(GALVA, Ill.) University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce Rachel Curry as Extension Watershed Outreach Associate. She is bringing 12 years of experience in agriculture and agricultural research to the position that focuses on the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs related to Water Quality. Her position will have coordination and program delivery responsibilities for the Mississippi Central/Henderson Creek Watershed and Lower Rock River Watershed which are both nitrogen priority watersheds as outlined in the Illinois Nutrient Management Plan. Rachel’s goals will be to heighten awareness of the best management practices that protect water quality and increase soil health. Her position will be housed in the Henry/Stark County office in Galva, IL.

Rachel got her BA in Environmental Studies with Minors in Biology and Economics from Knox College in May 2005. She received her Master’s degree in Soil Science and Environmental Science in December 2008 at Iowa State University, conducting research on designing and implementing the field application of biochar to soil and the effect biochar had on corn grain yield. She continued to do research at Washington State University with emphases in soil fertility and weed science. Her primary research focused on influence of crop rotations, terrain, and no tillage on multiple soil factors, such as soil nitrogen and carbon, as well as other agronomic factors including yield and weed species distribution. She most recently held a position as a field scientist with SGS North America, conducting research in multiple areas of agriculture including herbicide efficacy, fertility, and insecticide efficacy.

Rachel is looking forward to being part of the University of Illinois Extension and serving on a team that works towards improving agriculture, while keeping in mind the impact that agriculture has on the environment.  You can contact her via email at rccurry@illinois.edu or by phone at 217-265-0851.