Academic excellence shines in CFAES
Academic excellence shines in CFAES
Faculty lead professional organizations and societies in their field
What makes a leader? In CFAES, it’s the expertise to shape a field, the vision to guide peers, and the commitment to serve. The following faculty and staff are stepping into top roles or recently left a leadership appointment in major national and international organizations — advancing food, agriculture, and environmental sciences at the highest levels.
Dr. Kerry Ard
Associate Professor of Environmental and Natural Resource Sociology, School of Environment and Natural Resources
Elected to serve as Chair-Elect of the American Sociological Association (ASA) Environmental Sociology Section, Kerry plans to stregthen ties between the environmental sections of the American and International associations to help Ohio State students benefit from more scholarly opportunities.
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Dr. Emily Buck
Professor of Agricultural Communication, Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL)
Elected President-Elect of the American Association for Agricultural Education, where she will help guide priorities in agricultural education research, teaching, and professional development.
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Dr. Francesca Peduto Hand
Professor of Plant Pathology, Department of Plant Pathology
Chosen as Vice President of the American Phytopathological Society, placing her on a leadership track that will culminate in her presidency during 2027–2028.
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Dr. Shoshanah Inwood
Professor of Rural Sociology, School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR)
Recently completed her service as Past President of the Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society, reflecting her contributions to shaping national conversations on food systems, childcare and rural communities.
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Dr. Jim Ippolito
Rattan Lal Endowed Professor of Soil Health and Soil Fertility, SENR
Elected President-Elect of the American Society of Agronomy, a role that recognizes Jim's internationally known expertise in soil health and sustainable crop production.
Dr. Jera Niewoehner-Green
Associate Professor of Community Leadership, ACEL
Elected Vice President of the Association of Leadership Educators, Jera is beginning a leadership journey that will bring her to the presidency of the organization in 2026–27.
Dr. Brian Roe
Fred N. VanBuren Professor of Farm Management, Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE)
Serving as President of the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association, where Brian leads one of the world’s largest professional associations for agricultural and applied economists.
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Matthew Shumar
Program Coordinator, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, SENR
Matthew recently completed his term as President of the Association of Field Ornithologists, a role that highlights his leadership in advancing field-based ornithological research and bird conservation.
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