2020 November AEE Student of the Month: Gabrielle Kriley

The Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to congratulate the 2020 November Agricultural & Extension Education Student of the Month: Gabrielle Kriley! We recognize students each month who show outstanding involvement and growth as a student of the major. This month Gabrielle Kriley of Rural Valley, Pennsylvania, who is a junior majoring in Agricultural & Extension Education, and was chosen as she has excelled throughout her journey at Penn State.

Gabrielle graduated from Lenape Technical School with a focus in  Natural Resources Technology before coming to Penn State, where she attended the New Kensington Campus for 2 years. During high school, she was involved in the Lenape Technical School FFA where she served leadership positions and attended leadership conferences. She was also greatly involved in the Ruff Riders 4-H Club which established her love for 4-H, and she was a part of the Armstrong Teen Leadership Council. This year she has arrived at Penn State, University Park and she has enjoyed gaining new experiences in Happy Valley. Some of those would include her favorite place to hang out on campus which is The HUB, and her favorite place to eat at, Quaker Steak and Lube. In addition to these favorites, her hobbies include fishing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, spending time with friends & family, and snuggling her dog Peanut. The best PSU class she has taken so far was Biology 220W which focused on the environment through several hands-on labs and even encouraged her to conduct her own research on creating a pollinator garden. 

Penn State was made for Gabrielle as she shares it was the best school to get a degree combining education and agriculture. "I was raised to be active in 4-H, which was strongly supported by Penn State. Through 4-H, I had many opportunities to see the campus and meet various staff and faculty members. I also had the amazing opportunity to attend the Pennsylvania School for Excellence in the Agricultural Sciences which is the program that provided the opportunity to experience college classes in person while also providing the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, the campus, all while making new friends who also have the goal of one day attending college. This made my love for Penn State grow to the point this was my dream school and I would do whatever it would take to get accepted into the university!" She has found her home at Penn State and is thankful for the opportunities she has been provided with.

The experiences she gained while at the New Kensington Campus should not go unnoticed as she has shared the positive impact it has made on her life. "I absolutely loved the beautiful campus! At that campus, I met my best friend, and my life has been flipped around for the better. If I were to tell you about my experiences at that campus, we could be here for days. I truly had an amazing experience at my commonwealth campus." While at New Kensington she was involved in THON, the Student Government Association, a work-study job in the Biology Department, and a research study. These opportunities have helped shaped her future of becoming an Agricultural Educator.

One day wanting to Teach Ag in the classroom Gabrielle shares her passion for agriculture. "My goal is to be a teacher that impacts my students in a positive manner, just like mine had done. I had so many amazing teachers and what better way to honor their impact than by becoming one? Not only will I become a normal teacher, teaching something that I like, but rather by teaching our future generation of agriculture, I will be teaching on a topic that I love! If we need food, clothes, or shelter, we will need agriculture! Once I reach retirement, I intend to move to another country to serve as a missionary, teaching about agriculture in foreign countries to help them where their agriculture may be struggling. If I have the knowledge, I will share it with the world!"

Gabrielle also shared some unique parts about herself that help to keep her motivated as a student and person. "I am a student who has been diagnosed with ADD and Dyslexia. Life can be very challenging when you have things that are a roadblock, but I have learned that anything can be a roadblock, but it takes a special amount of determination to make that roadblock into a pebble. My disabilities have not defined me within my personal or academic life and they never will!" As you can tell, this young lady does not let many things set her back from working to achieve her goals and aspirations.

Gabrielle has accomplished so much and we are proud of how far she has come and excited to see where life continues to take her after Penn State. As she plans to Teach Ag in the classroom, her experiences in 4-H, at Penn State and many others will serve her well. Best of luck on the rest of your journey year. To check out more about Gabrielle, follow her Instagram handle @gabrielle_mae128!

Morgan Bear

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural & Extension Education

Class of 2023

Two AEE Students Selected for the Ag Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference

Nina Coolidge and Nicole Guise have been selected and awarded a scholarship to attend the virtual Ag Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference during November 11-14, 2020. "This program bridges the gap between academic, leadership, and work experiences while helping students understand the impact of their decisions." This year the opportunities include a 1:1 Professional and Peer Networking Session, Virtual Opportunity Fair, Personalized Curriculum, and On-Demand Sessions. These include Plant/Cell Based Meat, Impact of the Election on Food and Agriculture, and Sustainability and Conservation. Both of these students have filled out an application and submitted resumes including internships, club involvement, and references to be selected for this award. We are proud to have them both as Agricultural & Extension Education students at Penn State! 

The first recipient is Nina Coolidge a freshman at the University Park campus. She shares how she found the AFA conference, "I found out about this opportunity through Collegiate Cattlewomen’s Club here at Penn State. I attended a meeting where the AFA Conference was brought up and it sounded like a good opportunity." Nina plans to use this opportunity to better prepare her for her future in Agriculture Education. "Overall, I hope to gain a better knowledge of the agricultural industry, so I can take my knowledge into my own classroom once I become an agricultural educator. I would love to gain connections with agricultural industry partners that may possibly lead to future internships." Nina is excited to connect with other students from across the country and enhance her agriculture knowledge. During the conference she also hopes to gain lasting connections with industry partners. As a freshman, this is a great accomplishment and we look forward to hearing how the experience goes for Nina.

Nicole Guise has also been accepted to participate in this conference. Nicole is a senior majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education. She learned about the opportunity to attend this conference through a friend who graduated from Penn State last year, and was very involved in AFA and highly recommended it to her. She is hoping to gain content knowledge in areas where she is unfamiliar with and heading into student teaching she has some topics she would like to brush up on. Nicole shares "Hopefully, some new and creative ideas will come out of the information presented and I can incorporate it into my lesson and unit planning. " Although the conference is being held virtually this year, Nicole has been grateful of this so that she can still attend during a busy and important semester and not have to travel and take time away from classes. Nicole is most excited to meet students from other states across the country. She is looking forward to connecting with professional organizations at the opportunity fair as well. "NAAE will also be at the opportunity fair so I am excited to meet with people from the profession to learn more about how to leverage this experience in my student teaching and teaching career." With many things going on this semester, Nicole continues to find opportunities that push her to become a better leader. 

Both of these ladies have excelled in taking opportunities available in the College of Agriculture Sciences at Penn State to better themselves. They have bright futures a head of them and we are happy to have this opportunity awarded to students in our major. Congratulations again on being selected to attend the AFA Leaders Conference, we hope you have a great experience!

Morgan Bear

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural & Extension Education

Class of 2023

We Welcome Graduate Student Kendra Flood into the Penn State Teach Ag! Family

 This year the Penn State Teach Ag! Family has had the pleasure of receiving a new graduate student in Agricultural and Extension Education. With just a semester at Penn State under her belt, Kendra Flood has already proven to be a talented addition to Pennsylvania Agricultural and Extension Education.

Growing up in Montrose, Illinois, Kendra attended Cumberland High School. Her love for Agricultural Education began on her family's farm where they raised show pigs, goats, chickens, and rabbits. She was active in 4-H through leadership positions at the local and county level, state committees, and a variety of projects. Additionally, she was active in FFA serving at the state, district, and local levels in leadership positions. Her SAEs were in Agricultural Communications and Swine Production as well as  working for Grissom's Lost Creek Orchard. 

Kendra earned her Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Systems and Education with a specialization in Agricultural Education and a minor in Crops, Soil, and Environmental Management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. When asked about why she chose to pursue Agricultural Education, Kendra explained, "I am passionate about teaching agriculture, because agriculture is something that is all around us, but we are not always aware of it. I think it is important to teach students to become educated consumers and, possibly, agriculturists". As an undergraduate, Kendra was involved in the Agricultural Education Club, Collegiate FFA, College of Agricultural Science Student Council, Alpha Tau Alpha, and other agricultural organizations. She has also completed an internship with The Equity, an agricultural co-op, during two summer breaks. Outside of her academic career, Kendra can always be found on a hike with her Border Collie sidekick, Milo.

Determined to further her education, Kendra decided to pursue her Master's at Penn State. She said, "No other program had such an individualized approach as Penn State. Here, I am able to pursue research areas I am interested in as well as work with other faculty in their areas of interest. Also, the mountains provide a very nice view". As a Graduate Student in Agricultural and Extension Education, Kendra is able to engage not only in research, but teaching experiences that will strengthen her presence in the classroom and relationships that will encourage her to pursue her passions. Additionally, she has opportunities for professional development. Recently, Kendra, along with Dr. Kevin Curry and Dr. Kathleen Sexsmith, have been recognized for their work on the paper, "Gender Stereotypes of Suits and Boots: Student Perceptions of Gender in School-Based Agricultural Education and Careers" and have received the NC-AAAE Distinguished Manuscript Award, filling Agricultural and Extension Education faculty and students with pride. 

After completing her Master's with Penn State, Kendra hopes to gain a few years of experience teaching at the high school level and then earn her Ph. D. in either policy or education. In the future she hopes to someday create policy for the agricultural industry and Agricultural Education. Until then however, we are excited to witness Kendra's growth during her time at Penn State. Her advice to students interested in pursuing a degree in Agricultural Education would be, "Find a program and faculty member who lets you be the driver of your program. Dr. Kevin Curry always reminds me of how important it is to pursue things I care about as I will be writing about that subject for a while. So, it is important to find a program that will let you explore those areas you are interested in". 

WE ARE excited to welcome such an intelligent and driven young Agricultural Educator into our Penn State Teach Ag! family. Kendra, congratulations on all of your accomplishments so far. We cannot wait to see what else you do on your journey here at Penn State and what you do for all of Agricultural Education in the future. 

Taylor Halbleib

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022

October Agricultural & Extension Education Student of the Month Awarded to Nicole Guise

The Agricultural & Extension Education Staff would like to congratulate the October Student of the month Nicole Guise of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania. Nicole shares, "My family has two dairy farms that total over 500 acres in York and Adams counties, Buttonwood Farms and Bentz-Hollow Farm. We do not milk cows anymore but instead focus on breeding genetically elite Holstein calves and heifers, we grow corn and soybeans, and have a custom baling and harvesting business." Outside of the family farm, Nicole has gained experiences with the York County 4-H Clubs (Dairy, Dairy Beef, and Teen Council). She was a part of the state winning 4-H Dairy Judging team and traveled to both the World Dairy Expo and NAILE to represent Pennsylvania. Her experiences in 4-H lead her to serving as a Delegate for National 4-H Congress and as a York County Dairy Princess.

 Nicole spent her time attending and studying at the Penn State York Campus before joining us at University Park. While at York, Nicole was involved in the Penn State York AgSci Club, Graham Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Fellow, and she also won a Start-Up Challenge, similar to TV show Shark Tank, with a business plan for a customizable raised bed gardening service. Currently, Nicole is a senior graduating with a B.S. in Agricultural & Extension Education with minors in Environmental Resource Management and International Agriculture. Nicole is very involved in clubs and programs at Penn State including: Ag Advocates, Teach Ag Avengers, LEAD Society (Banquet Chair), Collegiate Farm Bureau (President), Dairy Science Club (Penn State Dairy Princess), and the Student Farm Club.

In addition to Nicole's involvement in clubs and student organizations, she is a teaching assistant for the Animal Science 201 course. Her hobbies include kayaking, baking and hiking with a unique goal in mind of going to every Pennsylvania and National Park before she dies. You can find Nicole in the Ag Administration Building in the Study Abroad Lounge as it is her favorite place on campus to hang out at. The restaurant Irvings is also her favorite place to eat in State College. As part of being an "Ag Avenger" Nicole has played a role in developing the Owl Pal Program at Penn State. "I created Owl Pals to connect AEE students regardless of their location (UP or Commonwealth Campus). From my own experience moving campuses, there were opportunities I wished I had known about/people I wish I had known were there to help me. It is my hope that Owl Pals helps Commonwealth Campus students feel more prepared to make the jump to UP, but also feel more connected to the students and faculty within the major."

Nicole has had some unique opportunities while being at Penn State including her trip to Chile. Since then, she shares her growing interest in hydroponics and that she wants to learn more in this area of agriculture as she continues her studies. As she is gearing up to start her student teaching experiences this Spring, Nicole will be student teaching at Derry Area High School with Mrs. Carly-Jean Rippole. 

WE ARE excited to see where the future takes Nicole as she embarks on her journey teaching agriculture and much more! We know she will continue to succeed in the future in all that she does. Best of luck next semester Nicole, we are rooting for you! 

To keep up with Nicole be sure to check out her social media profile on Twitter @nrguise.

Morgan Bear

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2023

Thomas Gabel Utilizes Student Engagement Remote Innovation Grant for Professional Development

While the COVID-19 pandemic has made it especially difficult for college students to engage in meaningful experiences this year, one Penn State student in the College of Agricultural Sciences took advantage of an opportunity through the Student Engagement Network to develop his professional resume. Thomas Gabel, a junior in Agricultural and Extension Education, applied and received the Student Engagement Remote Innovation Grant this past summer, earning a few new certifications to add to his resume.

Unable to take part in many in-person activities this summer, Thomas transformed his apartment desk setup into an area for professional development completing VoiceThread, Google Educator, and WordPress trainings virtually. Thomas explains, "Now more than ever, educational technology and virtual instruction is in the forefront of educational discussions". Realizing this, he took advantage of these opportunities to engage in the professional development they offer for educators. He hopes to utilize these skills in his future classroom in order to better challenge and teach his students. "The true impact of this experience will be felt as I transition into the role of an agricultural educator and utilize these skills in my lessons". Additionally, he has been able to share this new knowledge through the Global Teach
Ag Network with current educators, acting as a resource for Pennsylvania Agricultural Education. 

Thomas' studies and position as an intern for Global Teach Ag were directly complimented by his summer experience. Highlighting the importance of experiences like these, Thomas says, "Both my coursework and internship emphasize the importance of technology in connecting educators and students to create impactful learning experiences". During his internship, he will be able to utilize his new knowledge of VoiceThread and Google Educator to engage over 450 educators during the Global Learning in Agriculture Conference and over 50 classrooms across the world with online global agriculture modules that he continuously curates for the GLAGjr program. 

From the experiences he was able to engage in after receiving the Student Engagement Remote Innovation Grant, Thomas became a Google Level One Certified Educator. After he completes his capstone project, he will also be a certified VoiceThread Educator. Through this opportunity, Thomas will be better able to utilize different technologies in his future classroom. "The positive growth I experienced this summer will create an exponential impact on tomorrow’s youth as I work to engage and inspire them through effective agricultural education instruction". 

Congratulations Thomas on receiving the Student Engagement Remote Innovation Grant and utilizing this opportunity to engage in meaningful professional development experiences during these challenging times!

Taylor Halbleib

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022

Jenna Kibbe is Selected as the Agricultural & Extension Education September's Student of the Month

 Although a little late, WE ARE proud to recognize the Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month for September. This month's recipient is Jenna Kibbe of Findley Lake, New York. Jenna spent time serving the New York FFA Association as the 2017-2018 New York FFA State Treasurer. Jenna attended Penn State Behrend in Erie for a year and enjoyed her time there before coming to University Park as a sophomore. Currently, Jenna is a junior majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education with minors in Spanish and International Agriculture.

So far, Jenna's favorite classes at Penn State have been Horticulture 150N, Plant 220, and Ballroom Dancing! Her involvement with clubs includes LEAD Society where she serves on the officer team, and she is also involved in the Spanish Emersion Club and Salt Company. She loves to represent Penn State and has the Minnesota Vikings as one of her favorite sports team. You can find Jenna hanging out on campus at the Arboretum, Millennium Science Complex or at Old Main. Some of her favorite places to eat in State College are Sower Harvest Café and Big Bowl Noodle House.

If you know Jenna, you know her love for her dog, Ruger a German Shepard. Speaking of cool facts about Jenna, she has also gone hunting in 3 states and deep sea fished in the Atlantic Ocean. Her favorite quote is "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7. Jenna has greatly impressed us with her efforts both inside and outside the classroom to create more opportunities for students in the Agricultural and Extension Education major.

A program that Jenna has been working to organize alongside Nicole Guise through the Teach Ag Avengers at Penn State, is the Penn State Owl Pal Program. The goals of this program are to:

1. To connect AEE Commonwealth Campus students to AEE University Park students, faculty, and staff
2. To decrease the stresses associated with transitioning campuses
1. To provide a unique student perspective of the AEE major

The purpose of the Owl Pal Program is to help the transition from a branch campus of Penn State to University Park less difficult for students. As Jenna was in these student's places she shares "Being a transfer student who found the adjustment difficult,  there was simple knowledge about State College that I wish I would have known, so Nicole and I worked together this summer to develop the list of topics that we felt would help students not only adjust to college and academics, but also life in State College." If you or someone you know is a AEE major at Penn State or planning to become one you can reach out to Jenna Kibbe at jok5448@psu.edu. so that she can add your name to the list! This program starts the first year you arrive at any Penn State campus and will last through when you come to University Park to help get students adjusted to campus life.

We believe this program will serve students well as it provides more connections for students directly to the major through helping them find personal connections and lasting relationships as they go throughout their Penn State journey's. We appreciate all of the work Jenna has put into organizing this program and we can't wait to see the positive outcomes! Be sure to keep up with Jenna by following her on Instagram @jennakibbe and on Twitter @JennaKibbe

 

Morgan Bear

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural & Extension Education

Class of 2023

From Connecticut to Pennsylvania Amanda Gagne is Hired at Penn Manor Teaching Agriculture!

Ms. Gagne comes to Pennsylvania Agricultural Education all the way from Bristol Connecticut! She has recently accepted a position at the Penn Manor High School in Millersville, Pennsylvania. Amanda will begin teaching a variety of classes including, ag businesses, introduction to animal science, introduction to ag mechanics, welding 1, and vet science 1&2 at this five-teacher program in January. Penn Manor is home to 367 active FFA members that Amanda is super excited to meet!

Amanda completed her student teaching internship at the Conrad Weiser Area School District in both the middle and high school.  She taught both seventh and eighth-grade agricultural science, introduction in agricultural science, and current agricultural topics.

While student teaching, she gained valuable teaching method techniques and skills she can’t wait to put into action in her new classroom!  One unique teaching experience Amanda had the chance to take part in while student teaching was completing a dissection on a guinea pig to determine the cause of death during a veterinary science unit! 

When asked for one quote Amanda would like to share with future agricultural educators Amanda responded with, “If it doesn’t scare you, then it’s not challenging enough.” She explained that jumping into agricultural education changed her life dramatically forever.  She also encourages students who are on the fence about teach ag to give it a shot, “the worst thing that happens is you learn something new and move on.”

Congratulation Amanda on starting your career at Penn Manor! We are all very excited to have you back in Pennsylvania and can’t wait to watch you grow! We know you will positively impact your new students!  Good Luck! Keep up with Amanda on social media @ Agagne08.  

Killiann George 

CPPD Student Worker 

Agricultural & Extension Education 

Class of 2023