Megan Williams
Fredericksburg
Summary
Dedicated agricultural researcher with expertise in soil health management, sustainable cropping system research and management, and community outreach. Strong passion for connecting scientific research to real-world applications through development of accessible educational programs and collaboration with stakeholders to enhance agricultural practices and promote sustainable solutions.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Extension Agent- Ag & Natural Resources
Virginia Cooperative Extension
King George, VA
05.2024 - Current
- Developed and delivered educational programs on relevant agriculture and natural resources topics including soil health, forage management, home food production, and pesticide safety for local farmers and community members to enhance agricultural practices.
- Collaborated with community stakeholders across my service area of two counties to identify needs and implement effective education and outreach strategies.
- Secured grant funding for and conducted on-farm cover crop research trials to identify varieties for performance in the mid-atlantic, incorporate farmer feedback, and increase grower participation in cover crop breeding efforts.
- Answered client inquiries to provide relevant, research based information to assist in solving their agriculture and natural resource management problems.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations for collaborative projects, resulting in improved community outreach and resource sharing.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through participant surveys and feedback sessions, identifying areas for improvement and adjusting strategies accordingly.
Graduate Research Assistant
Cornell University- Moore Lab
Ithaca, NY
05.2022 - 05.2024
- Managed and assisted in field work for forage, cover crop, and perennial sustainable cropping systems.
- Assisted in experimental design and implementation of laboratory protocols.
- Analyzed data using statistical software to ensure accuracy and reliability of results.
- Developed presentations to communicate research findings to faculty and peers effectively.
- Mentored undergraduate students in research techniques.
- Utilized statistical software to analyze large datasets.
- Presented research findings at conferences and workshops, fostering professional growth and collaboration within the academic community.
- Contributed to scientific journal articles for submission to academic publications.
Visual Arts Department Lead
Camp Horizons
Harrisonburg, VA
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring supply availability, safety, organization, and compliance with lesson plans.
- Coordinated team schedules, matching counselor strengths to class assignments.
- Designed lesson plans for engaging youth arts education.
- Provided employee performance reviews to help visual arts counselors grow in their position.
- Mentored counselors in training interested in joining the visual arts department, developing their lesson planning and teaching skills.
Education
Master of Science - Soil And Crop Sciences
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY08-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Science
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA05-2022
Skills
- Agricultural Research
- Crop management
- Soil health management
- Fieldwork experience
- Grant writing
- Extension education
- Data analysis
- Community outreach
- Environmental education
- R Studio
Timeline
Associate Extension Agent- Ag & Natural Resources
Virginia Cooperative Extension
05.2024 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant
Cornell University- Moore Lab
05.2022 - 05.2024
Visual Arts Department Lead
Camp Horizons
06.2019 - 08.2019
Master of Science - Soil And Crop Sciences
Cornell University
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Science
University of Virginia