Daniel Coen, Extension, Outstanding Extension Administrative Faculty

Dan joined the College’s Tribal Students Program after 25 years with the U.S. Coast Guard. At the time, he had limited experience working with agriculture or Tribal communities. Yet, he evolved his part-time position into a leadership role overseeing a statewide Extension team that serves 28 Tribal communities through far-reaching partnerships. Today, he’s an expert hoop house builder and trusted business advisor, respected for his character and dedication, and thriving on traveling the state to serve Tribal residents. 

Najat Elgeberi, Extension, Outstanding Extension Academic Faculty

Najat has secured over $5.2 million in funding, including a $2.4 million grant to evaluate child care and development programs. Over the past four years, she has delivered 32 training sessions to over 650 professionals, who consistently demonstrate significant knowledge gains as a result. An award-winning evaluator, she has produced 27 publications and delivered 15 national conference presentations since 2022. Her Western Region Evaluation Network leadership and data-driven approach make her exceptionally deserving of this award.

Monika Gulia-Nuss; Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology; Outstanding Researcher

Monika has proven to be an outstanding researcher, teacher and mentor. Her research spans from molecular, cellular and organismal approaches to community level. Her innovative approaches have had a transformative impact on tick research. In particular, Monika’s lab is pioneering gene-editing in ticks, with great potential to prevent the spread of tick-borne illness. Her discoveries have garnered international recognition via numerous grants, awards and collaborations. In addition, her mentorship has inspired undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral researchers.

Maureen Molini, Department of Nutrition, Outstanding Teacher

Maureen has served as a nutrition instructor since 2018, developing lectures, assignments, activities, experiments and assessments for critical classes, including Food Service Systems Management, Food and Culture, and Nutrition Education and Counseling. Through her courses, Maureen empowers students to earn Serve Safe Certification and deeply engage with the counseling aspect of dietetics. Students so appreciate her commitment and positive, enthusiastic teaching style.

Robert Moore; College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources; Outstanding Administrative Faculty

After 30 years of service, we are glad to recognize Robert. Since 1999, he’s ensured strategic planning and funding for Experiment Station and Extension through federal reporting. He built the College’s first impact reporting system, later adopted University-wide. He created the University’s first website, as well as the system that powers College websites and grant, peer-review and other processes. He oversees University and College websites delivering critical information to Nevada communities and serves as our photographer.

Ruby Anna Mosteiro; Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology; Outstanding Classified Staff

Ruby Anna is without a doubt the heart of our Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Department. Her faculty and students know they can depend on her to be present and take charge to ensure the department runs as it should. She is a team player, collaborative, inclusive, solution-driven, responsible and resilient. She has integrity, takes pride in her work and does it all with grace. She is a true asset and most deserving of this award.

Most Tahera Naznin, Extension, Outstanding Extension Researcher

Naznin is recognized for her exceptional leadership in advancing urban and controlled environment agriculture. In under three years, she has secured more than $760,000 in competitive funding, published 11 high‑impact research articles and established three cutting‑edge labs in southern Nevada. Her innovative, community‑centered research and Extension programs strengthen sustainable food.

Kayla Ransom, Extension, Outstanding Extension Program Staff

Kayla is a wonderful combination of intelligence, creativity, kindness and humble generosity. She works diligently for Extension’s Healthy Aging Initiative team and collaborates well with other Extension programs, as well as diverse community partners and programs. Participants in her programs can't wait for her to return. She is an ideal representative of the positive programming Extension offers in the community.

Amber Yoder, Extension, Outstanding Extension Support Staff

Amber, budget analyst for Extension, is the epitome of excellence in terms of service to the University and Extension. She truly bleeds Wolf Pack blue! She proficiently and quickly solves numerous problems daily, navigates complicated purchasing and contracting situations, and provides pathways through red tape to make sure University stakeholders can get the best of what we have to offer.

Hope and Recovery, Extension, Outstanding Extension Team

Extension’s Hope and Recovery team, the driving force behind our Hope for Family Resilience and Healthy Living, Sustainable Recovery Programs, empowers people and communities impacted by trauma, violence and adversity to build resilience, wellness and healthy relationships. Their research-based, community-driven and trauma-informed community support and professional development programs deliver measurable impact across Nevada, strengthening our state’s workforce, cross-sector collaborations, and health and wellness outcomes. Through program launches and expansions, as well as innovative partnerships, their collaborative, culturally responsive work integrates research with practice, exemplifies Extension’s mission, and advances the public good.

📷: Left to right, top to bottom, team members include: Charel Elwell, Nichol Heleman, Estefania Herrera Perez, Elizabeth Ornelas, Hannah Ortega, Pamela Payne and Micah Stoor.