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, , Outstanding Extension Team

The 4-H Pollinator Ambassador Program team was successful in securing over $35,000 in grants, donations and in-kind sponsorships to support the objectives, education and outreach goals of the team. Through guidance from the team, 13 youth participants immersed themselves in learning about pollinators and pollinator habitat, developing pollinator habitats, and providing outreach at a variety of community events. This team developed the foundation for other statewide youth ambassador programs to be successful.

📷: Left to right, top to bottom, team members include: , , , , , , , , and .

, , Outstanding Extension Support Staff

Amber is always professional, with excellent communication skills. She knows her stuff inside and out and most always has the answer right off the bat. For finance, this is critical, as mistakes can mean more work down the road for everyone. When she disagrees, Amber has this skill of rewording a conflict in a way that is respectful and diffuses the situation enough to give pause, where the individuals can think it through. This is one of her strongest assets.

Andrew Nuss, Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences, Outstanding Researcher

Andrew deserves the Outstanding Researcher Award for his outstanding contributions to advancing knowledge in arthropod physiology and genomics, his commitment to mentoring the next generation of scholars, and his ability to integrate cutting-edge research into teaching. His research publications, grants and collaborations bring recognition to our College and the University. Likewise, his mentorship fosters a culture of academic excellence and inspires students to pursue academic careers, enriching our academic community.

Erica Bigio, Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Science, Outstanding Teacher

In the past six years, Erica has shown excellence in teaching through many positive course evaluations, positive interactions with students, supportive peer observations and excellent annual reviews. Her courses reach hundreds of students each year, including both nonmajors and majors in the Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Science. Through interactive teaching methods, she helps her students gain practical skills, knowledge and important environmental awareness for our region.

Kim Higgins, Dean's Office, Outstanding Administrative Faculty

Kim has supported the College’s faculty with consistent, astute and constructive grant support for many years. Regardless how time consuming, frustrating or demanding the grant proposal process is, she approaches each project with thorough attention. Kim created centralized grant writing guidance and tools that have expedited grant writing and budget accuracy. She is fair and encouraging, and brings humor and lightness to bear at exactly the right moments. Kim has been invaluable in securing millions of dollars in grant support for the College, and provides reliable support with meticulous attention to detail. The College would not be where it is today without her assistance.

, , Outstanding Extension Administrative Faculty

Natalie is a passionate advocate for older adults and the aging community. We have witnessed her use this passion to educate others about the opportunities we all have to embrace older adults within our communities. Natalie has done this through collaboration with colleagues and proactively engaging with community stakeholders to identify needs and work to address them together. Natalie is a shining example of Extension’s effectiveness through strategic partnerships, successful program implementation and a collaborative spirit open to finding solutions for our communities.

, , Outstanding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Sarah works tirelessly as a leader for Extension in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging by continually learning, training, and developing systems and education to encourage and implement practices to improve accessibility for underserved populations. Her leadership nationally, statewide, areawide and in Washoe County has created a place of belonging with a high percentage of underserved/underrepresented youth in Extension programs.

Stephanie Patterson, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Outstanding Classified Staff

Stephanie joined the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology during the challenging pandemic, but quickly figured out how to manage everything. She continues to go above and beyond her workload. Stephanie is very approachable and pays great attention to detail, takes on additional tasks and completes them beyond expectations, all with a smile on her face. We are extremely lucky to have Stephanie on our team and admire her passion to support the Department, the College and the Wolf Pack Family.

, , Outstanding Extension Researcher

Teresa has proven herself as an outstanding researcher in early childhood education in many ways. Through her trainings, published literature and articles, and trainer conferences, she has built up the early childhood education community with her knowledge and experience. She has created a culture of joy with her team at Extension and exudes joy in all that she does. Not only does she help us remember to find joy in our lives and our work, but she has helped us understand how infusing joy will ultimately impact those we teach, and in the end, the children of early childhood education.