Nathan Shoaf
Nathan Shoaf received his M.S. in Ecological Sciences and Engineering from Purdue University with a focus on soil microbiology and plant pathology. He has nearly 20 years of experience working with stakeholders in community gardens and specialty farm production in urban soils throughout the United States. His research interests relate to soil microbial ecology, plant pathology, bioremediation and stakeholder engagement. Nathan collaborates with extension staff, faculty and stakeholders to enhance statewide programming for the Urban Agriculture Program.
James Wolff
Rebecca Koetz
Brooke Alford
Brooke Alford earned her MLA from the University of Washington Landscape Architecture with a Certificate in Ecological Restoration. She also received her B.S. in Urban Forestry at the University of Washington, where her focus was in urban horticulture. She practiced urban ecological design and restoration as well contributed to many community empowerment projects in the Seattle area before returning to the Indianapolis region and joining Purdue Extension-Marion County. At Extension she co-teaches the Urban Agriculture Certificate Program, Rainscaping and the Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing.
Meagan Diss
Meagan Diss received a B.S. in Animal Science and Ag Business from Illinois State University along with a M.S. in Animal Science from Murray State University. Before coming to Purdue University, she worked for the University of Kentucky and is familiar with multiple facets of the agriculture industry. Meagan is passionate about integrating more agriculture into urban environments and connecting communities back to their roots.
Amy Thompson
Amy Thompson received a Bachelor’s Degree in Forest Management at Purdue University and a Master’s Degree in Forest Ecology at the University of Kentucky. Amy is active in statewide extension programming for small farms, beginning farmers, farmers markets, and hops production. Amy grew-up in Bloomington on a small livestock farm. Prior to her experience with Purdue she worked for the U.S. Forest Service, the University of Kentucky and served as U.S. Peace Corps volunteer.
Karen Mitchell
Karen Mitchell received her B.S. in Horticultural Production and Marketing and M.S. in Weed Science at Purdue University. With a passion for helping others grow, Karen is active in statewide extension programming for small farms, beginning farmers, farmers markets, community gardens, and home horticulture.