Sara Delaney sows farmer resilience through outreach optimization 

Sara Delaney, a Ph.D. candidate in ecology and environmental sciences at the University of Maine, is fine-tuning how scientists help farmers prepare for — and thrive in — the face of uncertainty. Her work builds on more than a decade spent advancing food security around the globe, from Mali to Latin America. Now, she’s using that experience to study how farmers and agricultural advisors learn best, and how science communicators can better serve their needs.

Through interviews, surveys and hands-on collaboration, Delaney optimizes strategies and support systems that help farmers make informed decisions amid environmental change. Her findings show that peer-to-peer learning and group-based education can make a big difference, especially when farmers navigate complex, evolving challenges.

Working with her adviser, UMaine Associate Professor of Sustainable Agricutlure Rachel Schattman, and a team of educators and farmers, Delaney lays the groundwork for future resilience by helping experts connect with farmers who can put the latest science into practice.Read the full story written by Jesse Bifulco, communications intern, on UMaine News.