The College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University is Oregon's principal source of knowledge relating to agricultural and food systems, and a major source of knowledge regarding environmental quality, natural resources, life sciences, and rural economies and communities worldwide. The College provides undergraduate and graduate education leading to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, and extended education programs throughout Oregon and beyond. Its research programs create knowledge to solve problems and to build a knowledge base for the future. It is a source of information and expertise in integrating and applying knowledge with benefits that are felt in domestic and international settings.
Dr. Kate Lajtha elected Fellow of the American Geophysical Union
Dr. Kate Lajtha, a professor of biogeochemistry in the College of Agricultural Sciences, has been elected a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), in the Biogeosciences Section. The AGU is the largest earth systems science organization in the world and only 0.1% of its members are elected Fellow each year.
“The field of biogeochemistry and my work in carbon soil sequestration as it relates to understanding climate change is still relatively new,” Dr. Lajtha explained. “Since the field began, the AGU has been a hub that has nurtured and fostered this area of research bringing together top scientists from around the world to collaborate. To be recognized now by this organization is a tremendous honor. I am humbled to join colleagues I have held in such high esteem for years and could not think of a higher honor to come near the end of my career.”
In addition to her research, Dr. Lajtha was also one of the founders of the sustainability double degree program in the College and continues to teach both an introductory and advanced sustainability course.
Congratulations, Dr. Lajtha!
Ambassador Program Highlight
The Agriculture and Natural Resource Ambassadors at Eastern Oregon University serve as student representatives of Oregon State University, Eastern Oregon University, and the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences. The OSU Ag & NR Ambassadors participate in promotional and recruiting activities including on and off campus events, professional conferences, as well as stakeholder and alumni events. In essence, the OSU Ag & NR Ambassadors are the student ‘face’ of the OSU Agriculture and Natural Resource Program at Eastern Oregon University.
OSU Ag & NR Ambassadors are selected during winter term through an application and interview process. Selected Ambassadors attend the Student Ambassador Training program to develop their leadership, teamwork, presentation skills and receive a scholarship award.
This year, we have four students who make up our Ambassador team: Emily Gluch, Agricultural Sciences major, hometown Weiser, Idaho, Kaylena Littlefield, Rangeland Sciences major, hometown Silverton, Oregon, Amie Coffman, Agricultural Sciences major, hometown Athena, Oregon and Abigail Berhorst, Agricultural Sciences major, hometown Yamhill, Oregon. Abigail is also the Student Director to the 2020-21 Ambassador Team.
COVID-19 presented recruiting challenges which gave the Ambassadors the unique opportunity to develop new promotional strategies. They created an interactive high school recruit Webinar that allows students to become engaged and even win OSU swag!
In addition, the Ambassadors have implemented “Instagram takeovers.” From flying drones in our Intro to Crop Production class to Ambassador job shadowing, takeovers give prospective students a live view of the OSU Agriculture and Natural Resource Program at EOU.