Agricultural Science and Technology

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!

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!

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!

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/

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!🎊

Please join us in congratulating Meg Smosliski, a graduate student in our Master of Extension Education program, on receiving the UMD Graduate Student Distinguished Service Award!

This recognition reflects her exceptional dedication and meaningful contributions to our community and the graduate school.

Congratulations, Meg! This honor is truly well deserved.

Maryland Day 2026 was a whole vibe!

From hatching eggs to meeting adorable chicks, Agricultural Science created awareness and shared the impact of Maryland agriculture and extension with the community🌾

Happy Maryland Day 2026!

There is no better time to plant a seed for your future horticulture passion!

Do you love plants, enjoy working with nature, and have a passion for sustainability and beautiful landscapes? Our Environmental Horticulture program is the perfect place to grow.

Our program offers hands-on learning through exciting field trips to orchards, research farms, greenhouses, and vegetable farms, giving you real-world experience.

With Dr. Cochran you will take specialized courses in fruit and vegetable production as well as landscape horticulture, all designed to provide hands-on learning through field trips to gardens, project sites, and practical experiences like pruning and plant care.

Contact us to grow your career in Horticulture!

psla.umd.edu

Dr. Colby Silvert and his UMD colleague, Dr. Fabiana Cardoso, led a spring break study abroad program to Brazil that blended hands-on learning with global exploration for students with international agricultural, veterinary, and conservation interests. Students had meaningful opportunities to learn, engage with family and industrial agricultural practices, and build both International connections and applied research skills.