For this blog post I wanted to quickly introduce an exciting grant team that I am working with. Specifically, the Reimagining Controlled Environment Agriculture In A Low Carbon World (USDA NIFA SAS CAP Award No. 2023-68012-38994) team launched in 2023 and has been focused on the research, extension, and education regarding controlled environment agriculture. There are four high level goals for the project: Reduce demand for heating and cooling in CEA Improve efficiency of CEA climate control Lower the carbon intensity of resource inputs Shift consumer and producer behavior surrounding CEA products and practices. This has been a great team to be involved with and it is exciting to see the outcomes and impacts from the team's work. I'm including a link to the team website and would encourage you to check back for updates frequently: https://eng.auburn.edu/bsen/research/grace/index

I'm very excited to share that this morning Andrews Idun successfully defended his dissertation, Human Dimensions of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). I had the privilege to work with Andrews as his PhD committee chair and academic advisor the past three years at the University of Georgia. For his dissertation Andrews focused on consumer perceptions of CEA with the hope that this information can help to inform Extension, producer, policy, and marketing strategies. On his graduate committee Andrews had Dr. Alexa Lamm and Dr. Jessica Holt, also from the University of Georgia, as well as Dr. Mihee Park from Auburn University... Andrews is very excited to share the results from his work in upcoming journal articles. I will be sure to provide updates as they become available. Congratulations again, Dr. Andrews Idun!

Welcome to my website and blog! My hope is to use this space as a hub dedicated to sharing my, and my collaborators, research related to leadership development and addressing critical global issues. My hope is for this platform to bring together knowledge and resources for others. I'll be using this space to share some of my academic work, as well as updates from some of my other projects and activities. Thank you for taking the time to visit - please reach out if you have any specific questions or suggestions for future research! Leave a comment or subscribe to keep up to date with the latest information.

This time of year students are returning to schools and campuses, and classes will be underway soon. I thought this would be a good time to share some of my previous research examining the tricky task of getting learners to direct their learning process on their own. We're all familiar with the idea of setting goals, something that's been studied extensively. But what about undergraduate students studying leadership? That's an area that hasn't been explored much. Especially when it comes to a class focused on leading groups and teams. This research was conducted to better understand how students go about setting their goals. Turns out, goals that students set for themselves are more meaningful and they're more likely to stick to them. This is compared to goals set by someone else. You could say that when it's their own idea, students are more motivated to persist toward those goals. Now, let's talk personality. Everyone's got their own traits that make them who they are. In this study, we looked at how personality might affect goal-setting. The findings were interesting. Across different classes examined, the personalities of students were consistent. Extraversion, which is about being outgoing, didn't score so high. This was surprising because in other research, being extroverted was connected to doing well on the job. On the other hand, being agreeable was a big hit. Students who scored high in agreeableness were more likely to set high goals for themselves. This suggests that educators may want to emphasize teamwork skills related to trust and being nice, as these could help students set and work towards their goals (and align with their agreeable nature). Earl Nightingale famously said, "People with goals succeed because they know where they're going". This study isn't just a bunch of numbers – it has real-world applications directly related to this concept. Educators can use this information to help students set their own goals. For example, a good idea might be to ask students to write down what grades they want at the start of a course. Research shows that students who do this are more likely to work hard and stick with their goals. Looking at the bigger picture, this study adds a piece to the puzzle of how personality and goal setting are connected. While there is still much research needed, this small connection may be helpful. Personality traits like being organized and being nice have a role in how students set their goals. This can help educators understand their students better and help them succeed. Of course it is important to acknowledge there are limits to this study. It focused on a specific group of students in one place. So, it might not apply to all students everywhere. More research is needed to know how personality and goal setting connect in different situations. So, in the world of education, where educators and learners work together, this study is a starting point, and a guide. It gives educators practical ideas to make learning more engaging and meaningful. Personality and goal setting – these two things, like two puzzle pieces, fit together to create a clearer picture of how students can succeed. To read more, I've included the original article for download. Lamm, K. W., Sheikh, E., & Edgar, D. W. (2019). Evaluating personality traits as a predictor of undergraduate goal setting. Journal of Agricultural Education, 60(2), 126-139. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2019.02126 What other tips and tricks do you have for increasing learner goal setting? Please be sure to share your comments!

Navigating the intricacies of Extension networks presents a myriad of challenges. From shifting global demographics to evolving stakeholder needs and resource constraints, the landscape is demanding. But through strategic advocacy, Extension networks can amplify their visibility and support, even amid these challenges. Despite recognizing the potential of advocacy, little research has examined the specific capacities needed for effective advocacy in Extension networks. The following summarizes research I conducted with a team of international Extension experts examining actionable insights to cultivate advocacy capabilities. At the Uganda Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Our research involved insights from Extension experts through a Delphi panel. However, it's essential to acknowledge that the findings are constrained by the participating experts' viewpoints. It is also important to note, the study was focused on international Extension networks, but the findings may be relevant to other contexts as well. A crucial recommendation coming from this study is for Extension networks to establish a common understanding of advocacy capacities . Shared terminology facilitates improved communication, knowledge sharing, and best practice dissemination. Our findings identified three fundamental capacities that had almost unanimous agreement among experts: Extension networks should have a presence on national platforms or events to enhance visibility. Strong partnerships with policy-making stakeholders are critical for improving Extension network visibility. The ability to articulate stakeholder needs is critical. These capacities underscore the importance of being present, known, and clear - the bedrock of effective advocacy. Further exploration reveals three overarching thematic areas closely aligned with these specific capacities: Visibility is critical, requiring recognition as a representative institution. To this end, participating in stakeholder-rich is very important. Understanding the impact of Extension on clientele gains prominence. Effectively articulating impacts resonates in advocacy efforts. Extension networks should compile both quantitative results and qualitative case studies to support these efforts. Develop compelling communication. Advocacy messages should be packaged succinctly and memorably, highlighting the most impactful elements which align with political and funding priorities. As we navigate a changing landscape, effective advocacy will be critical to ensure the viability and value of Extension networks. By focusing on visibility , impact , and compelling communication , Extension networks can harness advocacy's power to drive transformative change. I've linked the source research manuscript if you would like to read more about this research: Lamm, K. W., Lamm, A. J., Davis, K., & Swaroop, B. J. (2018). Effective advocacy for extension networks: an evaluation of critical capacities. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 25(2), 43-56. What are your thoughts and experiences with advocacy efforts - in Extension or other contexts? Please be sure to share your comments.

Leadership is a crucial force in driving positive change within communities. But what does it take to be an effective community leader? I worked with a team of researchers to develop a theory based model of Community Leadership which we think will help to highlight the skills necessary. Identifying the Issue (Initiating and Spread of Interest): It all starts with recognizing a problem within the community. Maybe it's a lack of educational resources, deteriorating infrastructure, or something else entirely. Your role as a Community Leader is to pinpoint these issues. Getting Organized (Organization of Sponsorship): To tackle complex issues, you often need an organization to back you up. This involves planning, building relationships, and promoting teamwork among community members. Clarifying Goals (Goal Setting and Strategy Formulation): Once you've identified the problem, you need to set clear goals. What do you want to achieve? These goals act as your roadmap for creating change. Creating a Strategy (Goal Setting and Strategy Formulation): With your organization in place, it's time to develop a strategy. How will you achieve your goals? This step requires collaboration and coordination with your team. Spreading the Word (Recruitment): Communication is key. You'll need to inform your community about the issue and your plans to address it. Rallying support and getting people interested is a big part of the process. Resource Mobilization (Recruitment): To make things happen, you might need resources, whether it's funds, volunteers, or supplies. You'll need to inspire others to join your cause and help gather these resources. Putting Plans into Action (Implementation of Strategy and Plans): This is where the rubber meets the road. You implement your strategy and work towards your goals. Monitoring Progress (Implementation of Strategy and Plans): Finally, you must continuously monitor your efforts' success. Are you making a difference? If not, it might be time to adjust your approach. Community Leadership Model Community leadership is all about facilitating change through a series of non-linear steps. It's not about holding a formal position of authority but rather using influence and collaboration to drive positive transformations in your community. By understanding this process, aspiring community leaders can better prepare themselves to create meaningful change. I've included a the final manuscript for a more detailed description below: Lamm, K. W., Carter, H. S., Lamm, A. J., & Lindsey, A. B. (2017). Community leadership: a theory-based model. Journal of Leadership Education, 16(3), 118-133. https://doi.org/10.12806/V16/I3/T2 Please be sure to share your thoughts and feedback below!

There has been a dramatic transformation in Kenya’s agricultural extension landscape in recent years. It has shifted from being under government control to a demand-driven approach that is managed by the private sector. There have been some important challenges that have come with this change. Specifically, the lack of a central coordination mechanism has proven to be a problem. In this blog post I'm excited to share findings from a study I conducted with a number of colleagues, specifically, the pivotal role played by the Kenyan Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (KeFAAS) in addressing these challenges and bolstering coordination for the benefit of farmers and the agricultural sector. Visiting the Kenyan Seed Savers Network Challenges Faced: A few notable hurdles emerged along the road to promising changes in Kenyan extension: Coordination Gap: Without a central body coordinating efforts, it was hard to connect with service providers and farmers in Kenya. This led to limited market access and overall reduced productivity. Technology Diffusion: Small-scale farmers struggled to gain access to limited resources because agricultural innovations were not being spread effectively to remote areas. Private Prioritization: As a result of privatization, an emphasis was placed on the regions that are more productive. Resource-poor farmers, therefore, were neglected and disparities in production were only expanded. KeFAAS's Initiatives: KeFAAS proactively tackled these issues through strategic measures: Effective Communication: Informative materials were developed that highlighted the mission of KeFAAS, helping potential members to understand the benefits of joining this organization. Active Engagement: The group also participated in agricultural fairs on a national level, helping to build connections with stakeholders throughout the industry. Capacity Building: Industry knowledge was improved by investing in training programs with an extension-focused curriculum. Heritage Seeds Used in the Rift Valley of Kenya Positive Impacts: A number of positive outcomes result from the efforts of KeFAAS. Stronger Connections: Organizations with similar goals and values, like the Seed Savers Network (SSN) formed strong ties with KeFAAS through participation in agricultural fairs. Clear communication practices also helped form these new relationships.   Mutually Beneficial Projects: Funding was secured and successful projects were completed through the new collaborations that have formed. Improved Coordination: Farmers and the sector as a whole benefitted from the improved extension coordination that was achieved with farmers and other stakeholders.  So What?: This is an excellent case study into the power of shared knowledge, goals, and mutual respect. Much has already been accomplished by KeFAAS, and we recommend the following to build on that growth: Create advisory councils consisting of a diverse set of representatives. Focus on serving members and affiliated organizations by building awareness around important topics and sharing knowledge. Build dedicated platforms that can be used to spread information conveniently. By adopting these strategies, agricultural extension services can be more efficient and effective in addressing the diverse needs of farmers in Kenya and beyond. For additional information I've included the source research for reference: Lamm, K. W., Masambuka-Kanchewa F., Lamm, A. J., Davis, K., & Nahdy, S. (2020). Strengthening coordination among extension service providers for improved provision of agricultural extension and advisory services: A case study from Kenya. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 27(3), 18-26. https://doi.org/10.4148/2831-5960.1100 Please be sure to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below!

This morning I gave a guest lecture on systems thinking . This is one of my favorite topics as it provides a framework to examine and describe the complicated interactions we see and experience in the real world. One of the biggest challenges with teaching systems thinking is the complexity of both the concept and application. We are often conditioned to see linear cause and effect interactions. System thinking expands this perspective to include the interrelationships between events, both causal and interactive. Expected cause and effect (linear) relationships Experienced complexity in the real world (non-linear) I was fortunate to work with an amazing team to develop a new approach to teaching system thinking - Hypothetical Case Scenarios. This model is like the old "Choose Your Own Adventure" books where learners are presented a scenario and possible outcomes. Learner choices guide the narrative and they are presented a summary of outcomes based on their choices. Making choices can lead to different outcomes Hypothetical Case Scenarios (HCSs) Transformative learning tools : HCSs enhance students' systems thinking, focusing on food-system scenarios. Improve Instructional Insights and Improve Holistic Decision-Making : Discussions reveal students consider economic, social, and environmental aspects of scenarios. Empathy and Structured Dialogue Overcoming Empathy Gap : HCSs promote empathy, allowing students to understand complex issues from various perspectives. Safe Dialogues : Moral conflicts in scenarios encourage structured, safe discussions on sustainable development goals (SDGs) and societal challenges. Implementing HCSs for Transformative Learning Cognitive Dissonance : HCSs create disorienting dilemmas, challenging students' preconceptions. Instructor Facilitation : Instructors play a crucial role in guiding concept reconstruction. Collective Reflection : Group dynamics encourage the reconstruction of assumptions. Future Directions Diverse Topics : Explore HCSs in various food-system scenarios using multiple methods. Consider Disciplinary Backgrounds : Be sure to think about students' disciplinary backgrounds and prior interdisciplinary experiences. Empowering Complex Problem Solvers : HCSs equip students with the skills to address challenges, such as the SDGs. I've included our research below for your reference. Please be sure to share your thoughts about teaching systems thinking including any suggestions or best practices below. Sanders, C. E., Byrd, A. R., Gibson, K. E., Golson, A., Lamm, K. W., & Lamm, A. J. (2023). Teaching systems-thinking concepts with hypothetical case scenarios: An exploration in food-systems science education. Foods, 12(14), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12142663

The UGA Extension Strategic Statement of Purpose: Why Organizational Purpose Matters (part 2) UGA Extension Strategic Planning Workshop In a continuation of the UGA Extension Strategic Statement of Purpose post last week I'm excited to share some of the research based results we used to develop the statement of purpose. I was very fortunate to work with some amazing collaborators and the UGA Extension Leadership Team to complete this research. In a comprehensive statewide study, we identified the University of Georgia Extension's critical organizational strengths. These strengths are pivotal in driving the organization's success and impact. Core Categories of Strength Based on a Delphi process we identified a diversity of strengths which were analyzed and grouped, with strengths naturally falling into six core categories, : Infrastructure : The 4-H delivery model and a unique top-down and bottom-up approach set the organization apart. Personnel : A dedicated, well-educated, and trained workforce. Needs-Based Focus : A commitment to addressing community needs with precision. Institutional Resources : Leveraging university resources and Extension faculty expertise. Collaborations : Forming impactful partnerships, both local and statewide. Longevity : A century-long legacy of adaptability and community service. Implications for Extension This study's findings offer valuable insights not only for University of Georgia Extension but for Extension organizations nationwide. The core categories provide a framework for celebrating strengths, recognizing opportunities, and fostering innovation at both macro and micro levels. Leveraging Strengths for Effective Communication Effective communication is key, both internally and externally. By articulating these strengths, Extension employees can convey the organization's essence to new members, community stakeholders, and policymakers. It boosts morale, motivation, and engagement, helping employees understand their unique contributions to the organization's success. In essence, understanding and leveraging organizational strengths are pivotal steps towards a more effective and impactful Extension organization. Join Us in Celebrating Extension's Strengths! Discover how these strengths shape the UGA Extension organization and its commitment to serving families, farmers, and communities. To learn more about the research I've included the article below. Please be sure to share your thoughts and comments! Lamm, K. W., Randall, N. L., Lamm, A. J., & Sapp, L. R. (2021). Extension organizational strengths: A delphi analysis. Journal of Agricultural Education, 62(2), 53-65. http://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2021.0253

Water is a fundamental resource, not just for agriculture but for all life on Earth. Its careful management is essential for ensuring food security, preserving the environment, and sustaining communities. Agricultural water use, in particular, plays a pivotal role in this intricate balance. As we grapple with the challenges of climate variability and a growing global population, the responsible use of water resources has never been more critical. Public awareness and attitudes regarding agricultural water use can significantly influence our ability to implement sustainable practices. For this blog post I'm very happy to share some research from an amazing team I worked with previously. The study delves into the general public's perceptions and attitudes toward agricultural water use, shedding light on their perspectives, and providing insights that can guide efforts towards responsible and efficient water resource management in agriculture. Positive Perceptions : The general public holds a positive attitude towards agricultural water use, supporting conservation efforts even if they lead to increased food prices. Environmental Impact : Respondents believe agriculture has a positive relationship with the natural environment, open spaces, and wildlife, but are uncertain about post-agricultural runoff effects. Source Credibility : Message source matters. Farmers as sources are seen as credible for some aspects, while organizations like the Nature Conservancy may be more trusted for others. Media Messaging : Agricultural organizations should utilize media channels to educate the public on water stewardship efforts, taking advantage of generally favorable perceptions. Coordinated Messaging : Coordinate messages with entities that share similar goals and expertise, ensuring alignment in perceived trustworthiness and credibility. Audience Influence : Future research should explore how individuals' experiences with agriculture and political ideologies impact their perceptions of message sources. Next steps... These findings indicate that the public's positive views on agricultural water use can be leveraged for effective communication and conservation efforts. Science communication efforts are critical to ensure water resources are used, and understood, in a sustainable manner. I've included a link to the research study below for your reference. Please be sure to share your thoughts and comments below! Lamm, A. J., Taylor, M. R., & Lamm, K. W.; (2016). Using perceived differences in views of agricultural water use to inform practice. Journal of Agricultural Education, 57(3), 180-191. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2016.03180

Undergraduate classrooms have never been more unique. No longer does a traditional, one-size-fits-all approach to teaching work to reach every student in the room. A more personalized, custom approach to instruction is necessary to align with the individual learning styles and needs of the students. One way for an instructor to achieve this is to better understand how the goals of a student align with that student’s unique personality. More effective teaching techniques can be used and better student outcomes can be enjoyed through this understanding. Below, please find a summary of the results from a study I conducted with several colleagues. Key Takeaways: Goal Orientations : Different students have different goal orientations. Some are mastery-oriented, while others are performance-oriented. These orientations can be strongly influenced by their personality traits. Mastery-Oriented Learning : A learning environment where students are only focused on outperforming peers does not necessarily foster sustainable learning. Instead, mastery orientation encourages an environment where students' aim is to learn and improve day after day - for the sake of learning. This approach is important for long-term higher academic performance. Adaptive Motivation : Adaptive motivation, motivation that adapts to different situations and learning objectives, can help encourage higher levels of performance in many different learning environments. For example, sometimes healthy competition might be a great learning strategy; however, other times a focus on individual development might be much more effective and appropriate. Engaging Students : It is worthwhile to engage students directly in the motivation/personality conversation. Having discussions in class regarding the connection between personality and goal orientation can, in itself, drive better outcomes. Personalized Learning : There is power in personalized learning. More than a method, this is a tool that empowers students to recognize their own unique characteristics and preferences. When students know more about themselves, they can work together with educators to build a productive learning environment. Observed Relationships Between Personality and Goal Orientation Personalized learning can help improve the learning experience. Educators leading undergraduate students should consider looking into the connection between personality, goal orientation, and academic achievement. This will make it possible to create learning experiences that empower students and enhance their overall engagement in the process. I've included the full manuscript below if you are interested in learning more. Please be sure to share your insights in the comments. Lamm, K. W., Sheikh, E., Carter, H. S., & Lamm, A. J. (2017). Predicting undergraduate leadership student goal orientation using personality traits. Journal of Leadership Education, 16(1), 18-33. https://doi.org/10.12806/v16/i1/r2

Effective Extension services in the agricultural sector require a profound understanding of their capacity. Assessing Extension capacity comprehensively is the first step in ensuring they meet the diverse needs of farmers and producers. This blog post delves into the power of inclusive extension capacity assessments, emphasizing the importance of considering a wide array of perspectives. These insights and recommendations are based on research I conducted with colleagues recently. Capacity Assessments Should Include Diverse Perspectives Framing the Capacity Assessment Setting the Stage: Extension services play a vital role in educating and assisting farmers in their agricultural endeavors. To ensure their effectiveness, conducting comprehensive assessments of their capacity is imperative. Perspective Matters: The meta-synthesis of existing literature highlights the significance of considering diverse perspectives in extension assessments. Different voices contribute to a richer understanding of extension capacity. Who to Include The Key Players: In capacity assessments, it's essential to involve key respondent groups, including Clientele and Beneficiaries, who directly benefit from services, and Formal Power Roles, such as organizational agents and personnel. Outside Influence: While involving those in Informal Power Roles and Outside Influences is important in some assessments, their role differs from the direct beneficiaries and service providers. Recognizing this distinction is crucial. Purpose-Driven Selection: Tailoring assessments to their intended purpose is essential. Depending on the assessment's goals, specific respondent groups, such as Clientele and Beneficiaries or Informal Power Roles, may be more relevant. Study Results Unveiling Insights: The primary study reveals a range of agreements among experts on which respondent groups should be included in extension capacity assessments. Notably, the clientele's level of inclusion raises surprising observations, emphasizing the need to recognize the importance of local voices. High-Level vs. Local Engagement: Experts prioritize the inclusion of respondent groups operating at the regional or country level, indicating that local representation is often more crucial than higher-level perspectives. Recommendations for the Future Broadening the Scope: In the interest of more inclusive assessments, it's recommended to engage representatives from diverse respondent groups. This shift towards more participatory assessments allows for a deeper understanding of how decisions within one group may affect others. Using the Study’s Insights: To improve future capacity assessments, practitioners should use the results of this study to inform their practices. While the consensus results serve as a guideline, it's essential to adapt the recommendations to different contexts and prioritize higher-consensus groups. Next Steps for Inclusive Extension Capacity Assessments In an ever-evolving agricultural landscape, Extension services must adapt and expand their capacities to meet the diverse and changing needs of producers. Inclusive capacity assessments provide a way to achieve this by involving a broad spectrum of voices. By embracing diverse perspectives and prioritizing local voices, the agricultural sector can enhance the impact and relevance of provided services. The study has been included below for your reference. Please be sure to share your thoughts and insights in the comments below. Lamm, K. W., Powell, A., Lamm, A. J., & Davis, K. (2021). Extension capacity assessment respondents: A meta-synthesis of the literature and a primary study. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 28(5), 65-95. https://doi.org/10.4148/2831-5960.1031