Spring 2022 Volume 128 - The Ohio State University
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Spring 2022 Volume 128
Volume 128 1
Communication, Education, and Leadership
fosters educators, communicators and
leaders who excel in the agriculture industry.
We have three undergraduate
majors - agricultural communication,
agriscience education and community
leadership - that will prepare you for a
variety of agriculturally engaged professions.
Our minors - agricultural communication,
community outreach education, leadership
studies and youth development - can
support your major career goals.
The graduate programs we offer in
agricultural communication, education, and
leadership - both in person and online -
develop students for leadership,
administrative and faculty level positions.
We’ve been preparing communicators,
educators and leaders and cultivating
futures for more than 100 years - join us!
Want more info? Contact us.
online: acel.osu.edu
phone: 614-247-6358
social media: @ACELatOSU
2 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 3
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR FIND US ON SOCIAL
Upholding Tradition Got a story, suggestion or
just want to find out some
Spring 2022 Volume 128 information?
he one thing that comes to it was to make sure that each piece of
mind when I think about the the issue; every story, a cumulation of @agrinaturalist
Advisors AgriNaturalist is the phrase each of the Class of 2022’s hard work,
Dr. Emily Buck, Kane Kinion ‘standing on the shoulders of giants.’ is their best ever. Together, we put @agrinaturalist
The magazine you hold in your hand together a magazine that stands on the
is the oldest student-led magazine in shoulders of the ones before us.
Editor-in-Chief Mallary Caudill the country, standing on the history None of this would have been possible
of hundreds of magazines written by without our esteemed ACEL faculty,
Associate Editor Lucy Pullins
previous agricultural communication the cooperation of the College of
Copy Editor Becky Bernet students. Those editions are filled with Food, Agriculture, and Environmental ON THE COVER
Art Director Kiersten Wright stories of ground breaking research, Sciences, and industry leaders who
Director of Photography Joanna Frankenberg features of historical trailblazers, and helped each student get to where we
news-worthy events that happened are now, soon-to-be graduates of The
Web Editor Sarah Thomas
in their time. The archives of Ohio State University.
Sales and Marketing Manager Macel Stowers AgriNaturalist magazines cover the We are proud to tell the stories
Social Media Coordinator Madilyn Youngpeter time and change of Ohio agriculture of our exceptional land-grant
and its’ impact on the industry university, its’ members, the work
Design Team worldwide. of the College of Food, Agriculture,
The prestige and recognition of and Environmental Sciences, and
Abby Schellin, Alexis Wooten the AgriNaturalist is due to decades the mission to sustain life. As you
of staff members – now influential flip through these pages, I hope you
Sales Staff industry leaders – who have delivered take the time to recognize the hard
an exceptional finished product year work of my peers, and the exceptional
Callee Aviles, Madeline Baker, Emily Hoffman, Cameron Shellhouse,
after year. Personally, this year’s goal research, news, and individuals
Chandler Wilson, Emily Wilson, Hannah Ziegler wasn’t to produce the best issue ever, featured in each.
Cover Photo by Kiersten Wright
Multimedia Designers
David Hendel, Maria Morre, Haley Schmersal, Brianna Yonley
AgriNaturalist
Agricultural Administration
Mallary Caudill 2120 Fyffe Road
Columbus, OH 43210
Editor-in-Chief
https://u.osu.edu/agrinaturalist
AGRINATURALIST is an official
publication of The Ohio State
University College of Food,
Agricultural, and Environmental
Sciences. Its purpose is to give
practical journalism experience
to students and provide faculty,
staff and students with a source
of information about college
issues and current events.
4 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 5
IN THIS ISSUE
08 Distinguished Seniors
11 Student Clubs Update
13 Carmen on Capitol Hill: The
Journey to Washington D.C.
14 Leaving it all on the Field:
An Ohio State Football
Player’s Journey from Farm
Beginnings to the B1G
16 Confident and Competent:
The Making of an Ideal
Veterinarian
18 New Name, Same Mission
22 Honeybees Give Insight
into Pollination
26 Quench your Thirst for
Economics
32 From the Show Ring to the
Pagent Stage
36 Filson Receives Alumni
Award for Distinguished
Teaching
38 Sustaining Life: A Major
That Will Live Out a Mission
40 An Attack on Ohio’s Alfalfa
48 Be on the Safe Side
54 Drifting Toward Solutions
60 30 Years of the Ohio State
Leadership Center
64 From Vacant to Vibrant
74 An Artificial Environment
76 The Apothocary
78 Students are not the only
ones Bringing Home Good
Grades
82 AgriNaturaLIST
6 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 7
Recipients Emily Thimmes
Food Science & Technology
Piqua, OH
Emma Rand
Food, Agricultural &
Biological Engineering
Guilford, CT
Guatam Apte
Forestry, Fisheries & Wildlife
Shaker Heights, OH
Isabella Borrero
Plant Pathology
Tampa, FL
The Distinguished Senior Award
honors top graduating seniors on the
Ohio State Columbus campus who
exemplify the CFAES mission in areas
such as academics and scholarship,
research and innovation, service
and involvement, and influence and Alisa Mancini Andrew Moffit Katherine Oriyo Lydia Tantalo Mackenzie Lange Madison Allman
leadership. Environmental Science Environment, Economy, Forestry, Fisheries & Wildlife Food Science & Technology Construction Systems Mgmt Community Leadership
Girard, OH Development, & Sustainability Reynoldsburg, OH Manlius, NY Commercial Point, OH Chillicothe, OH
Dublin, OH
Ashley Stroud Ava Forystek Avery Brewer Bailey Ward Mallary Caudill MaryEllen Bliss Meegan Gould Preston Sheets
Agricultural Communication Agriscience Education Food Science & Technology Agricultural Systems
Animal Sciences Sustainable Plant Systems Sustainable Plant Systems Animal Sciences
DeGraff, OH Ashland, OH Cincinatti, OH Management
Spencer, OH Dublin, OH Hudson, OH Oak Hill, OH
Cortland, OH
Camden Dezse Cora Dorman Danielle Hutchison Elizabeth Ohl Sarah Lehner Shannon Dixon Thania Ortiz Santiago Tyler Zimpfer
Agribusiness & Applied Animal Sciences, Food, Agricultural & Food Science & Technology Agribusiness & Applied
Entomology Natural Resource Animal Sciences
Economics Agribusiness & Applied Biological Engineering Tao Alta, Puerto Rico Economics
Dublin, OH Management Alexandria, OH
Croton, OH Economics Palm Bay, FL Anna, OH
Lewis Center, OH Delaware, OH
8 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 9
Learn more about
CFAES student
organizations by
scanning the QR code
with your smartphone!
10 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 11
Carmen on
Capitol Hill:
The Journey to
Leadership Photo courtesy of the OFBF
Pictured is Adam Sharp, Executive
STORY BY HANNAH ZIEGLER Vice President of the Ohio Farm
Bureau Federation.
H
e stands at the podium of the entire career due to Paulson blindly then led the EPA as the acting
American Farm Bureau office sending his resume to colleagues at agriculture advisor to the administrator,
discussing the future of farm the American Farm Bureau Stephen Johnson.
policy. Wearing his dedication to Ohio Federation (AFBF).
agriculture on his sleeve, he smiles. “Adam’s die-hard passion remains All Roads Lead Home
in agriculture," said Dr. Curtis Paulson, Next, OFBF reached out to Sharp about
Taking the Road Less Traveled retired professor of ACEL. a position as a federal lobbyist for
Adam Sharp, executive Vice Ohio.
President of the Ohio Farm Bureau The Expedition of a Lifetime “By that point I️ was married and
Federation (OFBF), grew up in Amanda, When Don Lipton at the AFBF called, had two little babies, but I️ didn’t
Ohio on his family’s grain and dairy Sharp answered and was offered an necessarily want to raise them in D.C.,”
farm. As a young boy, he was active in internship in Washington D.C. Sharp said.
4-H and FFA, however it was not until Following the conclusion of his Sharp then became the President
college, studying agricultural internship, and as he was leaving D.C., of public policy for OFBF. In 2017,
communication and international Sharp was approached by his superiors Sharp applied and received his current
economic and social development to take over a temporary full-time title, the executive Vice President role,
at The Ohio State University, Sharp position lobbying at the age of 23. succeeding Jack Fisher.
decided that the policy route was the Sharp was the youngest lobbyist they Bill Patterson, President of the
path for him. had ever hired with only three months OFBF, works directly with Sharp and
“An ongoing mentor for me was my of prior experience. has watched his ideas and outlook
advisor in the Agricultural “I️ did the job for seven years as a on the future of Ohio and American
Communication, Education and lobbyist for American Farm Bureau, agriculture grow.
Leadership (ACEL) department, Dr. lobbying mostly on environmental “Adam’s die-hard passion remains
Curt Paulson,” Sharp said. issues like pesticides, water quality, in agriculture,” Patterson said. “He
wildlife issues, and climate change in believes in agriculture and the role of
relation to agriculture,” Sharp said. agriculture in society.”
“Adam’s die-hard passion In 2000, Sharp’s role changed, and Sharp reports to an acting board
remains in agriculture." he began working under the George of 26 farmers, or “26 bosses” as he
H.W. Bush presidential administration likes to say. His past experiences,
Dr. Curtis Paulson, Retired
as an Environmental Protection incredible work–life balance, and his
Professor of ACEL Agency political appointee. Sharp connections to agriculture have led to
noted the administration wanted to his present success. His journey is not
Paulson embraced Sharp’s interests hire individuals who could work with yet complete, and his work continues
and encouraged him to forge his own farmers and strengthen the EPA’s to prevail, but his focus has remained
path in communications and public relationship to agriculture. unchanged: to fight for the future of
policy. Sharp credits Paulson’s Sharp served in his political Ohio agriculture.
mentorship for the trajectory of his appointment for over three years, and
12 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 13
A
brisk fall day can mean two for the upbringing and work ethic new jersey number and position. A
things in Ohio: harvest or that's gotten him to where he is today. former linebacker and defensive end,
Ohio State Football season. It's “I would go to practice, and then Stover’s season started in the tight end
early on a fall Saturday, the weather my dad would get home from his job position and a quick reassignment
is cool and calm, and for Cade Stover, and we would work on the farm,” from the No. 16 to No. 8 jersey number
it means wearing a No. 8 jersey and Stover said. “That’s what we do, we midseason.
playing tight end for the Ohio State feed cows, make hay, cut corn, do As a player, Stover’s background in
Buckeyes. whatever.” farming brings a unique perspective to
What was once a dream for a farm Stover Farms is family-owned and the team. Oftentimes, he can be found
boy from Mansfield, Ohio, is now a operated, and a large point of pride in the weight room or in practice
reality, as his fall days on the family for Stover. “We are not a big factory donning a local cooperative or seed
farm feeding cattle and harvesting farm by any means,” Stover said. “ It's company T-shirt. “That's all I've ever
alongside his father, have turned into just me, my dad, my two sisters and done,” Stover said. “That's all I've ever
a football season with one of the top my mom, that’s all we got. It’s the kind wanted to do. It's taught me pretty
teams in the country. of place in my opinion, where you’d be much everything that I've ever really
A second-year agriculture systems comfortable getting your beef from, needed to succeed in life.”
management student, Stover grew up you know it's raised on a family farm.”
on his family farm, raising beef cattle
and row crops alongside his parents A Dynamic Drive
and two sisters. A 2019 graduate of On the football field, Stover’s
Lexington High School, Stover was the performance reflects what one would
fourth-ranked player in Ohio and the see on the farm. “It takes work ethic,
130th overall prospect, according to and I think his farm background, his
the Ohio State Athletics website roster. blue-collar, small-town background,
gives him a chance to develop into a
Football and Farming very solid, complete football player
The agriculture systems management for us,” said Kevin Wilson, Ohio State
major at Ohio State is one of the most Football’s offensive coordinator and
hands-on courses of study in the tight end coach. “It’s got him to where
College of Food, Agricultural, and he is today, the chance to play at the
Environmental Sciences (CFAES), Ohio State level, he's a good athlete.”
according to Scott Shearer, PhD, In the locker room, Stover’s
Chair of the Food, Agricultural, dynamic balance of athletics
and Environmental Engineering and agriculture provides lots of
Department. This program is a perfect entertainment for coaches and
fit for Stover, who hopes to one day go players alike. Whether it's sharing
back and farm alongside his dad. photos of the farm’s pet pig, or
For most college athletes, personal showing off his pickup truck, the
calendars are booked with academics, team and coaches recognize the
strong ties Stover has for his
roots.
“It’s taught me pretty “We give him a little bit of
much everything that a hard time about his truck,”
I’ve ever really needed to Wilson said. “You know,
going through some mud
succeed in life.” and getting his truck all
Cade Stover on growing up on dirty and riding around
so he's a truck driving
a family farm
guy, hardworking guy to
be calling upon and to
practices, training, and games, but crack a few jokes around
Stover still manages to get back to the the family table with.”
family farm any chance he can. It’s Stover’s 2021 sophomore season
STORY BY MALLARY CAUDILL farming and his family that he credits brought many changes, including a
14 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 15
Confident & Competent
The Making of an Ideal Veterinarian
STORY BY LUCY PULLINS
PHOTOS BY JO MCCULTY, SR. PHOTOGRAPHER
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Stephen Horvath, DVM,
Fourth-year veterinary student observes a fourth-year
swabs a dog’s ears during an veterinary student while she
exam. gives a dog an exam.
various aspects of the practice model. three key areas: international and of graduates will go into private
While many veterinary students have nuclear security, the first amendment, practice —85 percent of those in
experience volunteering in clinics or and canine health and welfare.” private practice will focus on small
working as veterinarian technicians, While these may seem like animal care. “In their case, they’re
some have limited small animal clinic unconventional areas, much of spending a lot of time in the final year
experience. This provides younger Stanton’s life was during the cold in the hospital on the kind of medicine
veterinary students the opportunity war and he was passionate about they are going to practice less of –
to gain important experience. Named media and free speech with his what they really need to practice is
after Frank Stanton, the clinic is career; Stanton was responsible primary care and this clinic helps fill
a major addition to the veterinary for the first televised presidential that need.”
program at Ohio State. Stanton debate. Personally, he had many dogs In the spectrum of care clinic,
W
attended the university in the mid- throughout his lifetime and was an students manage their own cases from
hat started as one man’s general practice program,” said Roger curriculum, ensures that Ohio State’s 1930s when he received his masters advocate for canine wellbeing. arrival. While students take the lead,
gift of a puppy to his B. Fingland, DVM, MS, MBA, DACVS, veterinary students will be even and doctoral degrees in psychology. In the teaching hospital at Ohio veterinarians are there to coach and
wife has led to a new professor, executive associate dean, more confident and competent upon During this time, Stanton gifted his State, specialists practice an elevated guide, helping the students navigate
type of veterinary education. At The and the Frank Stanton Chair. “The graduation.” wife, Ruth, a puppy. Unfortunately, level of medicine, taking on referrals through all the cases. Students are
Ohio State University’s College of merging of these two components, First through third-year students will Ruth’s puppy became ill and was from primary care clinics, who monitored though video and audio
Veterinary Medicine, the student- combined with a redesigned also spend time in the clinic, learning treated at Ohio State’s teaching often lack the resources to treat recording as well as two-way mirrors.
centered Frank Stanton Spectrum hospital, which at the time was located critical cases. This contrasts how Of the clinic, Moore said it,
of Care Clinic is open and accepting on Neil Avenue. “produces an even more competent
patients. According to Rustin Moore, DVM, and confident graduate that is ready to
The clinic, which opened on June “What they really need to hit the ground running into a career
PhD, DAVCS, Dean of Ohio State’s
1, 2021, provides vet students the College of Veterinary Medicine and practice is primary care.” and into veterinary practice and be
opportunity to work in a clinic setting Ruth Stanton Chair in Veterinary highly sought after – even more so
throughout their four-year experience. Medicine, “that was really the only
Emma Reed, Associate Dean than they already are.”
By the time they are in their fourth encounter we had with him for years.”
year, students can be the doctor and After his graduation from Ohio State, many students will find themselves
see cases through from start to finish, Stanton became the president of CBS employed post-graduation. The
gaining confidence in their ability as a for 27 years. spectrum of care clinic mimics the
Check out more
veterinarian. In 2000, Stanton created the primary care environment most
stories like this
After three years of education, vet Ruth Stanton chair in Veterinary students will work in, handling
one by scanning
students in their final year are able Medicine to honor his late wife. Moore routine vaccinations and exams.
the QR code !
to put their learning into practice. recalled, “Before he died in 2006... he Emma Read, DVM, DAVCS,
“Few veterinary colleges can provide Stephen Horvath, DVM, coaches
a fourth year veterinary student established the Stanton Foundation Associate Dean for professional
an immersive clincal skills training while giving a dog an exam. to do the charitable work that he was programs in the College of Veterinary
program combined with a hands-on unable to do during his lifetime in Medicine, noted that 65 to 70 percent
16 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 17
posters plastered across the building’s whole college is represented here." “With a lack of wall space, I mean
walls, you will also discover that the The campus' renaming and rebranding we see everybody, and it promotes
this comprehensive campus is now as CFAES Wooster is only one of collaboration, sharing of equipment,
referred to as CFAES Wooster. several planned changes. New roads and interdisciplinary science,” Michel
What do all these changes have to and campus signage, sidewalks, and said. “It’s nice to see people in person,
do with the college's strategic goals of buildings are just a few of the visible and we do that all the time now,
enhancing the college's operational changes someone can see when because our building has a much more
and organizational standing and walking around the Wooster campus. open concept.”
increasing its capacity to handle Aside from the new scientific
new challenges? They are all part of Building the Future building, new pathways linking the
a much bigger initiative to integrate The 60,000-square-foot science campus's research and academic
the campus’ research and academic building on the Wooster campus areas were recently completed.
divisions. opened early in 2021. The building According to Michel, the walkways
includes four entomology research have made it easier to get around
Photos from Ohio State ATI Uniting as One facilities and two undergraduate campus. The paths have also allowed
Online Historical Archives a feeling of community to emerge,
In December 2020, CFAES announced teaching classrooms, allowing
that its operations in Wooster, Ohio, students to participate in ongoing since individuals can stroll around
would begin operating under one research. and engage with one another when
umbrella term at the start of the new Andrew Michel, PhD, professor and traveling between campus locations.
year. associate chair for the entomology “I have seen a lot of improvements,”
Michel said. “I used to walk to the
NEW NAME
The campus’ research and student department, explained that the new
operations, officially known as The other side of campus and there was
Ohio Agricultural Research and only one sidewalk. Now it is a brand-
Development Center (OARDC) and “Whether it is new, asphalt-like rounding pathway
Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI), undergradaute or that goes to the other side and that has
SAME MISSION
been nice. I’ve seen some of the plans
have historically ran as separate graduate education, they have in store, and I think that's
entities. The campus' renaming and
rebranding as CFAES Wooster is one of extension research, or even going to make it look even nicer.”
several changes planned by the college teaching, all these things Faculty members like Michel and
Boone are thrilled to witness the
Bringing the Campus Together
to better unite the campus. are represented.” development that will occur with time
"All aspects of the college are
represented on this campus," said and change as the college continues
Kristina Boone, PhD, assistant dean Kristina Boone, Assistant Dean to complete projects on the CFAES
STORY BY KIERSTEN WRIGHT and director at Ohio State ATI on the and Director at Ohio State ATI Wooster campus.
CFAES Wooster campus. "Whether “Especially with this new building,
it is undergraduate and graduate addition allows for faculty researchers people are now seeing the physical
T
ime and change. These two 2020, the college launched an been started or even completed in this education, extension research, or to engage with undergraduate means that we have to really promote
words from the famed "Carmen ambitious strategic plan to further past year.” teaching, all of these things are students, which was a rare occurrence integration,” Michel said. “We've been
Ohio" inspire Buckeyes support these priorities. Now, two years later, major represented." before the construction of the science working through it for about a year
all throughout the world to join During the 2020 State of the decisions and projects are starting to OARDC has become the college's building. or so, and I think it's gone really well
hands and happily sing along. The College address, Cathann A. Kress, fully emerge across the CFAES Wooster primary research center, with “It's nice to see students on the and it's something that we could look
combination not only embodies vice president of agricultural campus. activities in Wooster, Columbus, first floor because I’ve been here for forward to more on this campus.”
the admiration of The Ohio State administration and dean of CFAES, If you walk across the rural campus, and throughout the state, including 14 years now, and we didn't see a lot Brick by brick, CFAES continues to
University students, faculty, alumni, announced this new plan and the the newly constructed sidewalks agricultural research stations in of interaction with undergraduates,” build its pathway towards a successful
and fans, but it also represents the college’s decision to invest more than will serve as your roadmap for the Kingsville, Caldwell, Jackson, Willard, Michel said. “It didn't really feel like future. Regardless of the name change,
evolution and continuous commitment $100 million in infrastructure. buildings and grounds. They will Fremont, Custar, Coshocton, and a university campus on the research new buildings, and fresh faces that
of academic units such as The “Our college is making a significant direct you toward the heart of campus, South Charleston. side. It’s starting to feel much more comes with this progress, one thing
College of Food, Agricultural, and long-term commitment to the future, where a sleek and modern structure "If you go to people in the like that now.” remains the same: CFAES persistently
Environmental Sciences (CFAES). and to Ohio’s future by investing more will stand out among the rest. Once community, they will refer to this The open-concept layout of the upholds its mission of sustaining
CFAES is known for its rich than $100 million in infrastructure,” inside, the aroma of freshly brewed place as OARDC," said Boone. "The science building also allows faculty the future through supporting
history of innovation and scientific Kress said. “Already 18 capital projects coffee will steer you to the building’s OARDC is 12 research stations members to get to know one another groundbreaking research and
achievement, and it takes pride in Columbus, Wooster, and other cafe, where students, faculty, and staff throughout the state, not just one and their research, promoting educating the world’s next generation
in being a leader in academics, college locations throughout the state, are talking and grabbing a quick bite place. So [the name change] is trying collaboration among different of leaders and scientists.
extension, and research. In January including the work at Waterman, have to eat. If you glance at the signs and to get people to acknowledge that the academic disciplines.
18 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 19Come and explore the possibilities!
Students in the Department of Animal Sciences have opportunities to experience...
SMALL TOWN VALUES ON A BIG CITY CAMPUS Leadership & Community: Students have a wide variety
of clubs, organizations and judging teams to choose from
that help create a sense of family and encourage personal
and professional development.
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IS APPROPRIATELY NAMED FARMHOUSE AFTER OLD RURAL HOMES THAT WERE KNOWN FOR
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@FarmHouseATZ PHONE: 614-292-7156
20 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 21of that pollen or nectar source in the
sample that we are taking? That’s been
Partners in Research a topic of much discussion in the lab
Harper McMinn-Sauder, an about how quantitative this approach
entomology graduate student at Ohio is.”
State, works directly with Johnson on This type of research will also affect
the research project. She also works the Midwest and Ohio farmers. Easton
with beekeepers in Toledo to test is interested in how bee pollination
honeybee pollen and track their travel.
McMinn-Sauder gives much
gratitude to the beekeeper she works “I love working with
with, saying the project would not
be as smooth without them. “I love beekeepers; that is one
working with beekeepers.... That is of my favorite parts of
one of my favorite parts of my job,
getting to work with beekeepers my job.”
and getting to do different things
throughout the year,” McMinn-Sauder Harper McMinn-Sauder
said.
HONEYBEES GIVE INSIGHT INTO “We had a good 36 aviaries. The
beehive numbers have grown since
selection will contribute to soybean
production. “Because it’s actually an
Pollination
the beginning of the project and are issue among beekeepers, and certainly
extremely important in studying soybean growers don’t think that their
metabarcoding and sequencing. “So, I crop is benefiting pollinators really,”
think probably over 100 colonies that Eaton said.
were currently monitoring. Those that The DNA sequencing to determine
we put these brood, minder scales floral origins of pollen has become
and they, collect remote hive data, and helpful to answer questions about
then we collect nectar samples from
STORY AND PHOTOS BY ABBY SCHELLIN the colonies at the sites,” McMinn-
what bees are interested in pollinating.
The future of this technology is
Sauder said.
T
bright; It is used to determine the
he summer air on your face DNA and RNA, the process always developed to identify the evolutionary Tyler Eaton, a research associate contribution of plant growth and
and the smell of fresh-cut simultaneous identification of a relationships between plants,” Johnson for Johnson, oversees much of the lab honey production, or more generally,
grass and flowers. In the sample. Metabarcoding doesn’t said. “As a result, they’ve sequenced work and spends many hours of his knowledge of where to plant crops and
distance, you can hear a buzz from focus on one specific organism. It and published the sequences for day at the Rothenbuhler Honeybee flowers to get the best results.
honeybees. These bees have traveled determines species composition this particular meta barcode region Lab. Some challenges have produced
miles to get the pick of pollen they within a sample. that they use in their phylogenetic the research process as well.
desire. This pollen sustains the life of “Previous to that, the way you would analyses.” “Well, I mean, there are all sorts of
the bees and benefits us as humans. answer this question is you would Another modern technology technical challenges related to getting
The question for researchers is, why pick either the pollen or the honey, relating to the study is the GenBank, a the DNA amplifying sequence.” Eaton
are bees picking the flowers they and you would process it and put it on database library of all different plant said. “We get a list of plant species that
pollinate? That’s what researchers a microscope slide with stain,” said DNA that scientists have sequenced. are present in the pollen or honey. But
from The Ohio State University are Johnson. “You can identify the pollen The site is an excellent representation how does that relate to the abundance
hoping to find out. from different plant species through of all plants and their genetic codes.
Reed Johnson, PhD, is an associate microscopy; they have different “Pretty much anytime anyone
professor at The Ohio State University. shapes.” publishes a paper using DNA
His research interests are agriculture, sequences, they have to deposit
pollinator toxicology, and genomics. New Technologies those sequences with GenBank as
Johnson’s current project uses DNA Research technologies have advanced a requirement to get your paper
sequencing to determine the floral tremendously across the university. published in a journal,” Johnson said.
origin of bee-collected pollen. The “We thought, why don’t we extract the “So, I mean, it’s huge; It’s just vast
research project started in 2013 with a DNA from the pollen, and then use and growing exponentially with the
process called metabarcoding. amount of DNA sequence data that this A newly inhabited beehive in
metabarcoding, which is a particular
Delaware County, OH.
Metabarcoding is the coding of sequence of DNA that plant taxonomist database has.”
22 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 23Jeni Ruisch handles new science building with museum for many different insects as well as cockroaches. This is a species that
a Lycosa Latreille, or quality displays, allowing visitors education and outreach materials. many researchers request from the
taranchula, for students. to observe and learn about each This will allow the zoos to take more zoos such as, farmers, pest control,
species. The inside of the zoo is insects to even more locations. The and medical researchers. But the
designed to feel more like a classroom. goal is to be able to take this trailer zoos take specific requests too. Thus
With microscopes, pinned insects, all over the state of Ohio and educate far there has only been one species
pollinator stations, macrophotography people of all ages on why insects are that Ruisch has been unable to raise
and much more, it is the perfect space so important and vital in our everyday successfully for a researcher.
to carry out the mission of promoting lives.
awareness, dispelling the myths, and “Their everyday contact with insects The Brains Behind the Bugs
igniting curiosity in the unseen world is usually a negative one,” says Jenni Having so many insects available
of Arthropods. Filburn, the Program Coordinator in one room allows for many
of the Wooster Campus Bug Zoo and opportunities but, also requires a lot of
Traveling Bugs Curator of the United Titanium Bug work. Employees at the bug zoo must
With outreach being a main purpose Zoo. know detailed information about each
of the zoos, tours and classes are species to ensure proper care; from
offered. During these experiences, Research food—to lighting—to temperature.
visitors have the opportunity to learn The bug zoos also play an important Having these knowledgeable people,
THE CAMPUS BUG
more about insects and their impacts role in research. Having so many both in Columbus and Wooster, gives
on our everyday life. The zoos also species, the zoos are able to conduct the university so much to offer to the
cater to a wider audience by taking multiple projects at the same time. entomology world and the community.
insects around the community. For With these facilities, they also raise “Basically, I viewed the scope as
CAMPUS ZOO BRINGS CREATURES TO STUDENTS AND RESEARCHERS this, each zoo loads up what is called a insects for several specific research not only servicing the department
“bug box” full of insects, each in their projects conducted at the university of entomology but, any of the
own habitat. They cater to classrooms, and all over the country. other departments in the college of
STORY AND PHOTOS BY EMILY WILSON community events and so much more. “We have worked with the art biological sciences and the university
“We want to look at different department, we’ve worked with at large and the communities for
classes and families and try to give a psychology, school of natural outreach and engagement, whatever
representation and variety of animals,” resources, things like that,” said that might be,” said Keeney.
said Ruisch. Keeney. “Anybody that needs insects,
In the future, the bug zoo will be we are bug central.”
expanding their outreach abilities with One insect the zoos commonly raise
W
hen you encounter an the courtyard of what is now Arnoff “I call them the days of bear skins a trailer donated by AirStream. Inside, for a lot of research projects is pest To learn more or schedule a visit,
insect, what is your first Lab, in greenhouses. The move to the and stone knives,” said George Keeney, there will be customized habitats https://u.osu.edu/bugzoo/.
reaction? For many, top floor of a parking garage on 12th retired Insectary Manager at The Ohio
emotions of fear and disgust are State University.
evoked, but, for the workers at The
Ohio State University’s Bug Zoos, it
“We have things from The zoos started with just tobacco
beetles as these were a huge pest for
couldn’t be more opposite. all over the world, in tobacco farmers. Over the years, they
Located on both the Columbus
campus and Wooster campus, you can
tanks right next to continued adding insects, and now
house roughly 175 different species at
find a bug zoo with millions of live each other. There is no the Columbus campus.
insects and arthropods all living in one
room.
other animal that you Upon walking into the Columbus
campus bug zoo, you will see that
“We have things from all over the can do that with.” every space is full of insects from
world, in tanks right next to each every continent, except Antarctica.
other. There is no other animal that Jeni Ruisch, Insectary and They are raised and purchased for the
you can do that with,” said Jeni Ruisch, Outreach Program Director at purpose of outreach and research and
Insectary and Outreach Program Ohio State are all cared for by a small staff who In daylight, the Androctonus
Director at The Ohio State University. works diligently to make sure each The Gromphadorhina Crassicauda, or scorpion, is
Beginning just after World War species is receiving the proper care, as Portentosa, or Madascar black in color but, under a
II in Columbus, the bug zoos have Ave. allowed for a more controlled each insect needs something different. Hissing Cockroach, black light, it appears blue and
come a long way. Before moving, the environment, better equipment, and As for the Wooster campus bug clinging to Filburn’s finger. purple, as shown below.
Columbus campus zoo was located in more insects. zoo, it has now been moved to the
24 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 25STORY BY MADELINE BAKER
The podcasts helps bring blog posts
from Water Cooler Economics Blog
to life.
The podcast for anyone who loves
agriculture or economics
The podcast is attached to a blog the other side, Placias said, sometimes general public,” Sohngen said.
called Water Cooler Economics and decision makers reach out for their Whether you are a trained
W
any faculty in the department can expert opinions and they can point economist, voter, or simply interested
ith podcast popularity Ian Sheldon, PhD, Anderson’s Chair by the food we eat and the officials we write a blog about their research them in the direction of these easy to in economics, Water Cooler
on the rise and more of Agricultural Marketing, Trade, and elect.” or just a topic they have interest in. follow podcasts and blogs to inform Economics should be something you
than 32% of Americans Policy within AEDE is a co-host of Sohngen has tackled many current This hub has a new post about every them effectively. check out and listen to. You might find
listening to podcasts,. The Department Water Cooler Economics. Sheldon’s topics such as lumber prices and week. Readers can find topics such “The hope was to have a something that sparks an unfound love
of Agricultural, Environmental, and chair position makes him the perfect as “The Status and Changing Face of conversation, to make the research in for economics.
Development Economics (AEDE) at co-host for this podcast. The outreach Ohio Agriculture,” and “Carbon in the department more accessible to the
The Ohio State University is hoping to to other economists and people “It's not just prices and Soils and Trees: What Should Farmers
tap into that large market and reach outside of the economic field are both and Society Worry About?” The blog
people with an interest in Economics. equally important to this podcast. markets that go up and has a wider variety of topics but is
The hosts of the Water Cooler The simple conversations that are had down, it's impacted by still relevant to the common goal of
Economics Podcasts are hoping to are targeted toward people who are informing people about economics,
find fewer communication barriers in not economists, but still want to have the food we eat.” markets, and policy.
podcasts than in blogs or videos. some knowledge of how Americans
are being impacted.
Brent Sohngen, Professor Reaching Out
Podcast and Hosts These conversations have made an of AEDE “We can kind of get stuck in our office,
Brent Sohngen, MS, professor of impact with over 15 contributors to in our meetings, and not ultimately
Agricultural, Environmental, and podcast episodes or the sister blog, take the time to kind of talk to a
Development Economics is helping Water Cooler Economics. climate change. The podcast has broader audience about what we're
faculty engage in casual conversation discussed many of the economic doing,” said Zoë Placias, PhD, and
about their technical research. The Conversations at the Water changes brought about due to Associate Professor in the Department
Water Cooler Economics Podcast was Cooler COVID-19. These topics include of Agricultural, Environmental, and
started in hopes to make research and “I would hope, people would take unemployment rates, food system Development Economics.
economic topics more approachable to away that economics is not just one adaptations, international trade, and The importance of keeping the
the general public. thing, Sohngen said when asked what commodity markets. While, co-host general public informed is crucial,
In April 2020, Sohngen started he hoped people took away from the Sheldon has made podcast episodes having some knowledge of markets The official logo for the Water
recording his Zoom meetings with his show. “It's not just prices and markets with topics such as food value chains, and what impacts economics can Cooler Economics podcast!
peers and turning it into the podcast. that go up and down, it is impacted and trade policy. create better informed citizens. On
26 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 2728 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 29
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30 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 31they truly mean and what the 4-H previous 4-H advisor, said how advice, and knowledge as a past 4-H
pledge is declaring. reflective her character is in exerting member in her current advisor role.
“4-H has been doing from the to be her best in everything she does “Her participation in 4-H is a
start what other organizations are in life. natural progression or transition to be
beginning to do now. I realized “There are lots of good lessons an advisor because I can tell you all
what a gift 4-H really has been to even growing up on a farm we take the good things it did for me so I know
me, instilling all those values. Other for granted,” Chad said. “Lora took an it can do good things for you too,”
organizations like Miss America are interest in both sewing and livestock, Chad said.
now incoperating values like 4-H has taking pigs and she took some other Whether in the show ring or on the
been,” Lora said. “Miss America is animals as well.” pageant stage, Lora is using the skills
trying now to strive after those same Encouraging others and helping gained from her time as a 4-H member
goals that 4-H has been doing forever others is something Chad said he to be the best version of herself.
and I just think that's so neat.” instilled in his children from a young
The Champaign County Ohio State age. Lora is able to share experiences,
Extension Program Assistant, 4-H
STORY BY JOANNA FRANKENBERG PHOTOS FROM LORA CURRENT Youth Development, Kylie Horn has
worked with Lora over the her last
few years as a member and now as an
“T
advisor.
o make the best better” age taking care of the cattle, pigs, and “Communication: working with “She is now an advisor with her dad
is the 4-H motto and horses on her family farm. people in your club, with your in her club, so she has come back in
something Lora Current Communication is another skill projects, at the fair, just learning the adult role,” Horn said.
lives by in her everyday life. Lora may she learned when working with how to talk to people, how do you Lora had the opportunity to help in
be found in the classroom at Ohio others in her 4-H club and her communicate with people, how do the Champaign County 4-H program
State, the Ohio Statehouse, on her siblings on projects. Work ethic and you problem solve with people.” Lora as a club advisor, an advisor on the
family’s farm, or preparing for Miss communication are the two assets she said. “That's something that I really food and fashion board, a master of
America on stage, but wherever you has carried with her all these years, learned in 4-H and I think that's my ceremonies for the style review, and
may find her, she is doing her best but especially as she balances school favorite skill I learned, because it is helping to teach a modeling workshop,
with the skills 4-H taught her. and Miss Ohio. one that I use so much and 100% is Horn said. Lora was heavily involved
4-H is a steppingstone for young the one I use the most with Miss Ohio as a young member and continues to
members just beginning to figure out Boots in Roots and the most at my job and the most be involved in the adult roles, giving
their goals in life. It is a place to learn in my community and the things I'm back to the community that helped
Lora first learned the life-long skill of
new skills by doing new things and a involved with.” shape her.
work ethic raising livestock in 4-H.
place to grow as “She's very good with her public
“Growing up,
a person. Lora
especially with Crown with a Gown speaking, very articulate with it and
learned many “4-H background is livestock, you just she's just really helpful and loves 4-H
In September 2021, Lora participated
skills in her something I’m very you wake up and in the Show Me Your Shoe Parade for and loves helping the kids and that's
time involved
as a youth 4-H passionate about. I love you have to go feed Miss America. The outfit she designed what we need for young volunteers,”
your animals," said Horn said.
member that that but also since 4-H Lora. Feeding and
was 4-H themed with the colors white
In December 2021, Lora took her
and green. Her shoes were boots with
she puts into was founded in Ohio, it caring for livestock the 4-H logo, state of Ohio, Head, platform to a national level when
practice as a
young adult. was another opportonity is soemthing Heart, Hands, and Health words. partaking in the Miss America
you have to do, 100th Anniversary Competition. She
Lora shares to share what 4-H is.” everyday.
“My 4-H background is something
represented the state of Ohio wearing
the skills she I'm very passionate about. I love that,
Lora explains her passion for the agriculture
learned at Lora Current, 2021 Miss Ohio but also since 4-H was founded in Ohio
that her favorite it was another opportunity to share industry and 4-H on her shoes.
eight-years-
skill learned at a about what 4-H is,” said Lora.
old that continue to drive her daily,
even years later. Work ethic is a skill
young age starting out in 4-H was When talking about head, hands, To Make the Best Better
communication. heart, and health, Lora discusses what Chad Current, Lora’s father and
Lora said she learned from a young
32 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 33WHETHER YOU’RE PLANTING
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34 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 35
Brought to you by Ohio soybean farmers and their checkoff.Filson's mentor as an undergraduate to them, or that they can apply it, do with my life, and she's been there
student. “She encouraged me to and then you see that moment where to back me up and tell me that this is
pursue my master's degree after their eyes get big and their facial where I'm supposed to be. I have the
that, which then led me to Virginia expressions change,” Filson said. desire and passion for teaching. And
to become an Agriscience Education “Those moments really keep me she's just really supported me through
and earth science teacher for several going. And so, making that impact and my ups and my downs.”
years before returning back to Ohio being able to see the visible outcome Filson has left a lasting impact on
Distinguished
State to pursue a PhD again under the of my teaching is something that is every student that has walked through
mentorship of Dr. Whittington,” said very rewarding for me.” the door of her classes.
Filson. Ohio State faculty and staff within “Dr. Filson is a very compassionate
Teaching Fueled
“A requirement to enter the PhD the College of Food Agriculture, and lady,” Nissen said. “She's always
Photo from ACEL
program is three years teaching Environmental Sciences are thankful interested in what's happening in
experience,” said Filson. “And so, to have Filson here. “We are pleased her students' lives. She makes sure
By Love of
I finished my undergraduate. I to be able to retain her talent in that we're all doing okay and moving
completed a master's degree at that our department to work with our forward. She checks in way more than
point, I was ready to get into the pre-service teachers in agriscience any other professor I have had.”
Students
classroom, and start teaching my education,” Whittington said.
own students and practicing what I Leaving a Lasting Impact
had learned throughout my degree Unmatched Connection “Her unique ability to give selflessly
programs.” “Dr. Filson really, really gets to to the professional and personal
Teaching is what she has a passion know each and every student,” Jonna development of others is genuinely
STORY BY CALLEE AVILES for and loves; Filson does not feel like Nissen, a junior studying agriscience heartfelt and seamless and
her job is nine to five because she education at Ohio State said. “Every transparent,” Whittington said.
enjoys it so much. She describes her day when we walk into class, she asks Filson's deeply rooted passion for
job as something she gets joy out of how we’re doing, and it goes further Ohio State, teaching, and agriculture
“I
and something that rejuvenates her. beyond that because she can hold a are prevalent in everything that she
was one of those kids that Affairs Office website, recipients are she thought was a normal meeting, conversation with us about anything.” does.
when I was young, I would honored for their superior teaching, her colleagues in the department, Filson’s Why? “Dr. Filson has been a motivating
sit in the basement or find faculty members are nominated by university officials, representatives “When they are struggling to force behind me,” Nissen said.
a place around the house to set up present and former students and of the Alumni Association, and understand a concept, and I can “There's been a few times where I've
my school classroom,” said Caryn colleagues. her family all joined the zoom to present it in a way that makes sense doubted my major and what I want to
Filson, PhD, assistant professor of Recognition includes a $5,000 surprise and congratulate her on this
professional practice and program honorarium, $1,200 added to their prestigious award.
coordinator for agriscience education base salary, as well as induction into
at The Ohio State University. the Academy of Teaching. Fulfilling her Dreams
“If I was lucky enough, I would M. Susie Whittington, PhD,
The desire Filson had to teach grew
encourage my younger sibling and
as she became more active in 4-H and
his friends to be my students in the
eventually through her involvement
classroom,” Filson said. “I always just “I always just had this in the Diamond Oaks FFA chapter.
had this internal desire to become a internal desire to become Due to her love for teaching and
teacher.”
All her accomplishments and a teacher.” passion for agriculture, her FFA
advisor at Diamond Oaks encouraged
contributions to the success of her Caryn Filson, PhD her to attend Ohio State and study
students are what helped her earn the
agriscience education.
Alumni Teaching Assistant Award.
“Her motivation is to prepare
Filson was nominated by students, professor in the Department of
the finest high school agriscience
which she thinks is even more Agricultural Communication,
educators that she is capable of
impactful. These students are ones she Education, and Leadership and
producing and by data-driven
has had in the past and experience her director, second-year transformational
decisions through cutting edge
teaching regularly. experience program, recounts the
research and scholarship,” Whittington
announcement of the award. Due
said. Photo by Callee Aviles
Award Recognition to COVID-19, Filson was not able to
Filson's list of role models and Filson’s style of teaching and mentoring, in and out of the classroom, makes her stand out among her peers as a
be recognized in person. Filson was
According to the Ohio State Academic mentors is quite lengthy, but one sticks expert teacher.
asked to join a zoom meeting that
out to her the most — Whittington was
36 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 37for incoming first-year students. Hoy then we’ve been harvesting them and also gain knowledge on sustainable
wanted this major to be targeted weeding them.” sourcing and marketing within
toward individuals that are interested Solum does not come from a agriculture.
in taking over the family farm or even farming background, she describes Sustainable agriculture may appear
starting their own operation. her small town in Utah as a “tourist as a broad subject, as there are several
Ultimately, the United States town.” She said, “the majority different pockets of career options.
Department of Agriculture Higher of people that come are second Although the future opportunities are
Education Challenge grant was homeowners, they come to ski, and endless, students must dig deeper to
the perfect fit. This grant is an that’s about it.” find what they truly love.
institutional collaboration grant, Growing up, Solum had to drive “If somebody is interested in
meaning it generates more money as 30 minutes to the closest farm where becoming a farmer, they’re going to
time goes on. she found a passion for sustainability really load their courses more heavily
Hoy said, “the idea behind that and a mentor in the Factory Farming and they’re learning more heavily
grant was to establish multiple Awareness Coalition. “ I became toward the nuts and bolts of how I
pathways to a bachelor’s degree in really interested in agriculture and become a farmer,” said Shaw.
sustainable agriculture in the state of working to find more sustainable Regardless of prior experiences and
Ohio.” methods of implementing sustainable background, students who graduate
agriculture,” Solum said. with a sustainable agriculture degree
Farming for a Grade will thrive in several fields, according
In a farm-based practical experience to Parker.
Sustaining Life: A Major That Will Live Out a Mission course, students work at Ohio State’s
Waterman Farm. A first-year student
Educate to Activate
Jason Shaw Parker, PhD is at the A New Beginning
from Park City, Utah, Alexandra Solum Mansfield campus of Ohio State. Old legs of the same farmer swing over
is majoring in sustainable agriculture Parker is currently teaching the the side of the bed. He is tired and
STORY AND ARTWORK BY MACEL STOWERS
and is currently taking the 2307 class. introductory course to sustainable overworked but this lifestyle is what he
agriculture, which is also taught on went to school for. The life of a farmer
Ohio State Columbus campus. Along entails hard work, early mornings, and
“I became really interested
T
with the 2307 course, this introductory on-the-ball thinking; something most
he year is 2075, a man with reading The Ohio State University. He invested in the creation of this major. in agriculture and working class offers educational opportunities would assume can only be learned by
rough, callused-over hands has a bachelor’s degree in sustainable “It is listed as a new major on the to being a farmer. living on a farm.
turns the steering wheel agriculture, so he continues to work college website,” Hoy said. “And that is to find more sustainable “The major is designed where This old man started his own farm
of a combine, as the little legs from sun-up to sundown plowing and entirely true, but it actually is about a methods of implementing there’s the core curriculum that because of his degree in sustainable
of a young girl dangle above the harvesting so that Americans have 25-year-old dream.” sustainable agriculture.” students need to take. It exposes them agriculture. This man is the beginning
floorboards in the buddy seat next food for another trip around the sun. The process of establishing the to everything from plant pathology of a long line of future generational
to him. Soybean dust flies through major in sustainable agriculture Alexandra Solum, First-Year and disease recognition, identification, farming, he has started a future
the crisp fall air as the man makes A Dream Come True began as a minor in the School of
Undergraduate Student to farming, even economics, and century farm thanks to the beginning
his final pass through his bean field In the mid-’90s a group of faculty Environment and Natural Resources, management,” Parker said. of a major at Ohio State.
for the harvest season. The young members from not just the College of but it has now molded into a new Through many classes within the
girl and old man are integral parts of Food, Agricultural and Environmental major that started enrolling students Solum said, “We are farming for major, students learn to think critically
sustainable agriculture, which creates Sciences, but across the Ohio State in autumn 2021. the whole class. It’s two hours twice about environmental sustainability,
a sustainable life. campus had the goal of taking on a a week and we’re just working on the human-environment interactions, and
As night falls and the sky is covered degree program that would focus on Continuing to Provide farm. We planted all the crops and America’s changing food system. They
with a blanket of stars, the same old sustainable agriculture. This major The major was created based on a deal
farmer sits down at a dark oak kitchen would help develop individuals into made between Hoy and Ron Hendrick,
table for the first time in weeks. His impactful human beings in the agri- PhD the director of the School of
leather boots are scuffed and covered culture field. A student in the major Environment and Natural Resources.
in dirt; he leans down to untie them. can become a policy developer, an In that deal, Hoy told Hendricks, “If I
As he lets out a groan of old age, a agriculture educator, they could even can get a grant to get the planning and
sweet, blue-eyed woman sits down a open an environmental and social jus- curriculum work and get it started,
plate of steaming food on the table; tice non-profit. This major would open you’ll keep it going right?”
she sits down next to him. This man the doors to multiple future careers. The deal was made, and they
may appear to be more brawn than Casey Hoy PhD, professor in the both agreed that if Hoy could get a
Availability Utilization Access Stability
brains, but a white piece of paper Department of Entomology at Ohio grant, then the school would have to
hangs on the wall with aged letters State, has a big piece of himself maintain the major and keep it open
38 AgriNaturalist Volume 128 39You can also read
