We are happy to announce that we have hired Elaine Lander as the new urban IPM educator.
Lander has a master’s degree in entomology from Cornell University where she studied natural enemies and biological control of onion thrips in vegetables throughout New York State. She has worked in various parts of the food and agriculture industries over the last decade, from IPM research in Napa and Sonoma wine grapes to coordinating and teaching community cooking and nutrition programs for youth and adults. She has several years of digital marketing and social media experience, increasing brand recognition and online presence for a Sacramento based winery.
As the Urban IPM Educator, Lander will use these skills to support the urban IPM outreach and education program by coordinating activities, developing and carrying out train-the-trainer educational programs, working with UC academics and staff, developing materials, and delivering resources and information to urban audiences throughout the state through a variety of mechanisms. Lander will also participate in program planning, help identify priorities, engage collaborators, and identify and write proposals for grant funding. Lander will also assist in conducting systematic reviews of program materials to ensure that they are up-to-date and meeting clientele needs.