Research

The Department of Agricultural and Extension Education research program focuses primarily on applied research and development. Faculty and graduate students conduct research within the three program areas of agricultural and extension education, youth and family education, and leadership and communications. Within each program, the five areas of focus are: program development and evaluation, educational processes, administration and supervision, communications and leadership, and research processes. Collectively, these research initiatives inform our graduate and undergraduate programs and the development, delivery, and evaluation of youth and family programming through Cooperative Extension and other outreach units.   

 

Current research in agricultural and extension education covers topics such as communication across the food system, barriers associated with clientele being underserved, educational processes and methods in formal and non-formal settings, and consumer issues.

 

Youth and family education research focuses on youth civic development, service learning, the prevention of risky behaviors by youth, positive youth development, and intergenerational strategies for children, youth, adults, families, and communities.

 

The research program focusing on leadership and communications studies topics including leadership development of youth and adults involved with 4-H and FFA and the influence of 4-H programming on children, youth, families, and communities.