URBANA, Ill. — Change is constant in both the human and natural world — birds migrate, rivers change course, and winds shift. Helping people navigate those changes is a cornerstone of University of Illinois Extension’s mission. To support that cause, Extension recently welcomed four new statewide specialists to its team of natural resource, environment, and energy experts who advance sustainable practices, support environmental stewardship, build community resiliency, and enhance clean energy opportunities.
Illinois Extension’s network of experts leverages the university’s innovative research to raise awareness about the environmental and energy issues that communities are facing to help families, farmers, businesses, and municipalities thrive now and in the future.
“Extension’s mission is and has always been to help people understand the science behind what we know – in this case about land and water health and resources, severe weather patterns, energy options – and more importantly how to apply it to improve their lives,” said Shibu Kar, Extension assistant dean of natural resources, environment, and energy. “The world is changing, and the statewide specialists are here to work with field-based Extension staff to help the communities that they live and work in navigate those changes by applying research-based, forward-thinking strategies.”
Extension specialists collaborate with university scientists to share research updates, recommendations, and best practices with individuals, businesses, and municipalities statewide through community programs and direct consultations.
Environmental Quality Specialist Ashley Belle will develop programs and resources addressing air pollution, land contamination, waste management, and sustainability. Her areas of expertise include recycling, anaerobic digestion, environmental remediation, and conservation. She previously worked with Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant as a liaison to the U.S. EPA. Belle holds a doctorate in environmental science and technology, a Master of Science in environmental sciences, and a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. Belle will be based in Matteson.
Illinois Master Naturalist Program Extension Specialist Abigail Garofalo will lead the Master Naturalist volunteer program providing direction and developing training opportunities for 900 volunteers statewide. Garofalo previously served as a natural resource educator in Cook County. She has a Master of Science in agricultural leadership education and a Bachelor of Science in natural resources and environmental sciences. Garofalo will be based in Des Plaines.
Climate Resilience Specialist Jessica Rudnick’s work will focus on enhancing community and ecosystem resilience to changing weather and climate. Her areas of expertise include community climate impact and risks, environmental justice, and community engagement. Rudnick previously worked as a U.S. Forest Service researcher and an Extension specialist with NOAA California Sea Grant. She holds a doctorate and master’s in human ecology and environmental policy and a Bachelor of Arts in environmental earth sciences. She will be based in Chicago.
Sustainable Energy Specialist Andrea Wagner will create resources about renewable energy, energy efficiency, and community planning for renewable energy projects. This work includes reviewing solar and wind energy legislation and how local governments are navigating battery energy storage. She previously served as a county planner in Iowa. Wagner holds masters’ degrees in community and regional planning as well as sustainable agriculture. Wagner will be based in Edwardsville.
To connect with Extension natural resources, environment, and energy staff about a program or for a consultation, visit go.illinois.edu/NREEstaff. Extension’s natural resources, environment, and energy program provides research-based education for awareness and action to sustain healthy environments and ecosystems that support quality living and resilient communities. Extension staff empower people across Illinois to make a difference through the Master Naturalists, Climate Stewards, and Watershed Stewards volunteer and training programs.
Photo caption, left to right: Ashley Belle, Abigail Garofalo, Andrea Wagner, Jessica Rudnick
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.