About Kimberly:
Two and a half years ago I began my position as a dairy extension educator in animal science. Prior to that, I spent almost five years at the Nebraska Corn Board working as their director of biofuels development, where I worked with fuel retails and ethanol plants across Nebraska to provide markets for ethanol fuel in Nebraska and domestically. This position also allowed me to provide consumers in Nebraska and other midwestern states with information about biofuels, corn production and usage and more. The best part of that job was meeting with auto manufacturers in Detroit and knowing that we have an influence in the fuels that future vehicle models will use.
What is your position at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
Campus-based, statewide dairy extension educator. I work with more than 160 dairies across the state of Nebraska.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
I completed my master’s degree in the animal science department at UNL. I knew there would be a great platform of extension specialists and faculty members that would provide guidance and assistance when needed. Really, this department feels like a big family.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
Can I say everything? I know that the educational programs and information whether at workshops, in webinars, on our website, or in conversations, can positively impact a dairy producer's operation, the animals, their profits and more.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Since starting at UNL, I have started a dairy extension program from the ground up. Due to budget cuts, retired dairy faculty positions were not re-hired and so there hasn’t been a dairy extension program in Nebraska for a number of years. I have had the opportunity to build this program from day one, which included meeting and building relationships with dairy producers, the state dairy association and industry partners. It has been a fun challenge developing this program.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I donate blood every eight weeks. It is the least I can do after nearly losing my life after my son was born. This is one way I give back and help those in need.
What is your life like outside of work?
Busy. My husband, Jason, and I keep busy with a 5-year-old daughter, Olivia, and a 4-year-old son, Liam. We recently moved to an acreage outside of Seward, and it has been a fun experience working on the acreage and watching the kids explore the cattle barn, chicken coop, horse barn and nature.