Weisbrod is new Pesticide Safety Education Program coordinator

Jennifer Weisbrod
Jennifer Weisbrod

Jennifer Weisbrod joined the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture Jan. 19 as an assistant extension educator and Pesticide Safety Education Program coordinator. Weisbrod is taking the reins from predecessor Emeritus Extension Educator Clyde Ogg.

The PSEP team at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln provides educational and training programs that address health, the environment, economic well-being and pesticide safety across the state and has been credited as one of the best programs in the nation.

Weisbrod’s primary responsibilities include maintaining the online and in-person pesticide applicator training, and developing and maintaining a strong relationship with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. She is currently creating a public relations plan for the program while managing the budget and team.

“I’m proud to be a part of the University of Nebraska Extension and I look forward to being an advocate for Nebraska pesticide applicators for years to come,” Weisbrod said. “My extended family has always been involved in Nebraska agriculture and I feel honored to provide them with the materials and education they need to continue their agricultural practices.”

Weisbrod grew up in Salina, Kansas, where she was very involved in environmental science competitions including Eco-Meet and Envirothon, and 4-H. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science from Kansas State University in 2013 with a degree in natural resource, parks, and conservation management. She received a minor in entomology and her primary focus was interpretation — a term that refers to informal education. She received a Master of Science in May of 2020 from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the Department of Entomology. Weisbrod’s research focus was on pollinators, pesticides and honey bee management.

Prior to Nebraska, Wiesbrod worked at a zoo and nature center near Manhattan, Kansas, as a conservation specialist, naturalist and zookeeper. After completing her master’s, she taught physiology at Southeast Community College and worked in a laboratory processing DNA.

Wiesbrod said she and her husband Matt are new to Nebraska, having lived here for just three years. They keep busy with a menagerie of pets including a dog, a cat, two conures, a box turtle and a snake. She’s teaching her husband beekeeping as well. Her favorite activities involve the outdoors — hiking, camping and fishing. Weisbrod says she also enjoys attempting to create art, and playing video and board games.

by Fran tenBensel Benne | Agronomy and Horticulture

More details at: https://go.unl.edu/wkbz