INNOVATION IN EXTENSION: The Ohio State University

The following describes an innovation.

Region: North Central

Main contact information for this innovation: Dr. Keith Smith

Main contact job title / position: OSU Extension Director

Main contact number: 614-292-6181

Main contact email address:  smith.150@osu.edu

Innovation name: Introduction of Field Specialist Positions

Brief description of innovation as provided in online survey: Ohio's field specialist positions are designed to be entrepreneurial in nature. Specialists have the opportunity and expectation to be leaders and innovators in developing new or revitalizing aging programming. According to the job description, the position "functions as a consultant with clientele to address statewide issues as expertise is needed." Field specialists, as consultants, develop vision statements and a scope of work or plan that serve as a road map.


The following describes an innovation.

Region: North Central

Main contact information for this innovation: Anne Dorrance

Main contact job title / position: Grad Studies Co-chair

Main contact number: 330-263-3842

Main contact email address:  dorrance.1@osu.edu

Innovation name: Plant Health ManagementProgram

Brief description of innovation as provided in online survey: The Master in Plant Health Management is a Professional Science Master's program that offers both academic and professional training for careers in plant health management.

Students can select from courses in 7 academic units covering topics in plant disease management, integrated pest management, statistics, soil science, weed science, Extension education and leadership, agribusiness and more.

Combining classroom and e-learning delivery, the program is geared toward recent graduates and working professionals aiming for advancement or a career change.


The following describes an innovation.

Region: North Central

Main contact information for this innovation: Anthony Staubach

Main contact job title / position: Program Manager, 4-H Youth Development/Extension Co-Director

Main contact number: 513-946-8986

Main contact email address:  staubach.9@osu.edu

Innovation name: 4-H Agri-Science in the City Data

Brief description of innovation as provided in online survey: 4-H Agri-Science in the City provided by Ohio State University Extension introduces a new generation of students to the world of Agri-Science though STEM education. Agriculturally based examples are used to teach science in a hands-on way in the classroom; elementary students are offered a broader understanding of where their food comes from, and that food and agriculture provide a wide array of career opportunities. These topics are generally lacking in urban schools’ curriculum. The entire elementary student body is able to participate, and the students learn about food, nutrition and related topics through an array of learning activities. The 4-H portion of 4-H Agri-Science in the City provides classroom instruction as a complement to regular coursework; afterschool and summer programs, including a 4-H community club program for interested students; and the participation of parents and community members to support the effort.

Examples of school-based curricula includes: Bread for the World; Carding & Spinning Wool; ChickQuest (hatching chicks); Origins of Food; Fishy Science; Mushroom Log Cultivation; Seed Planting; Pretzels & Penicillin; Worm Composting; Making Recycled Seedling Pots; and Chickens.

Attitude Measures:

Improvement in: Attitudes of students knowing about city-based agricultural careers; Teachers’ abilities to explain the purpose of the 4-H Agri-Science in the City Program; and Teachers knowing better how to connect youth to agriculture.

Teachers better understood the potential of urban agriculture, connection of STEM to agriculture, and the value of the role that 4-H plays in developing youth.

Teachers stated they were more comfortable leading ag-based activities, have more interest in the daily impact of agriculture, and that they would make career preparation part of their regular curriculum.

Behavior Measures

Increase in the number of students who: Enjoyed science class; Showed an interest in city-based farming; Behaved appropriately during hands-on science activities; Attended school more regularly; Worked together better; and Willing to try new things.

90% of the teachers and adults rated the 4-H Agri-Science in the City program and its instructors as “Excellent.”

90% of the teachers and adults agreed with the statement, “I know more about agriculture in a city setting as a result of the 4-H Agri- Science in the City program.”


The following describes an innovation.

Region: North Central

Main contact information for this innovation: Ryan Mapes

Main contact job title / position: Endeavor Center Manager and Program Leader

Main contact number: 740-289-2071

Main contact email address:  mapes.281@osu.edu

Innovation name: Endeavor Center

Brief description of innovation as provided in online survey: The Ohio State University Endeavor Center is a 27,000 square foot mixed-used business incubator with 3,000 square feet of classroom space and 20,000 square feet of rentable

office space.

The facility was opened in 2005 and is a joint product of the Ohio State College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (Extension) and the Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center (OARDC).

The facility has a 2 part mission:

First, to provide new and emerging businesses poised for rapid growth 4 tangible advantages; professional office space in flexible configurations, access to advanced technology they might not otherwise have, networking opportunities with other small business and access to expert business counseling on a free and timely basis.

Secondly, the center seeks to be a positive and visible example of how small businesses successfully navigate the difficult issues faced by all growing small businesses.

If you are interested in renting one of our excellent classrooms or in exploring the opportunity to conduct your business from our facility – read on!  We think you will discover the OSU Endeavor Center and its staff have a lot to offer your growing business!

The OSU Endeavor Center was made possible by generous contributions by the following

funders; The Ohio State University, The United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, The United Stated Department of Agriculture Rural Development, The Governor’s Office of Appalachia, The Southern Ohio Agriculture Community Development Fund and the Southern Ohio Diversification Initiative. 


The following describes an innovative person.
Region: North Central

Contact information for this innovator: Eric Romich
Job title / position: Assistant Professor & Extension Field Specialist, Energy Development

Contact number: 740-725-6317

Email address: romich.2@osu.edu

Brief description of innovator as provided in online survey: Eric Romich is an Ohio State University Extension Field Specialist for Energy Development. His background in renewable energy began during his former assignment as an OSU Extension Educator in Wyandot County. In this position he served as the Director of Wyandot County Office of Economic Development and was deeply involved in the details of finalizing the PSEG Wyandot Solar Project. The PSEG Wyandot Solar Project is a 12 MW 85 acre solar generation facility that is the largest solar facility in Ohio and one of the largest in the Midwest.

Romich focuses his Extension efforts in the areas of renewable energy development, energy policy, wind energy, solar energy, and bioenergy resources. He works with elected officials, community planners, community residents, OSU faculty and Extension Educators, and state and federal government agencies to deliver educational programs.