About Me...

I am an assistant professor of agricultural communications at Kansas State University in the Department of Communications and Agricultural Education. I am interested in researching ways to effectively communicate agricultural messages using emerging technologies. My dissertation sought to explore the influences of narrative persuasion in videos on consumer perceptions of food safety practices at the operational level.

On this webpage you will find examples of my video, photography, design, teaching, and research. You can also review my CV here. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to talk!

Work Experience

Director & Owner of Paradigm Productions, August 2014 - Present

I am the owner of Paradigm Productions. This is a full service video production company that produces narrative-driven media for a variety of clients. Through my company I have been able to work on grants and projects within various UF colleges and departments. I have worked with agricultural organizations such as Florida Farm Bureau Federation and Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association. I have also worked with the National FFA Organization and many of the state associations.

Instructor of Agricultural Communications, June 2022 - Present (Kansas State University)

After moving to Michigan, I transitioned to a remote instructor for Kansas State University. For the past three years, I have continued to develop, refine and teach online course offerings for both undergraduate and graduate students through K-State Global Campus. I am responsible for developing all course curriculum, practice files, and coursework. This is an online focus, and I must utilize up-to date online teaching practices for both traditional and non-traditional students.

Communications Manager, June 2022 - Present (AFRE)

In this role, I provide video, writing, and website services for the organization. Every three months I create a monthly newsletter that includes articles, videos, and photos. I update the department’s website with any necessary items from uploading CV’s to developing a new web page for their research grants. Additionally, I provide creative services to create program brochures for recruitment, videos for social media, and designs for any conference materials.

Assistant Professor of Agricultural Communications, August 2019 - May 2022 (Kansas State University)

In this role, I taught eight courses focusing on various areas of discipline in agricultural communications. Over the course of three years, I taught both undergraduate and graduate level studies. I also advised undergraduate and graduate students while also serving on committees for master’s level students. As a faculty member, I also had a research appointment where I was responsible for securing extramural funding. By my third year on faculty, I had authored and co-authored grants to secure $750,000+ in grant funding to provide salary, assistantship opportunities and research pathways. Additionally, I developed innovative, modern and relevant courses to help prepare students with highly-demanded skillsets.

Ph.D. Graduate Assistant, August 2016 - 2019 (University of Florida)

I provided grant support to the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) at the University of Florida. In this role, I helped to shape the process for students to transfer to a major within CALS. This included producing communication pieces for the college, restructuring transfer eligibility, and organizing student-demographic data. Additionally, I provided administrative support to other associate deans within the college.

Master’s Degree Level Graduate Assistant, August 2015 - May 2016 (University of Florida)

I was both a Teaching Assistant and the instructor for video production courses offered within the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. The two courses I was involved with were Advanced Video Production in Agricultural and Life Sciences and Digital Media Production in Agricultural and Life Sciences. These courses help our communication and leadership development students develop skills within digital communication and produce real products for real agricultural clients.

Master’s Degree Level Graduate Assistant, August 2014 - May 2016 (University of Florida)

I was the Teaching Assistant for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Leadership Institute. This is a small class offered to only 10 students every year. Each cohort of students completes three semesters worth of leadership development in which they engage with a mentor specific to their respective major, travel globally, and work to develop a plan (which they implement) focused on meeting a need that addresses one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Education

August 2016 - 2019

University of Florida, Gainesville

Agricultural Education and Communication (Ph.D.)

August 2014 - 2016

University of Florida, Gainesville

Agricultural Education and Communication (M.S.)

August 2009 - 2014

California State University, Fresno

Agricultural Education (B.S.)

Click here to see examples of my work in video production, as well as some photography and design pieces I have completed for various purposes.

Click here to see my teaching philosophy, past courses I have either taught or been a teaching assistant for, personal teaching examples and examples from my former students.

Click here to see some examples of my research presentations and articles submitted for publication. You will also find my research agenda as well.