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Applied Research

Presentation Title

1ST PLACE – Economic Evaluation of Georgia’s Artificial Reef Program

Georgia’s artificial reefs create important habitat for fish and other marine life, enhancing the marine ecosystem and supporting the state’s multimillion-dollar recreational fishing industry.

Presenters
Eugene Frimpong
Coastal Economic Specialist
Bryan Fluech
Associate Director of Extension
Caroline Solomon
Graduate Student, Yale University
Presentation Title

2ND PLACE – Evaluation of Pre-emergent Herbicide Combinations and Rate for Pecans

As the Georgia pecan industry experiences unprecedented growth, a new generation of growers is stepping into the field eager to learn the intricacies of both farming practices and pecan production.

Presenters
Derrick R. Bowen
County Extension Coordinator
Andrew G. Sawyer
Area Pecan Agent
M. Lenny Wells
Professor and Pecan Extension Specialist
Presentation Title

3RD PLACE – The Ethics of Language Artificial Intelligence

With artificial intelligence becoming an increasingly integral part of many people’s day to day life, it is important to investigate the ethics of these models so that any discrepancies that may lead to unfair biases may be identified.

Presenters
Shelby Osteen
UGA CyberArch
Presentation Title

Assessing the Value of Nongame Coastal Wildlife in Georgia

To better understand the balance between development and wildlife conservation, as well as to guide conservation planning, Georgia Department of Natural Resources provided funding in 2024 to determine the economic value of nongame coastal wildlife.

Presenters
Eugene Frimpong
Coastal Economic Specialist
Brittany Dodge
Coastal Training Program Coordinator
Caroline Solomon
Graduate Student, Yale University
Presentation Title

Building Community: Curriculum Development for Rural and Small-Towns

This initiative addresses the challenges faced by rural and small-town communities in preserving their unique identity while planning for sustainable growth.

Presenters
Chrissy Marlowe
Public Service Associate
Olivia Humble
Graduate Student
Hayes Taylor Jr.
Graduate Student
Presentation Title

Co-Benefits of Industry and Natural Resource Planning

In 2015, the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s Coastal Ecology Lab and Chemours partnered to protect wildlife, focusing on gopher tortoises and eastern indigo snakes, at heavy mineral sand mines in South Georgia’s coastal plain.

Presenters
Kimberly M. Andrews
Coastal Ecology Specialist
Oscar P. Thompson
Coastal Ecology Research Professional
Presentation Title

Community Development and Local Food Systems: Focus on the Cartersville’s Farmers Market

Sponsored by Bartow County and Cartersville City Government, the Cartersville farmers market has benefitted from the guidance and support of the UGA County Extension office.

Presenters
Vanessa Shonkwiler
Public Service Associate
Paul Pugliese
County Extension Coordinator/ANR Agent
Angelica Bridges
Family and Consumer Sciences Agent
Presentation Title

Evaluation of Root-knot Nematode Resistant Peanut Varieties in Southwest Georgia

Southwest Georgia row crop fields are notorious for having both Root-knot nematodes (RKN) and highly variable soil types.

Presenters
Braxton Grey Crews
County Extension ANR Agent
Sean McAllister
Terrell County Agent
Walter Scott Monfort
Professor
Presentation Title

Factors and Barriers of Extension Programming Adoption

Because Cooperative Extension agents decide what educational programs to offer to clients, they serve as gatekeepers of Extension information dispersal.

Presenters
Heather Kolich
County Extension Coordinator/ANR Agent
Martin Wunderly
Northeast District Area Water Agent
Jessica Warren
County Extension Coordinator/ANR Agent
Presentation Title

Gamified Cybersecurity Training: Reducing Phishing Susceptibility

This study explores how gamification and AI-driven simulations enhance engagement, improve phishing detection, and strengthen compliance with cybersecurity protocols.

Presenters
Farah Charaniya
Cybersecurity Research Assistant
Ashera Ly
CURO Undergraduate Researcher
Presentation Title

Georgia’s 2024 Report on Dementia

The primary goal of this project was to produce the inaugural report on the state of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Georgia.

Presenters
Bennett Hardee
Research Professional III
Madelyn Cantu
Research Professional
Taylor Hafley
Applied Demographer
Presentation Title

Look Ahead Georgia

To address challenges, the Archway Partnership launched Look Ahead Georgia, a program designed to create pathways for students to gain internship experience in their rural hometowns.

Presenters
Jason Edwards
Public Service Assistant
Brittany Standifer
Community Engagement Manager
Jimmy Richardson
Look Ahead Georgia Archway Professional
Presentation Title

More Than Just Free Books

Book distribution programs have emerged as a key intervention for promoting language nutrition in early childhood. This scoping review examines the effectiveness of book distribution programs in fostering language nutrition by analyzing real-world interventions.

Presenters
Nipuna Ambanpola
Research and Public Service Manager
Presentation Title

Using Data Analytics to Evaluate Food Waste

Representatives from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences studied the amount of food waste at events hosted at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in order to prevent food waste in the future.

Presenters
Katherine Brumley
Graduate Student
Daniel Remar
Assistant Professor
Kiel Norris
Associate Director of Continuing Education
Presentation Title

Visualizing Program Transitions in Georgia’s Birth to Five System

In collaboration with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government conducted a demonstration project to examine enrollment trends and transitions between the state’s early childhood education services.

Presenters
Melinda W. Moore
Public Service Associate
Brian W. Simmons
Public Service Assistant
Veronica Lopez-Delgado
Research Professional

Impact

Presentation Title

1ST PLACE – Warner Robins Downtown Resilience Plan

Warner Robins is uniquely positioned to benefit from its proximity to Robins Air Force Base, the largest single-site industrial complex in Georgia. RAFB employs some 22,000 civilian, contractor, and military personnel, making the city a regional employment hub.

Presenters
Kelsey Broich
Creative Design Specialist
Carmine Fischetti
Landscape and Urban Designer
Clark Stancil
Creative Design Specialist
Presentation Title

2ND Place – Impactful Experience UGA

Launched in 2012, the Experience UGA program is a partnership between the Clarke County School District and the University of Georgia that brings every Clarke County student to UGA every year to experience learning on a university campus.

Presenters
Joshua Podvin
Assistant Director for Community Partnerships
Aiyana Egins
Experience UGA Coordinator
Cecilia Vu
Graduate Assistant
Presentation Title

3RD PLACE – Emerging Engineers Leadership Development Program

UGA’s College of Engineering identified a need to develop more professionalization and leadership skills to serve their students as they work through client-based projects in their senior year.

Presenters
Brandy Walker
Senior Public Service Associate
Elizabeth Lutz
Public Service Assistant
John Aliu
Clinical Assistant Professor
Presentation Title

Accountability Court Coordinator Certification Program

The Accountability Court Coordinator Certification Program is designed to satisfy professional development needs of accountability court coordinators throughout the state.

Presenters
Eric Robinson
Public Service Associate
Dave Lakly
Senior Public Service Associate
Presentation Title

Backyard Livestock 101

Oconee County Extension has implemented a Backyard Livestock 101 that addresses the need for education in livestock management, hosts hands-on demonstrations, and helps attendees implement better practices from an economic, environmental, and animal husbandry perspective.

Presenters
Carsen Dean
Oconee County ANR Agent
Jillian Bohlen
Associate Professor
Brian Bradford
Elbert County ANR Agent
Presentation Title

Buena Vista Mural goes 3D with Connect to Protect Garden

A vibrant mural at the corner of North Broad Street and Fifth Avenue in Buena Vista, GA, comes into three dimensions with a Connect to Protect garden in the foreground.

Presenters
Jason Young
Director of Horticulture and Grounds
Saralyn Stafford
Retired faculty at UGA Institute of Government
Presentation Title

Building a Successful Hospitality Internship Program

The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel is uniquely positioned for preparing and addressing the needs of the next generation of hospitality professionals through its hospitality internship program.

Presenters
KT Cooke
Director of Sales and Event Management
Leta Salazar
Human Resources Manager
Presentation Title

Building Education Around Mental Services Community Event

The B.E.A.M.S. Community Event is a free mini conference, focusing on mental health, for youth in grades 6-12 and their parents or guardians.

Presenters
Charlene Scott
4-H Agent
Brittany Teets
County Extension Coordinator/4-H Agent
Presentation Title

Building Literary Success for Kids from Birth to 5 Years Old

In 2019, the Colquitt County Archway Partnership established the Youth Development and Education Issue Work Group (YDEIWG). Concerned by the lack of early childhood development resources, the YDEIWG sought an innovative solution to address the deficiency.

Presenters
Sarah Adams
Archway Professional
Sara Hand
Archway Professional
Presentation Title

Community Development and Local Food Systems: Focus on the Cartersville’s Farmers Market

Sponsored by Bartow County and Cartersville City Government, the Cartersville farmers market has benefitted from the guidance and support of the UGA County Extension office.

Presenters
Vanessa Shonkwiler
Public Service Associate
Paul Pugliese
County Extension Coordinator/ANR Agent
Angelica Bridges
Family and Consumer Sciences Agent
Presentation Title

Data-Informed Approaches to Rural Housing Challenges

The Carl Vinson Institute of Government assists rural Georgia communities in understanding and addressing their housing challenges, such as aging housing stock and limited affordable housing.

Presenters
Ashlee Tziganuk
Postdoc Research Associate
Micah Shannon
Graduate Student
Linet Namuli
Research Professional
Presentation Title

Educational Overnight Event Develops 4-H Essential Elements in Youth

The 4-H Study was a longitudinal investigation of students and their parents that evaluated the link between involvement in positive youth development programs and student success.

Presenters
Ashley Carroll
Extension Specialist
Christina Garner
Extension Specialist
Grace Chauncey
Lowndes 4-H Agent
Presentation Title

Executive Leadership Program for Nonprofit Organizations

ELPNO is a professional development program for upcoming executives and leaders in the nonprofit sector.

Presenters
Sayge Medlin
Public Service Associate
Julie Meehan
Public Service Associate
Presentation Title

Empowering Youth as Leader Through 4-H Certified Teen Leader Trainings

By facilitating this program, 4-H faculty were not only able to educate and empower youth to become peer leaders and mentors to others but also aided in building soft skills among today’s youth.

Presenters
Susannah Lanier
County Extension Coordinator
Megan Veal
County Extension Coordinator
Jakyn Tyson
Emanuel County 4-H Agent
Presentation Title

Evaluation of Pre-emergent Herbicide Combinations and Rate for Non-bearing Pecan

As the Georgia pecan industry experiences unprecedented growth, a new generation of growers is stepping into the field eager to learn the intricacies of both farming practices and pecan production.

Presenters
Derrick R. Bowen
County Extension Coordinator
Andrew G. Sawyer
Area Pecan Agent
M. Lenny Wells
Professor and Pecan Extension Specialist
Presentation Title

Fire Festival

In 2021, the inspiration for what became the Fire Festival was sparked. Effingham and Screven County Extension partnered to address the needs of the communities by offering two Prescribed Burning and Land Management Field Days.

Presenters
Blake Carter
County Extension Agent – ANR
Susan French
Georgia Sentinel Landscape Pilot Project Coordinator
Jason Mallard
Area Water Agent
Presentation Title

Georgia Electric Mobility Snapshot

By transforming technical research into accessible, visually compelling formats, UGA Institute of Government is ensuring that Georgia’s communities are equipped to navigate the shift to electric transportation.

Presenters
Eleonora Machado
Creative Design Specialist
Asher Dozier
E-mobility Engagement Lead
Julia Dietz
Public Service Assistant
Presentation Title

Georgia Heifer Evaluation and Reproductive Development Program

The Georgia Heifer Evaluation and Reproductive Development Program allows producers to consign heifers for specialized development to enhance the state’s beef industry.

Presenters
Savannah Tanner
County Extension Coordinator/ ANR Agent
Holly Anderson
County Extension Coordinator
Marrissa Blackwell
Program Coordinator – Extension
Presentation Title

Georgia’s 2024 Report on Dementia

The primary goal of this project was to produce the inaugural report on the state of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Georgia.

Presenters
Bennett Hardee
Research Professional III
Madelyn Cantu
Research Professional
Taylor Hafley
Applied Demographer
Presentation Title

Harmonizing National Service Programs for Campus-Community Partnerships

The UGA Office of Service-Learning’s VISTA Network and Community Food Fellows programs provide examples of how intentionally intertwined AmeriCorps programs can effectively support a key need.

Presenters
Paul Matthews
Associate Director
Coleman Allums
Community Food Fellows Program Coordinator
Presentation Title

Hawkinsville Design Charrette

Hawkinsville aimed to attract a pub to boost downtown revitalization, tourism and dining options. The Archway Partnership enlisted the Center for Community Design and Preservation to envision potential opportunities.

Presenters
Sherrié Raleigh
Archway Professional
Jennifer Lewis
Director
Presentation Title

Impact of the Certified Public Manager Program

The Certified Public Manager is a 300-hour internationally accredited credential designed for public sector managers who want to increase efficiency, effectiveness and customer service.

Presenters
Marci Porter Campbell
Public Service Associate
Presentation Title

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD – Increasing Georgia’s Capacity to Support Foster & Homeless Youth

This past year, the Embark Georgia Center has awarded 17 grants to colleges or technical schools across the state, built 7 coalition groups statewide, hosted a statewide conference, and much more.

Presenters
David Meyers
Senior Public Service Associate
Lori Tiller
Director, Nonprofit Management and Leadership
Jason Bedgood
Program Coordinator
Presentation Title

Increasing Nature Quotients

The concept of building one’s nature quotient is at the heart of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia’s education programming mission to develop the current and next generation of environmental stewards.

Presenters
Cora Keber
Director of Education
Katie McCollum
Children’s Garden Curator
Audrey Mitchell
Children’s Program Coordinator
Presentation Title

Leadership in Neighboring Communities

Leadership in Neighboring Communities is a unique partnership between Cook and Berrien counties, grounded in the Fanning Adult Community Leadership Curriculum, which emphasizes the continuous growth of skills and knowledge for effective leadership.

Presenters
Elizabeth Lutz
Public Service Assistant
Presentation Title

Lodging Partnership as an Educational Epicenter: Ensuring Impact Across Georgia

The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel is outfitted with two-unit divisions which exist to support operations to the overall education-centric mission.

Presenters
Jake Grant
Hotel General Manager
Presentation Title

Migrant Education Summer Program

This program offers Georgia’s migrant high school students a transformative, week-long summer experience designed to expand their academic and career aspirations.

Presenters
Elizabeth Lutz
Public Service Assistant
Jason Estep
Public Service Associate
Carolina Darbisi
Interim Associate Director
Presentation Title

Multi-County Portfolio Workshop Prepares Youth to Thrive through Project Achievement

Project Achievement, one of the core four 4-H programs in Georgia, is an opportunity for this process and empowers young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

Presenters
Ashley Carroll
Extension Specialist: 4-H Youth Development and Curriculum
Christina Garner
Extension Specialist: 4-H and Wellness
Cindy Meadows
County Extension Coordinator/4-H Agent
Presentation Title

Planning Rural Opportunities for Prosperity and Economic Leadership in Action in 2024

The University of Georgia’s PROPEL initiative equips rural communities with tools to develop and implement economic and workforce strategies.

Presenters
Kristen Miller
Public Service Assistant
Tommie Shepherd
Public Service Associate
Presentation Title

Public Finance Leadership Academy

The Public Finance Leadership Academy equips new and emerging public sector financial management leaders with the knowledge they need to successfully manage and communicate at all levels of government.

Presenters
John Hulsey
Senior Public Service Associate
Presentation Title

Revitalizing Downtown EV Charging: City of Buena Vista

Over the last few decades, the City of Buena Vista has witnessed a declining population and economic setbacks. Local elected officials and business leaders are now investing in downtown revitalization, hoping to attract visitors and tourism dollars.

Presenters
Shana Jones
Associate Director
Scott Pippin
Senior Public Service Associate
Asher Dozier
E-mobility Engagement Lead
Presentation Title

StartSmart Accessible Virtually Across Georgia

The University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center offers the signature StartSmart program, a comprehensive initiative designed to assist new and aspiring entrepreneurs in establishing a solid foundation for their businesses.

Presenters
Molly Pettitt
Continuing Education Specialist
Presentation Title

Strengthening Local Education & Workforce Alignment

While many local educators and communities understand the benefits to their students and local industries, it can be challenging to balance priorities within the school building and the ever-changing economy.

Presenters
Rebecca Hunt
Public Service Faculty
Bennett Hardee
Research Professional III
Madelyn Cantu
Research Professional
Presentation Title

Sustaining Staff: Nonprofit Employee Benefits Study

The Interdisciplinary Alliance for Nonprofits at the University of Georgia works to collaboratively harness and make available the spectrum of the university’s academic resources in support of nonprofit organizations.

Presenters
Rebecca Nesbit
Professor of Nonprofit Management
Sayge Medlin
Public Service Associate
Julie Meehan
Public Service Associate
Presentation Title

The Center for Internet Security Risk Assessment Method and the Duty of Care Risk Analysis

CIS RAM utilizes the Duty of Care Standard as the foundation for standardized cybersecurity risk evaluation methods that legal regulators and information security professionals can all understand.

Presenters
Abrar Nisar
UGA CyberArch
Parth Mendpara
UGA CyberArch
Hayes Herzog
UGA CyberArch
Presentation Title

The Journey Continues

Since 2019, a Public Health Leadership Institute in the southeastern United States has utilized a collaborative approach to advance participants’ strategic and adaptive leadership skills.

Presenters
Emily Saunders
Public Service Assistant
Presentation Title

The Plug Into Georgia Initiative

The UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, with collaboration and support from Southern Company, is engaging local governments through the Plug into Georgia initiative. This initiative provides user-friendly tools, educational opportunities, outreach, engagement, and technical assistance to help communities navigate the transition to electric transportation.

Presenters
Julia Dietz
Public Service Assistant
Asher Dozier
E-mobility Engagement Lead
McKenna Eavenson
Program Coordinator
Presentation Title

To Know No Bounds

The unique CRC program not only expands upon the engagement methods explored by the university but acts as a method of engagement by which the university can build long-term boundary spanners and enhance community capacity by utilizing a short-term, high-impact model.

Presenters
Seth Brookshire
Program Coordinator
Brittany Standifer
Community Engagement Manager
Presentation Title

UGA CyberArch

UGA CyberArch is an internship program aligned with enhancing the cybersecurity resilience of Georgia’s communities and businesses by providing a risk reviews to K-12 schools, local governments, rural hospitals, and small businesses at no fee.

Presenters
Hayat Abdulla Asad Cue
UGA CyberArch
Mark Lupo
Senior Public Service Associate
Presentation Title

UGA CyberArch – Strengthening Cybersecurity for Communities Throughout Georgia

UGA CyberArch was launched as a pilot program in 2017 and has continued to grow and evolve ever since.

Presenters
Riya Bajaj
UGA CyberArch
Mckenna Isenberg
UGA CyberArch
Presentation Title

UGA SBDC Partners with Chamber of Commerce for the “Go Digital Coweta” Assistance Program

The “Go Digital Coweta” Digital Assistance Program was created by the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce to offer assistance to businesses affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Presenters
Troy Vollenweider
Area Director
Todd Anduze
Area Director
Presentation Title

Understanding Housing Affordability

Housing affordability is a critical issue in Newton County. Despite stereotypes, apartment living is not inherently tied to income, gender, or age. However, rising rental costs present significant challenges for both residents and policymakers.

Presenters
Jeffrey Burke
Public Service Assistant
Sharon Liggett
Senior Public Service Associate
Jason Eappen
Undergraduate Student
Presentation Title

Using Data Analytics to Evaluate Food Waste

Representatives from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences studied the amount of food waste at events hosted at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in order to prevent food waste in the future.

Presenters
Katherine Brumley
Graduate Student
Daniel Remar
Assistant Professor
Kiel Norris
Associate Director of Continuing Education
Presentation Title

Visualizing Program Transitions Through Birth to Five System

In collaboration with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government conducted a demonstration project to examine enrollment trends and transitions between the state’s early childhood education services.

Presenters
Melinda W. Moore
Public Service Associate
Brian W. Simmons
Public Service Assistant
Veronica Lopez-Delgado
Research Professional

Innovation

Presentation Title

OVERALL AWARD – Communicating in a Crisis

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia’s Communications Plan provides policies and procedures for effective communication practices during daily activities under normal garden operations and during minor service disruptions.

Presenters
Laurel Clark
Communications Manager
Eric Gattiker
Safety and Security Consultant
Presentation Title

1ST PLACE – Look Ahead Georgia

To address challenges, the Archway Partnership launched Look Ahead Georgia, a program designed to create pathways for students to gain internship experience in their rural hometowns.

Presenters
Jason Edwards
Public Service Assistant
Brittany Standifer
Community Engagement Manager
Jimmy Richardson
Look Ahead Georgia Archway Professional
Presentation Title

2ND PLACE – Build a Better Pitch

Start Up Columbus, the UGA SBDC and Columbus State University joined forces to create a powerful platform for aspiring entrepreneurs. Biz Pitch, a business pitch competition, was born.

Presenters
Thomas Credle
Business Consultant
Presentation Title

3RD PLACE – Identifying High-priority Garden Areas for New Interpretive Signs

Effective signs are key to enhancing the visitor experience and communicating the garden’s significance.

Presenters
Alana Edwards
Graduate Research Assistant
Presentation Title

Bringing Talent Back Home

In 2024, the University of Georgia launched the Look Ahead Georgia initiative, facilitated by the Archway Partnership. This initiative is a summer internship focused on connecting UGA students with opportunities in their rural areas.

Presenters
Seth Brookshire
Program Coordinator
Brittany Standifer
Community Engagement Manager
Jimmy Richardson
Look Ahead Georgia Archway Professional
Presentation Title

Empowering Youth as Leader Through 4-H Certified Teen Leader Trainings

By facilitating this program, 4-H faculty were not only able to educate and empower youth to become peer leaders and mentors to others but also aided in building soft skills among today’s youth.

Presenters
Susannah Lanier
County Extension Coordinator
Megan Veal
County Extension Coordinator
Jakyn Tyson
Emanuel County 4-H Agent
Presentation Title

Grant-Funded Entrepreneur Education in Rural SW Georgia

The Albany office of the UGA SBDC responded to a request for proposal from the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission to administer entrepreneur education courses in a 14-county territory in rural Southwest Georgia.

Presenters
Nema Etheridge
Area Director
Tonita McKnight
Business Consultant
Susan Paz McBrayer
Business Consultant
Presentation Title

StartSmart Accessible Virtually Across Georgia

The University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center offers the signature StartSmart program, a comprehensive initiative designed to assist new and aspiring entrepreneurs in establishing a solid foundation for their businesses.

Presenters
Molly Pettitt
Continuing Education Specialist
Presentation Title

Transforming Student Engagement

The goal is to co-create an innovative and dynamic student pipeline enabling them to ideate, lead, collaborate, and contribute effectively to the community-engaged mission as equal stakeholders.

Presenters
Nipuna Ambanpola
Research & Public Service Manager
Carolina Darbisi
Interim Associate Director

Partnership

Presentation Title

1ST PLACE – Harmonizing Service Programs for Campus- Community Partnerships

OSL’s VISTA Network and Community Food Fellows programs provide examples of how intentionally intertwined AmeriCorps programs can effectively support a key need.

Presenters
Paul Matthews
Associate Director
Coleman Allums
Community Food Fellows Program Coordinator
Presentation Title

2ND PLACE – PROPEL in Action in 2024

The University of Georgia’s PROPEL initiative equips rural communities with tools to develop and implement economic and workforce strategies.

Presenters
Kristen Miller
Public Service Assistant
Tommie Shepherd
Public Service Associate
Presentation Title

3RD PLACE – Quantitative Analyses in Under-Resourced Communities

Obtaining primary data can be both challenging and costly, often failing to adequately represent historically excluded and vulnerable populations.

Presenters
Megan Bramlett
Research Professional
Jamel Sewell
Public Service Assistant
Gretchen King
Research Professional
Presentation Title

Buena Vista Mural goes 3D with Connect to Protect Garden

A vibrant mural at the corner of North Broad Street and Fifth Avenue in Buena Vista, GA, comes into three dimensions with a Connect to Protect garden in the foreground.

Presenters
Jason Young
Director of Horticulture and Grounds
Saralyn Stafford
Retired faculty at UGA Institute of Government
Presentation Title

Build a Better Pitch

Start Up Columbus, the UGA SBDC and Columbus State University joined forces to create a powerful platform for aspiring entrepreneurs. Biz Pitch, a business pitch competition, was born.

Presenters
Thomas Credle
Business Consultant
Presentation Title

Building a Successful Hospitality Internship Program

The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel is uniquely positioned for preparing and addressing the needs of the next generation of hospitality professionals through its hospitality internship program.

Presenters
KT Cooke
Director of Sales and Event Management
Leta Salazar
Human Resources Manager
Presentation Title

Building Literary Success for Kids from Birth to 5 Years Old

In 2019, the Colquitt County Archway Partnership established the Youth Development and Education Issue Work Group (YDEIWG). Concerned by the lack of early childhood development resources, the YDEIWG sought an innovative solution to address the deficiency.

Presenters
Sarah Adams
Archway Professional
Sara Hand
Archway Professional
Presentation Title

Coaching4Success

Established in partnership with CCSD, Coaching4Success began as a literacy-focused afterschool mentorship relationship between UGA students and elementary student-athletes.

Presenters
Karen Raymond
Community Partnerships Coordinator
Josh Podvin
Assistant Director for Community Partnerships
Presentation Title

Co-Benefits of Industry and Natural Resource Planning

In 2015, the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s Coastal Ecology Lab and Chemours partnered to protect wildlife, focusing on gopher tortoises and eastern indigo snakes, at heavy mineral sand mines in South Georgia’s coastal plain.

Presenters
Kimberly M. Andrews
Coastal Ecology Specialist
Oscar P. Thompson
Coastal Ecology Research Professional
Presentation Title

Cultivating Knowledge and Health Through Collaboration

The Candler County University of Georgia Extension staff hosted a summer “Fun with Food Day” experience for 4th, 5th and 6th grade 4-H’ers in June of 2023.

Presenters
Ashleigh Geurin
County Extension Agent – FACS
Susannah Lanier
County Extension Coordinator
Ross Greene
County Extension Agent – ANR
Presentation Title

Emerging Engineers Leadership Development Program

UGA’s College of Engineering identified a need to develop more professionalization and leadership skills to serve their students as they work through client-based projects in their senior year.

Presenters
Brandy Walker
Senior Public Service Associate
Elizabeth Lutz
Public Service Assistant
John Aliu
Clinical Assistant Professor
Presentation Title

Executive Leadership Program for Nonprofit Organizations

ELPNO is a professional development program for upcoming executives and leaders in the nonprofit sector.

Presenters
Sayge Medlin
Public Service Associate
Julie Meehan
Public Service Associate
Presentation Title

Fire Festival

In 2021, the inspiration for what became the Fire Festival was sparked. Effingham and Screven County Extension partnered to address the needs of the communities by offering two Prescribed Burning and Land Management Field Days.

Presenters
Blake Carter
County Extension Agent – ANR
Susan French
Georgia Sentinel Landscape Pilot Project Coordinator
Jason Mallard
Area Water Agent
Presentation Title

Georgia Electric Mobility Snapshot

By transforming technical research into accessible, visually compelling formats, UGA Institute of Government is ensuring that Georgia’s communities are equipped to navigate the shift to electric transportation.

Presenters
Eleonora Machado
Creative Design Specialist
Asher Dozier
E-mobility Engagement Lead
Julia Dietz
Public Service Assistant
Presentation Title

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: Georgia Native Seed Network

Georgia’s first statewide partnership is striving to provide native plant materials essential to habitat restoration throughout Georgia.

Presenters
Emily Mausteller
Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Heather Alley
Conservation Horticulturalist
Zach Wood
Georgia Native Seed Network Manager
Presentation Title

Grant-Funded Entrepreneur Education in Rural SW Georgia

The Albany office of the UGA SBDC responded to a request for proposal from the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission to administer entrepreneur education courses in a 14-county territory in rural Southwest Georgia

Presenters
Nema Etheridge
Area Director
Tonita McKnight
Business Consultant
Susan Paz McBrayer
Business Consultant
Presentation Title

Hawkinsville Design Charrette

Hawkinsville aimed to attract a pub to boost downtown revitalization, tourism and dining options. The Archway Partnership enlisted the Center for Community Design and Preservation to envision potential opportunities.

Presenters
Sherrié Raleigh
Archway Professional
Jennifer Lewis
Director
Presentation Title

Identifying Tomorrow’s Leaders

The Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the Georgia Department of Public Safety have worked together since 1992 on the promotional testing process for the Georgia State Patrol.

Presenters
Marc Witowski
Research Professional
Presentation Title

Impactful Experience UGA

Launched in 2012, the Experience UGA program is a partnership between the Clarke County School District and the University of Georgia that brings every Clarke County student to UGA every year to experience learning on a university campus.

Presenters
Joshua Podvin
Assistant Director for Community Partnerships
Aiyana Egins
Experience UGA Coordinator
Cecilia Vu
Graduate Assistant
Presentation Title

Leadership in Neighboring Communities

Leadership in Neighboring Communities is a unique partnership between Cook and Berrien counties, grounded in the Fanning Adult Community Leadership Curriculum, which emphasizes the continuous growth of skills and knowledge for effective leadership.

Presenters
Elizabeth Lutz
Public Service Assistant
Presentation Title

Lodging Partnership as an Educational Epicenter: Ensuring Impact Across Georgia

The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel is outfitted with two-unit divisions which exist to support operations to the overall education-centric mission.

Presenters
Jake Grant
Hotel General Manager
Presentation Title

Migrant Education Summer Program

This youth leadership development program offers Georgia’s migrant high school students a transformative, week-long summer experience designed to expand their academic and career aspirations.

Presenters
Elizabeth Lutz
Public Service Assistant
Jason Estep
Public Service Associate
Carolina Darbisi
Interim Associate Director
Presentation Title

Multi-County Portfolio Workshop Prepares Youth to Thrive through Project Achievement

Project Achievement, one of the core four 4-H programs in Georgia, is an opportunity for this process and empowers young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

Presenters
Ashley Carroll
Extension Specialist
Christina Garner
Extension Specialist
Cindy Meadows
County Extension Coordinator/4-H Agent
Presentation Title

Partnering with our Community

The partnership between the Georgia Center and Clarke County School District allows special education students to explore vocational opportunities in their community.

Presenters
Hannah Simpson
Service Training Manager
Tykeria Terrell
Manager of Catering Services
Abony James
Executive Housekeeper
Presentation Title

Public Finance Leadership Academy

The Public Finance Leadership Academy equips new and emerging public sector financial management leaders with the knowledge they need to successfully manage and communicate at all levels of government.

Presenters
John Hulsey
Senior Public Service Associate
Presentation Title

Reimagining the Hutcheson Medical Center

The former Hutcheson Medical Center and surrounding 33-acre property represent both an unparalleled opportunity and a unique challenge to local leaders in Catoosa County.

Presenters
Danny Bivins
Senior Public Service Associate
Kaitlin Messich
Public Service Associate
T. Clark Stancil
Creative Design Specialist
Presentation Title

Revitalizing Downtown EV Charging: City of Buena Vista

Over the last few decades, the City of Buena Vista has witnessed a declining population and economic setbacks. Local elected officials and business leaders are now investing in downtown revitalization, hoping to attract visitors and tourism dollars.

Presenters
Shana Jones
Associate Director
Scott Pippin
Senior Public Service Associate
Asher Dozier
E-mobility Engagement Lead
Presentation Title

Shark Science Supporting Students

Every summer since 2021, come rain or shine, a dedicated group of researchers can be found seeking out sharks in Georgia’s coastal waters.

Presenters
Lisa Kovalanchik
Aquarium Curator
Devin Dumont
Aquarium Curator
Todd Recicar
Marine Operations Supervisor and Boat Captain
Presentation Title

Strengthening Local Education & Workforce Alignment

Aligning secondary Career, Technical and Agricultural Education to state workforce needs has been a top priority in Georgia for some time.

Presenters
Rebecca Hunt
Public Service Faculty
Bennett Hardee
Research Professional III
Madelyn Cantu
Research Professional
Presentation Title

Sustaining Staff: Nonprofit Employee Benefits Study

The Interdisciplinary Alliance for Nonprofits at the University of Georgia works to collaboratively harness and make available the spectrum of the university’s academic resources in support of nonprofit organizations.

Presenters
Rebecca Nesbit
Professor of Nonprofit Management
Sayge Medlin
Public Service Associate
Julie Meehan
Public Service Associate
Presentation Title

The Plug Into Georgia Initiative

The UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, with collaboration and support from Southern Company, is engaging local governments through the Plug into Georgia initiative.

Presenters
Julia Dietz
Public Service Assistant
Asher Dozier
E-mobility Engagement Lead
McKenna Eavenson
Program Coordinator
Presentation Title

UGA CyberArch

UGA CyberArch is an internship program aligned with enhancing the cybersecurity resilience of Georgia’s communities and businesses by providing a risk reviews to K-12 schools, local governments, rural hospitals, and small businesses at no fee.

Presenters
Hayat Abdulla Asad Cue
UGA CyberArch
Mark Lupo
Senior Public Service Associate
Presentation Title

UGA CyberArch – Strengthening Cybersecurity for Communities Throughout Georgia

UGA CyberArch was launched as a pilot program in 2017 and has continued to grow and evolve ever since.

Presenters
Riya Bajaj
UGA CyberArch
Mckenna Isenberg
UGA CyberArch
Presentation Title

UGA Extension Gwinnett Brings Newfound Knowledge of Protein Sources to the Asian Community

Since November 2023, the Gwinnett UGA Extension faculty have reached the Asian community with nutrition education oriented to seniors and focused on their improvement of protein intake.

Presenters
Ines Beltran
FACS Agent
James Namkoong
FACS Program Assistant
Presentation Title

UGA SBDC Partners with Chamber of Commerce for the “Go Digital Coweta” Assistance Program

The “Go Digital Coweta” Digital Assistance Program was created by the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce to offer assistance to businesses that were affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Presenters
Troy Vollenweider
Area Director
Todd Anduze
Area Director
Presentation Title

Understanding Housing Affordability

Housing affordability is a critical issue in Newton County. Despite stereotypes, apartment living is not inherently tied to income, gender, or age. However, rising rental costs present significant challenges for both residents and policymakers.

Presenters
Jeffrey Burke
Public Service Assistant
Sharon Liggett
Senior Public Service Associate
Jason Eappen
Undergraduate Student
Presentation Title

Warner Robins Downtown Resilience Plan

Warner Robins is uniquely positioned to benefit from its proximity to Robins Air Force Base (RAFB). RAFB employs some 22,000 civilian, contractor, and military personnel, making Warner Robins a regional employment hub.

Presenters
Kelsey Broich
Creative Design Specialist
Carmine Fischetti
Landscape and Urban Designer
Clark Stancil
Creative Design Specialist
Presentation Title

Youth LEAD Georgia Summit Report

This poster examines high school students’ perspectives on the most pressing challenges facing Georgia’s youth today.

Presenters
Jason Edwards
Public Service Assistant
Lauren Healey
Interim Associate Director
Lori Tiller
Director, Nonprofit Management and Leadership

Scholarly Engagement

Presentation Title

OVERALL AWARD – Communicating in a Crisis

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia’s Communications Plan provides policies and procedures for effective communication practices during daily activities under normal garden operations and during minor service disruptions.

Presenters
Laurel Clark
Communications Manager
Eric Gattiker
Safety and Security Consultant
Presentation Title

1ST PLACE – Reimagining the Hutcheson Medical Center

The former Hutcheson Medical Center and surrounding 33-acre property represent both an unparalleled opportunity and a unique challenge to local leaders in Catoosa County.

Presenters
Danny Bivins
Senior Public Service Associate
Kaitlin Messich
Public Service Associate
T. Clark Stancil
Creative Design Specialist
Presentation Title

2ND PLACE – Shark Science Supporting Students

This collaborative research project between the Georgia Aquarium and UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is using morphometric data from sharks to gain insight into the health of Georgia’s coastal ecosystems.

Presenters
Lisa Kovalanchik
Aquarium Curator
Devin Dumont
Aquarium Curator
Todd Recicar
Marine Operations Supervisor and Boat Captain
Presentation Title

Building Community: Curriculum Development for Rural and Small-Towns

This initiative addresses the challenges faced by rural and small-town communities in preserving their unique identity while planning for sustainable growth.

Presenters
Chrissy Marlowe
Public Service Associate
Olivia Humble
Graduate Student
Hayes Taylor Jr.
Graduate Student
Presentation Title

Data-Informed Approaches to Rural Housing Challenges

The Carl Vinson Institute of Government assists rural Georgia communities in understanding and addressing their housing challenges, such as aging housing stock and limited affordable housing.

Presenters
Ashlee Tziganuk
Postdoc Research Associate
Micah Shannon
Graduate Student
Linet Namuli
Research Professional
Presentation Title

Development and Utilization of a Compensation Philosophy in Local Government

A compensation philosophy is a formal statement that guides an organization’s approach to employee compensation and total rewards.

Presenters
Sam Trager
Public Service Assistant
Presentation Title

Educational Overnight Event Develops 4-H Essential Elements in Youth

The 4-H Study was a longitudinal investigation of students and their parents that evaluated the link between involvement in positive youth development programs and student success.

Presenters
Ashley Carroll
Extension Specialist
Christina Garner
Extension Specialist
Grace Chauncey
Lowndes 4-H Agent
Presentation Title

Factors and Barriers of Extension Programming Adoption

Because Cooperative Extension agents decide what educational programs to offer to clients, they serve as gatekeepers of Extension information dispersal.

Presenters
Heather Kolich
County Extension Coordinator/ANR Agent
Martin Wunderly
Northeast District Area Water Agent
Jessica Warren
County Extension Coordinator/ANR Agent
Presentation Title

Gamified Cybersecurity Training

This study explores how gamification and AI-driven simulations enhance engagement, improve phishing detection, and strengthen compliance with cybersecurity protocols. It examines the role of interactive learning in fostering motivation, deterrence, and policy adherence.

Presenters
Farah Charaniya
Cybersecurity Research Assistant
Ashera Ly
CURO Undergraduate Researcher
Presentation Title

The Center for Internet Security Risk Assessment Method

CIS RAM utilizes the Duty of Care Standard as the foundation for standardized cybersecurity risk evaluation methods that legal regulators and information security professionals can all understand.

Presenters
Abrar Nisar
UGA CyberArch
Parth Mendpara
UGA CyberArch
Hayes Herzog
UGA CyberArch
Presentation Title

The Ethics of Language Artificial Intelligence

With artificial intelligence becoming an increasingly integral part of many people’s day to day life, it is important to investigate the ethics of these models so that any discrepancies that may lead to unfair biases may be identified.

Presenters
Shelby Osteen
UGA CyberArch
Presentation Title

Transforming Student Engagement

The goal is to co-create an innovative and dynamic student pipeline enabling them to ideate, lead, collaborate, and contribute effectively to the community-engaged mission as equal stakeholders.

Presenters
Nipuna Ambanpola
Research & Public Service Manager
Carolina Darbisi
Interim Associate Director
Presentation Title

Youth LEAD Georgia Summit Report

This poster examines high school students’ perspectives on the most pressing challenges facing Georgia’s youth today.

Presenters
Jason Edwards
Public Service Assistant
Lauren Healey
Interim Associate Director
Lori Tiller
Director, Nonprofit Management and Leadership

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