Preparing tomorrow’s agricultural leaders requires more than classroom lecture — it means developing professionals skilled in scientific communication, community engagement and transforming research into high-impact solutions. The Applied Plant Systems Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln meets this challenge by combining hands-on research with community outreach and extension.
Supported by a $597,589 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, six interns from agriculture programs outside of the university are currently exploring plant, soil and environmental science and career options. Each intern is part of a faculty-led research team within the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, supporting the lab, working on their own individual research project and benefitting from one-on-one faculty mentorship.
In addition to attending weekly professional development sessions focusing on leadership, systems-thinking, career progress and emotional intelligence, students are encouraged to engage directly with communities by sharing the applicable value of an agronomy-based education.
| Intern | Intern Institution | Faculty Mentor |
| Jordan Moises | Las Positas College | Guillermo Balboa |
| Solomon Mann | Fort Valley State University | Amit Jhala |
| Thomas Beran | Texas A&M University | Christian Stephenson |
| Trinity Edwards | California State Polytech, Humbolt | Daniel Uden |
| Lena Jurik | University of Oklahoma | Katherine Frels |
| Julia Kwasnick | Roanoke College | S. Carolina Cordova |
One intern, Trinity Edwards — a senior at California State Polytech, Humboldt — studies rangeland resource science with a concentration in soil science and a minor in geospatial analysis. After exploring summer research opportunities across the country, Edwards knew APS-REEU offered the mentorship and hands-on experience she needed to become a well-rounded scientist and educator. This summer, she is conducting research in Daniel Uden’s Center for Resilience in Agricultural Working Landscapes.
“My research project focuses on productivity and biodiversity across Nebraska’s grazed systems,” Edwards said. “I’m studying fAPAR [fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation], which measures the amount of solar energy plants absorb for photosynthesis, as an indicator of productivity, along with vegetation and bird data to assess biodiversity.”
“As the demand on our agricultural systems continue to grow, it’s important we increase productivity without sacrificing the resilience and long-term health of these landscapes. I hope this research helps inform better land-use decisions.”
Advancing the land-grant mission
As part of APS-REEU, interns designed and facilitated two interactive, educational activities at the Junior MANRRS Outreach Activity at the Kansas Industrial and Educational Institute of Topeka, a collaborative outreach event held on July 8, 2026, in conjunction with Kansas State University; the Teen Career and Leadership Focus Institute; National, K-State and Junior MANRRS.
The event introduced middle and high school students with little to no agricultural exposure — many of whom included foster and homeless youth from urban communities — to careers and educational pathways in agriculture and natural resources.
The first activity introduced soil texture and structure through the “touch and feel” method. By comparing sandy, silty and clay soils, they explored how soil properties influence water retention, root growth and crop production.
The second activity explored soil permeability and erosion by comparing water movement through bare, vegetated and mulch-covered soils. Participants observed difference in infiltration and runoff, learned how soil management influences water retention and erosion and concluded with a drone demonstration highlighting precision agriculture.
Somdatta Achar, APS-REEU program coordinator, said that the interns did an excellent job engaging the camp participants in the activities, bringing even the shyest students out of their shells. A welcoming environment helped build their confidence — even students who were initially hesitant eventually felt comfortable engaging with the group by the end of activities.
Learning beyond the laboratory
APS-REEU is cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders by helping them become effective communicators and inspiring younger people to explore agricultural pathways.
For many of the interns, it was the first time they had led extension activities and communicated technical concepts to an audience with little agricultural background. Translating complex ideas into engaging, age-appropriate lessons not only strengthened the interns’ communications skills but also increased their appreciation for the importance of public engagement.
“When research is meant to support communities or guide land management, the people most affected need to be part of the process,” Edwards said. “Lasting stewardship comes from collaboration and shared ownership of the knowledge we create.
“That’s also why sharing agricultural knowledge with younger generations is so important to me. It helps spark curiosity about where their food comes from, how the land supports them and how they can play a role in caring for it.”
APS-REEU is led by Martha Mamo, head of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, with co-leads Leah Sandall, associate professor of practice; Julie Obermeyer, career development and corporate relations coordinator; Daniel Uden, associate professor and resilience spatial scientist; and Carolina Cordova, assistant professor and statewide soil health specialist. The program also collaborates with Dr. Zelia Wiley, professor at Kansas State University and chapter advisor for KSU’s MANRRS program.
