Meet Nedd: UAPB's New Extension Specialist Enhancing Community Engagement

Ryan Nedd, Ph.D., has joined the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff as an extension specialist. He’ll be overseeing the UAPB Discovery Farm Educational Center on campus, a project funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s 1890 Capacity Building Grants Program. This center aims to draw in students and young people to careers in agriculture.

Nedd will report to Tomekia White, Ph.D., the center’s outreach director. His role includes managing animals, maintaining pastures, and collecting water quality data. He will also support education and research efforts through tours, workshops on water conservation, and animal science labs. Additionally, he will mentor student workers and aid graduate students in their research projects.

Since 2019, Nedd has been involved with the Arkansas Discovery Farms Program, focusing on water quality research on private farms. He has worked on soil sampling and monitoring runoff in the Mississippi River Basin Initiative.

Before this, he was an extension associate for the UAPB Small Farm Program, providing farmers with vital information on agricultural health and enterprise planning. He also promoted cover crops to reduce nutrient runoff.

Nedd’s international experience includes training communities in hydroponic farming in Guyana with Partners of the Americas. His work there supported farmers and exporters through targeted projects.

He holds a doctorate in environmental science from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and has multiple accolades for his research. Notable achievements include second place at the 2023 FAMU Student Research Forum and third place at the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences National Conference.

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture highlights a growing interest in agricultural careers among young people, which is crucial for future food security. With someone like Nedd at the helm, the UAPB Discovery Farm is positioned to inspire and educate the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Nedd’s extensive background in both academic and practical aspects of agriculture highlights the importance of mentorship and outreach in today’s agricultural landscape. His work is not only about research but also about building a sustainable future through education.

For more insights into agricultural education efforts, visit the [National Institute of Food and Agriculture](https://nifa.usda.gov).

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