UVM CALS

Winter, spring, summer, or fall… UVM’s campus never disappoints!
But students seem to be divided on one question: Which season is best: winter or summer?

One of today's 2026 RISE Lunch and Learn sessions was "Data That Delivers: Using data for community impact work."
Panelist and UVM Extension Professor of Community and Economic Development Mariya Shcheglovitova shared several examples of technical assistance that she's providing community partners not only in accessing, understanding, and interpreting existing public data, but also generating new data to fill in gaps of knowledge.

Among Shcheglovitova's projects: the Vermont Assessment of Assets, Angles and Need (VAAAN). Led by Extension and funded by the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships, the VAAAN is examining what Vermonters have and need to thrive, and where there might be opportunities for partnership.

As part of the data-gathering process for the VAAAN, Shcheglovitova is working with Local Minutes founder Duane Millar Barlow. Local Minutes uses large language model technology to gather Vermont municipal meeting minutes and make them searchable. From there, Shcheglovitova can map the specific ways that different Vermont communities discuss what they need.

You can learn more about the VAAAN at the link in our bio.

Congratulations to UVM Extension’s Mark Isselhardt and UMaine Extension's Jason Lilley for being recognized by the International Maple Syrup Institute! 🍁

The Lynn Reynolds Memorial Leadership Award is presented annually and recognizes leadership in the maple industry. Mark and Jason’s efforts in providing maple grading education to the industry through the International Maple Syrup Grading School gained them this exciting recognition!

Read more from the link in bio!

UVM CALS Doctoral Student Emma Spett Earns Emerging Leader Award from the Southern Vermont Economy Summit, and she’s worn quite a few hats to get to that point.

As a Ph.D. candidate in CDAE’s Sustainable Development Policy, Economics and Governance program, Emma found her passion in addressing “rural capacity challenges,” which make it difficult at the local level to achieve change. Her focus specifically lies in building the Vermont Data Collaborative, a more user-friendly platform for the public to access Vermont data.

She also achieved a major accomplishment by opening an inn and restaurant in Jamaica, Vermont, with her husband, filling a gap in the community they call home.

Click the link in bio to read the full story!

UVM is hosting the 2026 Just Transformations in Food Systems and Cultures annual meeting!

Presenters from across the world are gathered over 3 days (June 7-10) to discuss transformations and processes related to sustainability, equity, sovereignty, ecological care, and other forms of transformative action in the realm of food systems.

Participants share their areas of expertise, while scholars, farmers, community organizers, and students are welcome to attend or view limited virtual sessions.

Visit the link to learn more and see the program: https://bit.ly/49MSmCY

Tonight on the 6 pm WCAX News, UVM’s Morgan Horse Farm goes mane stream! 🐴
Be sure to tune in!

Emeritus Professor of Nutrition and Food Sciences Dr. Jean Harvey has been posthumously awarded the 2026 Sinclair Cup.

In October of 2025, the UVM community felt a deep loss for the highly accomplished professor, mentor, and community member. Her award of the Sinclair Cup reflects her dedication and impact during her 34 years at UVM.

UVM CALS and Extension present her with the award as her career and dedication reflect that of Dr. Sinclair’s. Dr. Jean Harvey’s Memorial Service will be held tomorrow, May 23, from 2-4 PM at the Vermont National Country Club. Her husband invites the UVM community to attend and share about the impact she had during her years of dedication.

Read more about Dr. Jean Harvey and her accomplishments: https://www.uvm.edu/cals/nfs/news/2026-sinclair-cup-has-been-posthumously-awarded-dr-jean-harvey

It takes a battalion behind the scenes for graduation!

Big thanks to Kate Finley Woodruff and the student services team: Sean Levy, Stephanie McConnell, and Kaylee Boutin for all the hard work and dedication leading up to this exciting day!