For the Media | School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences

For media inquiries, contact Gail Stephens, Agricultural Communications and Media Associate, at 410-621-3850 or gcstephens@umes.edu

The late pioneering UMES poultry professor Jeannine Harter-Dennis weighs a chicken for research.

UMES poultry pioneer impacted research, pipeline of professionals

The late UMES professor of poultry science Jeannine Harter-Dennis (1949-2026) is remembered as a dedicated researcher and educator. Read full story

UMES researcher Wayne Omagamre and Sumantee Baidya, a graduate research assistant, are shown doing PFAS field work.

UMES researcher advances PFAS studies with grants, invention

Dr. Eguono “Wayne” Omagamre of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is attracting national attention for his research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Read full story

Graduates from the UMES School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences file in during the 139th Spring Commencement.

Meet 6 SANS graduates ready for their next chapter

The School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences congratulates its 72 graduates. Read about the inspiration, aspirations and accomplishments of six members of the Class of 2026. Read full story

UMES graduate research assistant Unishma Ghimire is pictured by moveable pasture-raised poultry houses.

UMES student researcher contributing to poultry industry, awarded DCA scholarship

Unishma Ghimire received a $3,000 scholarship for the second consecutive year awarded through Delmarva Chicken Association’s Scholarship Program. Read full story

Janak Dhakal, assistant professor of animal science, is pictured in his Lab at UMES.

UMES researcher weighs in on salmonella in backyard chickens

UMES researcher Dr. Janak Dhakal is calling attention to seasonal outbreaks of salmonella in backyard poultry, which is on the rise. Read full story

UMES veterinary assistant Shamia Onley holds a baby goat while pre-vet student Kathleen Combs places its ear tag

Lambing and kidding season sees 81 births at UMES

Lambing and kidding season at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore farm takes a total team effort to monitor and care for expecting ewes and does through the delivery of their offspring and post-partum period. Read full story

Aubrey Spence will receive her master's degree during the 139th Spring Commencement on May 15, 2026.

Childcare center’s ‘Miss Audrey’ earns her master’s degree

Childcare specialist Audrey Spence at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Child and Family Development Center will receive her master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling at the 139th Spring Commencement. Read full story

Goats are pictured in an enclosure on a farm.

Biosecurity reduces disease risk. Workshop teaches defense

Small-scale farmers can learn about biosecurity strategies to reduce the risk of disease in livestock at a free workshop Saturday, June 27, offered by University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension. Read full story

Md. Sen. McCray to speak at UMES Spring Commencement

Maryland State Sen. Cory McCray will address the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s 2026 graduating class during the spring commencement ceremony on May 15. Read full story

Dr. Lila Karki receives the McKinley Mayes Mentoring Award March 31 at the 2026 Association of Research Directors Biennial Research Symposium

UMES faculty and extension member awarded for mentorship

Dr. Lila Karki, University of Maryland Eastern Shore associate professor of agricultural economics, was awarded the 2026 McKinley Mayes Mentoring Award at 1890 Association of Research Directors Biennial Research Symposium. Read full story

UMES graduate student Lucy Njoroge presents her research during an oral presentation at the 2026 ARD Symposium in New Orleans, from March 28-31.

1890 faculty and student research findings shared at sympoisum

Nearly 2,000 researchers and students participated in the Association of 1890 Research Directors Symposium held March 28-31, 2026 in New Orleans. Read full story

Human Ecology student Samaiah Davis diplays her research poster.

Maryland family and consumer sciences professionals meet at UMES; student research highlighted

The Maryland Association of Family and Consumer Sciences spring meeting brought faculty and students together for a day of professional development and networking. Read full story

Successful biomedical researcher and UMES alumnae Yasmin Roye gives the keynote speech at the 73rd Honors Convocation.

Biomedical researcher to honors awardees: ‘Tell your story’

Dr. Yasmin Roye (UMES Class of 2020), a scientist in Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonology, returned to her alma mater as the guest speaker for the 73^rd annual Honors Convocation. Read full story

Quinoa germplasm trial plot is shown at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

UMES leads efforts to boost quinoa production in US

University of Maryland Eastern Shore researchers are working with partners to identify cultivars suitable for cultivation in this region as part of efforts to make the U.S. self-sufficient in quinoa production. Read full story

Dr. David Brown, assistant professor of animal science, UMES Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences.

Biosecurity on the Eastern Shore goes beyond chickens

A grant-funded project at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore aims to improve biosecurity preparedness on farms that raise poultry, sheep and goats. Read full story

Dr. Wayne Omagamre, assistant professor of biology, tests water for PAFS in his lab at University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

UMES researcher awarded grant to study soil contaminants

University of Maryland Eastern Shore Assistant Professor Eguono “Wayne” Omagamre was awarded nearly $120,000 to investigate harmful chemicals in Maryland soil. Read full story

University of Maryland Eastern Shore bee expert Stephen Goewey.

DIY bird and bee habitats are focus of UMES Extension workshop

UMES Extension’s Apiary program can help bring more pollinators and insect-eaters to farms and backyards this season with a workshop on how to build your own birdhouse or bee box. Read full story

UMES Extension specialists practice alley cropping, an agroforestry system.

Learn about alley cropping systems from practicing farmers and UMES Extension

Explore the basics and benefits of alley cropping, the practice of growing vegetables or herbs in rows alternating with fruit shrubs or trees, at a free event sponsored by UMES Extension. Read full story

A bumblebee gets pollen from a St. Johnswort herbal plant.

Gardeners: Explore herb growing and making products with series

Learn about herbs, including how to grow, harvest and make products to share, during a three-class series titled “Share the Herb Garden” at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Research, Extension and Teaching Farm. Read full story

Shown is a composite photo of two female students on the agricultural terraces at Ollentyanmpo in Peru and a male student smelling cacao fruit on a Peruvian farm.

Agricultural students learn from hands-on experiences in Peru

An experiential learning trip to Peru over the winter break provided global perspectives on agriculture for a trio of students in the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences. Read full story

Five members of a Black History Month panel discussion on the documentary "Farming While Black" are pictured.

‘Farming While Black’ filmmaker and farmers share their passion to grow and connect

The maker of the documentary film, “Farming While Black” and local farmers joined a post-screening panel discussion at the University of Maryland Eastern to share the story about the rising and returning generation of Black farmers. Read full story

UMES faculty selected for new leadership program

School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences faculty will take part in UMES’ new Assistant Department Chair Leadership Program. Read full story

A workshop participant watches a UMES Extension specialty herbalist demonstrate herb harvesting.

UMES series covers specialty herbs from seedling to selling

The expertise of UMES Extension’s specialty herbalist can be tapped during a three-class series on growing medicinal herbs for profit. Read full story

Henriette den Ouden, agent associate with UMES Extension's Specialty Herb program, points out elderberry plants at UMES' Research, Extension and Teaching Farm.

Learn how to grow elderberry, explore markets for DIY products

UMES Extension is offering a workshop Feb. 28 to teach interested growers how to cultivate elderberry, along with harvesting and processing the berries for value-added products. Read full story

A UMES Child and Family Development Center employee helps a child during a block building developmental activity.

UMES Child Development Center moves closer to accreditation

The Child and Family Development Center at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore has earned the Maryland State Department of Education’s Level 4 quality EXCELS rating, a milestone in its goal toward achieving accreditation. Read full story

Dr. William Burke, left, and Dr. Abiodun Omotayo

New faculty to grow agricultural economics at UMES

The School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences welcomed two faculty members who will collaborate to grow agricultural economics within the school and its goals for impact in the region. Read full story

A scene from the documentary, "Farming While Black."

UMES hosts Black History Month screening of ‘Farming While Black’

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore will host a Black History Month screening and panel discussion of “Farming While Black” on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 11 a.m. in the Student Services Center on campus. Read full story

The year in review at UMES Extension

A look back at the best of 2025 UMES Extension. Read full story

The year in review, a look back at the best of 2025

As we look ahead to the new year, the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences also reflects on the accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff in 2025. Read full story