Food safety is a global concern. However, navigating the complex landscape of the food system is daunting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that in the United States alone, 48 million people fall ill, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases annually. These staggering statistics emphasize the global significance of food safety research, highlighting its relevance to public health, the economy, and politics. Research in this field encompasses various aspects, such as microbial and chemical contamination, food adulteration, misuse of food additives, mislabeling, genetic modifications, and issues related to dated food. In this blog I'm excited to share research findings from work conducted in collaboration with the University of Georgia Center for Food Safety (CFS). Specifically, we developed a framework to conceptualize food safety issues to focus efforts and improve food safety across the food industry. These efforts were in conjunction with a strategy project helping the UGA CFS define their purpose as an organization (see similar efforts with University of Georgia Extension) As international food supply chains cross multiple borders, the risks associated with food consumption have evolved into a multidimensional concern. These risks now encompass human health, the environment, the economy, animal health, and future generations. As the food industry expands its offerings, including novel foods and advanced processing technologies, the complexity and diversity of food safety challenges continue to grow. The Role of Consumer Trust and Knowledge Consumer perceptions of food safety play a vital role in shaping purchase decisions and how they perceive the health benefits of various food items. Notably, these perceptions also impact food handlers and production workers. Thus, it falls upon policymakers, food safety leaders, and industry influencers to ensure the provision of safe food products. The study underlines the importance of exploring food safety issues from the perspective of industry leaders, whose insights offer a unique vantage point applicable across various contexts. While significant research has focused on consumer perspectives, the study examines food safety through a macro-level, industry-wide lens, bridging the gap between research and application. Key Insights and Recommendations The study identified seven key thematic categories related to food safety: Contamination: General Contamination: Detection Contamination: Outbreaks Contamination: Prevention Governmental Oversight Consumer/Employee Education & Communication Globalization These categories encapsulate a range of critical food safety issues, underlining the interrelated nature of these challenges. The significant overlap among these issues suggests a strong focus on contamination-related concerns, particularly in prevention, detection, and outbreak management. The study highlights the pivotal role of governmental oversight in addressing these challenges. Collaboration and Holistic Oversight To navigate these complex food safety challenges, collaborative efforts that leverage the resources and cooperation of academic, governmental, and industry experts are necessary. A holistic approach to oversight procedures, especially in areas of detection, response, and prevention, can help address these issues effectively. Moreover, addressing global themes like technology, DNA sequencing, and emerging food safety trends is essential. Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities While the study provides valuable insights, food safety remains a multifaceted global concern. Bridging the gap between consumers and industry experts, building trust with regulatory agencies, and addressing evolving challenges through collaboration are the keys to a safer and healthier food future. The source manuscript has been posted if you are interested in learning more. Please be sure to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section. Lamm, K. W., Randall, N. L., & Diez-Gonzalez, F. (2021). Critical food safety issues facing the food industry: A delphi analysis. Journal of Food Protection, 84(4), 680-687. https://doi.org/10.4315/JFP-20-372

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. 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

In today's increasingly diverse undergraduate classrooms, traditional one-size-fits-all teaching approaches often fall short of engaging every student. The evolving landscape of education recognizes the need for a more personalized approach tailored to individual needs and learning styles. One significant avenue for achieving this is understanding how students' unique personalities influence their goal orientations. This understanding can lead to the implementation of more effective teaching strategies that truly empower students in their learning journey. I'm excited to share the findings from a research study I conducted with colleagues looking at the relationship between personality and goal orientation among undergraduate leadership students. Key Takeaways: Diverse Goal Orientations: Students exhibit different goal orientation styles, such as mastery-oriented learning and performance-oriented learning, which are often influenced by their personality traits. Mastery-Oriented Learning: Fostering a mastery-oriented learning environment, where students are encouraged to focus on learning and improvement rather than simply outperforming their peers, is crucial for promoting higher academic performance. Unlocking Adaptive Motivation: By recognizing the connection between teaching methods and students' personalities, educators can unlock adaptive motivation. This paves the way for higher levels of student performance across various learning environments. Enhanced Student Engagement: Engaging in discussions around personality and goal orientation in the classroom can lead to increased student engagement and better educational outcomes. The Power of Personalized Learning: Personalized learning is not just an alternative teaching method; it's a powerful tool for empowering students by recognizing their unique traits and learning styles. It fosters a stronger connection between educators and students, ultimately leading to improved academic performance. In summary, personalized learning is a transformative approach that acknowledges the diversity of students in today's undergraduate classrooms. By understanding the relationship between personality, goal orientation, and academic achievement, educators can provide personalized learning experiences that empower students, enhancing their engagement and success in education. I've included the full manuscript below if you are interested in learning more. 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 Please share your thoughts and feedback using the comments below!

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

The UGA Extension Strategic Statement of Purpose: Why Organizational Purpose Matters (part 2) 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

Kenya's agricultural extension landscape has undergone significant transformation, moving from government control to privatization and a demand-driven approach. This shift has brought new challenges, most notably the absence of a central coordination mechanism. 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. Challenges Faced: Despite the promising changes in Kenyan extension, several hurdles emerged: Coordination Gap: The lack of a central coordinating body made it difficult to connect with farmers and service providers, leading to low productivity and restricted market access. Technology Diffusion: Spreading agricultural innovations, particularly in remote areas, became problematic, leaving small-scale farmers with limited access to crucial resources. Private Prioritization: Private extension services tended to favor more productive regions, neglecting resource-poor farmers and exacerbating disparities. KeFAAS's Initiatives: KeFAAS proactively tackled these issues through strategic measures: Effective Communication: They developed informative materials, clarifying KeFAAS's mission and value, aiding potential members' understanding. Active Engagement: KeFAAS actively participated in national agricultural fairs, fostering direct connections with stakeholders. Capacity Building: They invested in member capacity by providing training on extension-focused curriculum, enhancing industry knowledge. Positive Impacts: KeFAAS's actions yielded positive results: Stronger Connections: Participation in agricultural fairs and clear communication strengthened ties with like-minded organizations, such as the Smallholder Seed Producers Network (SSN). Mutually Beneficial Projects: Collaborations, like the one with SSN, led to successful projects and secured funding, benefiting both parties and expanding their reach. Improved Coordination: KeFAAS's emphasis on shared knowledge and goals enhanced extension coordination, benefiting farmers and the sector. So What?: KeFAAS's achievements highlight the power of shared knowledge, goals, and mutual respect in enhancing coordination. To build on this success, we recommend: Establishing advisory councils with diverse representatives. Prioritizing knowledge sharing and awareness building among members and affiliated organizations. Creating dedicated platforms for information dissemination. 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!

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 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!

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. 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. 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

Last week during the University of Georgia (UGA) State of Extension speech Associate Dean Dr. Laura Perry Johnson concluded her remarks with the following statement, "This purpose sums it up very, very perfectly. I don't know how we lucked on such a great purpose, but the facilitators that helped us get to this I think really nailed it.” I am proud to have worked with Dr. L. Rochelle Sapp and the UGA Extension Leadership Team to develop this statement: "We translate science of everyday living for farmers, families and communities to foster a healthy and prosperous Georgia." My pre-academic life as a management consultant, and later as the president of my own consulting organization, helped me to appreciate the importance of connection and how organizations can share who they are, and what purpose they serve in the world. This strategic approach is grounded in my Issue Leadership model, which is based on the principle that exceptional leaders (and organizations) are those who are committed to making a positive change in the world. I am a huge fan of Simon Sinek and the power of Why. My view on the strategic statement of purpose is that is helps to complete the equation, specifically, Why Us? When we as individuals, or organizations, understand the change we are trying to make (Why = Critical Issues) as well as our role (Why Us = Core Strengths) we can clearly communicate what we are trying to do and how we are going to do it. In future blog posts I will share more about how I use research based techniques to help guide individuals and organizations through the strategic statement of purpose process. Please be sure to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below!

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 tackling critical global issues. My hope if for this platform to bring together knowledge and resources to empower aspiring leaders. At the heart of this project is a commitment to address pressing challenges that affect our world today. From the social, cultural, human, policy, environmental, and financial challenges facing the world, I want to use this platform to help share my research and resources with those seeking to make a positive impact. I will be summarizing peer-reviewed academic publications, curated to provide evidence-based insights and strategies. Stay updated with the latest news and developments with cutting-edge research and real-world applications. With a focus on purpose-driven leadership, this site aims to cultivate a new generation of change-makers. Whether you're a student, professional, or simply passionate about making a difference, join us on this transformative journey. Together, let's unlock the true potential of leadership and work towards a brighter future. Please sign up to receive notifications and check back frequently for the latest news and information. Most importantly, 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.