February 2023 AEE Student of the Month: Nicolette Cusate

Nicolette Cusate is February's Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month!

    The Center for Professional Personnel Development recognizes students with outstanding academic and extra-curricular activities and involvement. We are excited to announce that Nicolette Cusate is February's 2023 Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month! 

    Nicolette's hometown is Bloomsburg, PA and she attended Columbia-Montour Area Vocational Technical School. Before she came to University Park, Nicolette studied at Penn State Behrend. She states "I had the best time there. I was involved in many clubs and was a member of Alpha Sigma Tau, a social sorority. I got to tell a bunch of people that didn’t know what agriculture education was about how awesome our major is! I also met a lot of my best friends there that I am still close with today. My time at a commonwealth campus was invaluable to me, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world." Nicolette will graduate in the Spring of 2023 with a Bachelor's in Agricultural and Extension Education. When asked about her future plans she responds that she wants to "make a positive impact on students in whatever capacity I’m called to". 

    

Nicolette chose Penn State because "they have the best Ag Ed program!" Her favorite classes during her time at Penn State were AEE 311 (Developing Youth Leadership through Organization and Program), AEE 412 (Methods of Teaching Agriculture and Environmental Science), and AEE 350 (Teaching Methods for Agricultural and Environmental Laboratories). She was also involved in multiple clubs including PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters, Alpha Tau Alpha, Alpha Sigma Tau, and Pennsylvania State Education Association Student Member. She also held a job position at the Center for Professional Personnel Development as a Student Worker. Nicolette also had an internship at Keystone Smiles AmeriCorps. Her favorite hang-out space on campus was Ferguson 213. Her hobbies include "spending time with my boyfriend Kade, putting together puzzles, hiking, and exploring new places". 

   

During her time in her high school FFA chapter, she held officer positions such as Reporter, Vice-President, and President. Her interests in agriculture include plant science and greenhouse management and production. She says her passion for agriculture is "showing students all the opportunities that are available to them through agriculture education and FFA". 

    Nicolette is currently student teaching at Northwestern Senior High School in Albion, Pennsylvania. She will be teaching Agriscience Applications, Small Vet Science, Agricultural Leadership, Landscaping, and Agricultural Mechanics. When asked what experience she is most looking forward to she said, "I’m really enjoying working with students and getting to know each of them. I think it is really cool when I stop and think about how I am now part of their high school experience, even if I’m only here for 15 weeks". 

Nicolette's favorite quote is:

“If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you to your purpose.”

Follow her journey on Twitter @CusateNicolette

Erica Teagarden

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2026