Sheryl Burbach, UNL Extension administrative associate, is the recipient of IANR’s 2014 Second Quarter Outstanding Employee Award. In her day-to-day work, Burbach is responsible for large-scale grant projects, a searchable faculty/staff database, collecting faculty data, and setting up programs and meetings.
In addition, Burbach stimulates ideas on how wellness and technology can fit into everyday office work, and initiates cutting-edge technology so Extension can take the resources of the University to the people throughout the state. For example, Burbach took the lead for Extension at UNL to become the first nationally to provide iPads for educators and to provide training in iPad app testing, setup and distribution. She co-developed one of the first iPad apps to be used by 4-H to share 4-H state fair results, and collaborated on training for Extension staff to try new apps for smartphones and mobile devices. Burbach also took the lead to use Adobe Connect for interactive presentations, workshops and interviews, which saves both time and money. For Extension’s 2013 fall conference, Burbach led the Cloud-sharing of handouts, agendas and speaker notes. She also recently filled a critical role in establishing online learning modules as part of a Department of Defense grant.
Supporters wrote that Burbach is positive, has a true sense of service, and “is one of my go-to people when it comes to learning new technologies.” “She is a ‘technology guru’ always looking for new applications that can help do mundane jobs more quickly, efficiently and with better results.”
Award recipients receive cash awards and certificates. Application materials for these and other IANR awards are at ianr.unl.edu/staff-awards.