2.1. Southern Division American Phytopathological Society Meeting, Chattanooga, TN, USA, Feb. 2022.
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Progress 05/01/21 to 04/30/22
Outputs
Target Audience:18 Undergraduate students were educated and trained through hands-on activities in agricultural research and Extension programs focused on row crops in Tennessee, with specific disciplines including plant pathology, entomology, corn/soybean agronomy, small grains/cotton agronomy, crop physiology, systems agronomy, soil science, and weed science. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The entire project, from start to finish, provided 18undergraduate interns with training and professional development with a focus in agricultural research and Extension throughout the 12 week internship period, as well as teaching and mentoring opportunities for the 6 graduate students that worked with the interns. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We've continued to advertise the internship opportunity across the location colleges and universities around Jackson, as well as, to other "sister" land grant universities and local universities and colleges originally listed in proposal. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Similar number of interns will be hired for the next reporting period, and similar hands-on acitivies in agricultural research and Extension will be conducted, as well as similar assessments and meeting with advisory board to make sure the program is accomplishing its goals in the most efficient and effective way.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Assessment Procedures • An assessment was developed based on the 10 learning outcomes proposed in the REEU grant. • The assessment contained 62 multiple choice questions that focused on"General Knowledge" and"Program Specific"questions. Interns completed the assessment pre-, mid-, and post- internship period. Assessment Results (from 14 to 18 of the interns) • Each round of assessment date was compiled in an Excel document and shared with WTREC faculty, research associates, and graduate students. • Pre-internship assessment resulted in 43.6% of questions answered correctly, mid-assessment 54.0% correct (gain of 10.5% from pre-assessment) and post-assessment 54.6% correct (0.6% gain from mid-assessment) • Results would indicate that, overall, interns benefited and gained knowledge in agriculture knowledge and research as a result of their REEU experience. Advisory Board Meetings and Recommendations • The REEU program advisory board consists of 14 members from various aspects of industry. • The board met in early May 2020 to discuss plans for summer 2022interns and recommended the following: • Continue to bring interns to visit local producers if possible • Continue opportunities for interns to develop professionalism skills • The board met in mid-August to learn about how the summer experiences went and to provide advice for next year. The following recommendations were made: • Continue taking interns to visit farmers as well as industry and county office visits if possible • Were pleased with the more definitive measure of assessments what interns were learning (ie definitive correct/incorrect questions, wider ranging scale)
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Blazek, A., K. Sheldon, K. Wedegaertner, H. Kelly, A. Shekoofa. 2021. How the Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates Program has changed my Academic Path . Virtual. Plant Sciences Dept., Knoxville, TN, October 2021. This presentation won 3rd place in undergraduate category.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Strickland, J., K. Sheldon, K. Wedegaertner, A. Shekoofa. 2021. Building leadership Skills: A Returning Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates Program intern Virtual. Plant Sciences Dept., Knoxville, TN, October 2021.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Strickland, J., K. Sheldon, K. Wedegaertner, A. Shekoofa. 2021. Building leadership Skills: A Returning Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates Program intern ASA-CSSA-SSSA Conference, Salt Lake City, USA, November 2021. Won 3rd place in undergrad student poster competition.
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Progress 05/01/20 to 04/30/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Undergraduate students were educated and trained through hands-on activities in agricultural research and Extension programs focused on row crops in Tennessee, with specific disciplines including plant pathology, entomology, corn/soybean agronomy, small grains/cotton agronomy, crop physiology, systems agronomy, soil science, and weed science. Changes/Problems:Many of the events that would have included the entire group of interns and faculty/staff involved, were held virtually due to the pandemic in 2020. But all goals and most events were still able to be met using social distancing and other safety precautions. Additionally, due to a new faculty hire (Dr. Nutifafa Adotey), soil and nutrient management was an additional discipline area added for interns to learn and work in. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The entire project, from start to finish, provided 17 undergraduate interns with training and professional development in agricultural research and Extension throughout the 12 week internship period. Daily Activities Interns were placed under the supervision of a WTREC faculty member, a research associate, and graduate students in each area of study: plant pathology, entomology, corn/soybean agronomy, small grains/cotton agronomy, crop physiology, systems agronomy, soil science, and weed science. Interns assisted in daily activities such as establishing and managing crops, helping conduct trials/experiments, and recording findings. During the internship experience, each intern spent time with the other 7 program areas to learn about what they do. This was accomplished during "Intern Rotation Days" that took place throughout the months of July and August. Special Activities In addition to daily activities at the WTREC, interns were also provided the opportunity to participate in professional growth activities/topics that included: Visit to local producer's farming operation Planter calibration and operation How to design test plots/experiments Sprayer calibration and operation Interpreting pesticide/herbicide labels and using those correctly Professionalism 101 Resumes and cover letter workshop Job searches and how to evaluate job benefits Graduate school discussion panel with current graduate students Industry/producer expert panel on effective employees Visit to weed trial and explanation of how extension at WTREC impacts the area and region How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We've continued to advertise the internship opportunity across the location colleges and universities around Jackson, as well as, to other "sister" land grant universities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Similar number of interns will be hired for the next reporting period, and similar hands-on acitivies in agricultural research and Extension will be conducted, as well as similar assessments and meeting with advisory board to make sure the program is accomplishing its goals in the most efficient and effective way.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Assessment Procedures An assessment was developed based on the 10 learning outcomes proposed in the REEU grant. The assessment contained two major portions: A "General Knowledge" section containing 23 questions that all interns completed regardless of their assigned program area A "Program Specific" section containing 8 to 16 program/discipline specific questions. Interns completed the discipline specific questions only for their assigned program area. The assessment was written as questions in which students had to select their self-perceived level of knowledge for a given skill or area of knowledge. Interns were instructed to select a response on a scale of 1-5 (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree) that indicated the level of knowledge they currently possessed for that skill or area of knowledge. The exact same assessment was administered to interns at three points during the summer: Pre-assessment on May 22 Mid-summer assessment on July 10 Post-summer assessment on August 7 Assessment Results Each round of assessment date was compiled in an Excel document and shared with WTREC faculty, research associates, and graduate students. Two interns took the assessment once Two interns took the assessment twice Thirteen interns took the assessment at all three collection points Fourteen interns showed positive perceived knowledge gain across all assessment questions throughout the summer One intern showed negative perceived knowledge gain across all assessment questions throughout the summer Knowledge gain/loss could not be calculated from the two interns who completed the assessment once. The average growth/loss of perceived knowledge for 15 of the interns was +1.20 (gain) on a 5-point scale across the three data collection points. Results would indicate that, overall, interns benefited and gained knowledge in agriculture knowledge and research as a result of their REEU experience. Advisory Board Meetings and Recommendations The REEU program advisory board consists of 14 members from various aspects of industry. The board met in early May 2020 to discuss plans for summer 2020 interns and recommended the following: Bring interns to visit local producers if possible Develop opportunities for interns to develop professionalism skills The board met in mid-August to learn about how the summer experiences went and to provide advice for next year. The following recommendations were made: Continue taking interns to visit farmers but also include industry visits if possible Develop an intern assessment that has a more definitive measure of what interns are learning (ie definitive correct/incorrect questions, wider ranging scale)
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Strickland, J., K. Sheldon, S. Purdom, A. Shekoofa. 2020. Research and extension experiences for undergraduates at the West TN AgResearch and Education Center Virtual ASA-CSSA-SSSA Conference, USA, November 2020. Abstract was published in 2020 ASA-CSSA-SSSA proceeding.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
R. GUYER, H. M. Kelly. Mentoring undergraduate interns in extension and research. 2020. Phytopathology Vol 110:12S https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-110-12-S2.1
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