Agricultural Science and Technology

10/02/2026

🎉Congratulations to Meg Smolinski, the graduate student in the Master of Extension Education program, on the successful defense her project: Walk with an Arborist & Your Baby: Public Garden Tours for New Parents

Congratulations Meg!🎉

09/23/2026

🌱Congratulations to our First Look Fair Plant Giveaway Winners!

We hope your new plant grows right alongside your academic and personal success this year.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by at our table during the UMD First Look Fair. We can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll grow this year!

09/10/2026

🌱 We are all set up at the First Look Fair!

Come visit our table!

09/08/2026

Join us at one of our Fall 2026 Virtual Open House and learn how the Master of Extension Education at University of Maryland can help you advance your career and achieve your academic goals.

Connect with the program directors, ask questions, and explore how our graduate program can align with your career interest.

Dates:
October 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT
December 10, 2026 at 6:30 PM EST

Register today at go.umd.edu/OpenHouseAEED

08/28/2026

08/06/2026

Congratulations to John A. Samura a Master of Extension Education student, on successfully defending his thesis this summer, "Adoption of Rainwater Harvesting: Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Small-Scale Specialty Crop Farmers in Maryland."

We wish him all the best in his future endeavors and look forward to seeing the positive impact of his work.

Congratulations, John!

08/06/2026

Congratulations to our Master of Extension Education student, Rachele Francheschi, on the successful defense of her master's thesis this summer, "Plot By Plot: Creating an Educational Framework for the Various Urban Growers in the DC-Maryland-Virginia Region."

We look forward to seeing the positive impact of her work in supporting and educating urban growers in the region.

Congratulations! Rachele!

08/06/2026

Congratulations to our Master of Extension Education student, Brilliant Asamoah, on the successful defense of his thesis this summer, "An Exploration of the Drivers and Barriers to Urban Farmers' Adoption of Regenerative Agriculture."

We wish him continued success in his professional and academic endeavors and look forward to seeing the positive impact of his work in the future.

Congratulations Brilliant!

07/31/2026

Celebrating Excellence in Agricultural Education!

Congratulations to Dr. Melissa Leiden Welsh, Associate Clinical Professor and Director of the Agricultural Science and Technology program at the University of Maryland!

Dr. Welsh has been honored with the prestigious NACTA Educator Award by the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture during their annual conference in Starkville, Mississippi.

This peer-reviewed award recognizes higher education leaders who demonstrate the highest standards of teaching, instructional innovation, and student mentorship. From hands-on experiential learning to global educational exchanges, Dr. Welsh continues to empower the next generation of agricultural educators, Extension agents, and industry leaders across Maryland and beyond.

"Agricultural education shapes the future of our food systems, environmental stewardship, and rural communities. My goal has always been to empower students to think critically, lead passionately, and bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world application."-Dr. Melissa Leiden Welsh

👉 Read more about this incredible achievement here: https://psla.umd.edu/news/dr-melissa-leiden-welsh-honored-nacta-educator-award/

05/29/2026

Congratulations, Agricultural and Extension Education class of 2026!

You've trained to become educators, advocates,and community leaders who bridge the gap between research and real-world practice. Your work will empower farmers, strenghthen communities, and support the future of food systems. Your impact will be felt far beyond the classroom.

Congratulations again!🎊