About our College

A founding college of the University, we have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, research and engagement programs that benefit the health and economic vitality of Nevada. We offer programs in:

  • agriculture, horticulture, rangeland and veterinary sciences
  • biochemistry and molecular biology
  • children, youth and families
  • community and economic development
  • health and nutrition
  • natural resources and environmental science
 

College embarks on farm apprenticeship program to bolster local food system

Program to help meet increasing demand for local produce and support new growers

Claudene Wharton

3 people working outside at the University farm.
The College’s new Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program will be hosted at the Desert Farming Initiative, part of the Experiment Station’s Valley Road Field Lab in Reno, pictured here.

Some aspiring small-scale farmers will have the opportunity to serve a one-year apprenticeship to bolster their abilities to start and run a small-scale operation, thanks to a new Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program being offered by the College. The program will provide a $40,000 stipend to participants and will be hosted at the Experiment Station’s Desert Farming Initiative in Reno. It is expected to be the first certified farm apprenticeship program in Nevada.

Applications for the first two apprenticeships will be taken beginning this July, and apprenticeships begin in October. Apprentices will:

  • Be guided through a science-based curriculum.
  • Receive hands-on training and manage a farm incubator space.
  • Learn business principles and practices.

Creating successful farmers

“We’re hearing from farmers market managers, food co-ops and food hubs that there just isn’t enough local produce to meet regional demand, and we’re creating a pathway to success for a new generation of farmers.” - Desert Farming Initiative Director Jill Moe

 

Extension offers online Home Horticulture Certificate Program

Program provides information for home gardeners and those interested in becoming Master Gardeners

Mark Earnest

A rake and shovel leaning against a wheel barrow filled with leaves in a backyard.
Home gardeners can learn more about successful gardening in Nevada as part of the annual online Home Horticulture Certificate Program, with registrations open now through July 28.

Extension is offering its online Home Horticulture Certificate Program, Aug. 2 to Sept. 28. The program is ideal for anyone wanting to learn more about gardening in Nevada and is also a prerequisite for those interested in becoming a certified Nevada Master Gardener.

The cost is $275 and includes recorded lectures, readings, homework, and online question-and-answer sessions with specialists and local gardening professionals. Sessions take place via Zoom, from noon to 1 p.m., Thursdays, and conclude with a final exam before certification.

The certificate program includes instruction on a variety of topics, such as soils, composting, native plants, small fruits and integrated pest management. It was developed to be accessible to everyone in Nevada.

Training gardeners from across the state

“The training is applicable to anyone wanting to start or learn more about gardening in the state. Topics address information on gardening specific to northern Nevada, southern Nevada and our rural counties.” - Master Gardener Coordinator Katelyn Brinkerhoff

 

Extension and Experiment Station create new positions focused on urban agriculture

Most Tahera Naznin and Md Sazan Rahman to provide indoor and outdoor horticulture research and resources

Brook Maloy

Most Tahera Naznin (left) and Md Sazan Rahman (right).
Most Tahera Naznin (left) and Md Sazan Rahman will be working with southern Nevada communities to promote sustainability and food security through indoor and outdoor horticulture education and resources.

The College has hired Most Tahera Naznin and Md Sazan Rahman in two newly created urban agriculture positions. Together they aim to help increase sustainability and food security through indoor and outdoor horticulture, controlled-environment agriculture, food-security education, hydroponics systems and more.

Associate Professor of Urban Indoor Agriculture Most Tahera Naznin

Naznin’s research focuses on climate-smart urban and controlled-environment agriculture systems, such as greenhouses, indoor vertical farming, shipping container farming and high tunnels, and outdoor farming.

She aims to maximize year-round greenhouse, hydroponic and aquaponic crop production and quality.

Assistant Professor of Urban Agriculture Md Sazan Rahman

Rahman’s research focuses on increasing the yield and quality of indoor agricultural products using renewable and sustainable techniques.

He plans to expand hydroponic systems and other renewable indoor agricultural techniques and involve Extension and the community through education courses, training and industry collaborations.

Benefitting the community

“I want to help motivate the community to make their own horticulture systems and grow their own food. We do our research for the community, so they can receive the maximum benefit of growing their own food and receiving proper nutrition.” -Extension Specialist Md Sazan Rahman

 

College celebrates more than 180 graduates during spring commencement

College’s commencement ceremony May 19 is one of five held by the University this spring

Angela Rudolph & Ashley Andrews

Beyond a sea of proud families are graduates in academic regalia walking across the commencement stage under the shade of the towering deciduous trees which line the University's historic quad.
The University commencement ceremony recognizing our College’s 186 spring graduates was held Friday, May 19. Photos by Robert Moore.

Over a span of three days this May, the University held five commencement ceremonies. The ceremony recognizing our College’s 186 spring graduates was held Friday, May 19, on the University’s historic quad and livestreamed online.

University President Brian Sandoval gave a welcome address, which included leading the graduates in a final Wolf Pack Chant as students.

During the ceremony, Sandoval also shared a story about an exceptional graduate from our College, Nayelli Lara-Gutierrez. Lara-Gutierrez is a first-generation student who completed a bioassessment internship with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

In the distance, University President Brian Sandoval is addressing graduates from the 2023 Spring Commencement stage. In the foreground are students in academic regalia. Two decorated caps read: Para mis padres que llegaron sin nada y me lo dieron todo" and "I already forgot everything."
University President Brian Sandoval gave a welcome address.

A professor and student in academic regalia on the University quad. The student is holding a scroll and wearing a tall black had that looks like a cross between a magician's hat and a cowboy hat.
Animal & Rangeland Science graduate William Richardson with Professor Tamzen Stringham.

The event also featured:

  • Indigenous blessings by elders Stanley Hooper, Newe Elder, Melba Rakow, Wašiw Elder, and Reynelda James, Numu Elder.
  • Special presentations, including the posthumous awarding of a bachelor’s degree in environmental science to Sky Quincy Russell.
  • Inspirational speakers, such as from the University's faculty and students, the Nevada System of Higher Education’s Board of Regents, local indigenous leaders, the Nevada Alumni Association, and U.S. Senator, Jacky Rosen.

See the Nevada Today news story

Meet the College's Class of 2023 | By the numbers

186
Graduating students

147
Undergraduate students

39
Master's and Ph.D. students

13
With Latin Honors

8
Honors Baccalaureates

2
Provost's Scholars

2
1874 Scholars

20
Interdisciplinary majors

21
Nutrition majors

68
Natural Resources & Environmental Science majors

45
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology majors

32
Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences majors

Graduating the leaders of the future

“One hundred years ago, 55 University graduates were told that they could not afford to stand still. Today, I tell you the same thing. Don’t stand still. You are the leaders and innovators of the future.” - University President Brian Sandoval

 

Extension workshop puts meat safety front and center

July 17-18 event focuses on how to develop a plan to ensure food safety

Mark Earnest

Two people in the meat industry.
People in the meat industry who want to learn how to develop a plan for safe handling can attend a workshop July 17-18 offered by Extension. Photo by Robert Moore.

Having the right plan in place is crucial to safely harvest, process and distribute meat products. People who work in the meat industry can receive training on how to create such a plan at a July 17-18 workshop provided by Extension. The workshop will cover how to create a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan, a management system recommended by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to address food safety.

This workshop is part of Extension’s Herds & Harvest Program, which provides education and mentoring to support Nevada agricultural producers. Workshop presenters include industry and Extension experts. The workshop cost is $60 and includes lunch.

Supporting producer and workforce education

“The workshop is best suited for the beginning farmer or rancher, farm-to-fork producers, or anyone who is currently working in a meat processing plant. Currently, the availability of Nevada meat processing services and its workforce are extremely limited. Our goal is to provide valuable information and assistance to support producer and workforce education.” - Program Officer Jamie Lee

 

Photo Gallery | Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo 2023

Farm stand, wine tasting, wool products, plant sales and University research highlights of event

Claudene Wharton

At Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo on June 2, the College brought a variety of its research and work done throughout the state to its Valley Road Field Lab and Greenhouse Complex in Reno. There, 690 visitors were treated to hands-on activities, wine tasting, a farm stand, plant sales, demonstrations, giveaways, and tours and exhibits featuring University research.

The event, by the College and its Experiment Station, Extension and Extended Studies units, featured over 45 booths showcasing the latest advancements in agriculture, horticulture, nutrition, natural resources and the environment.

  • University Silver & Blue Catering held a farm-to-fork cooking demonstration with ingredients from the Experiment Station’s Desert Farming Initiative and Wolf Pack Meats. Photo by Robert Moore.
  • Master Gardener Coordinator Rachel McClure and Extension’s 4-H Pollinator Ambassadors provided a planting demonstration. Photo by Robert Moore.
  • Extension Educator Lindsay Chichester (left), Horticulture Outreach Coordinator Jessica Gardner (far right) and Extension’s 4-H Pollinator Ambassadors led a beekeeping demonstration. Photo by Robert Moore.
  • Student interns from the Experiment Station’s Desert Farming Initiative provided information about their projects on climate-smart farming, food sovereignty, food security and perennial crop production. Photo by Robert Moore.
  • Associate Professor Amilton de Mello and his students shared information on the College’s Animal Science teaching, research and engagement programs. Photo by Robert Moore.
  • Extension Climatologist Steph McAffee shared weather and climate information and activities from Extension's Nevada State Climate Office. At the next table, scientists from the College’s Sustainable Horticulture Lab presented research on how root characteristics can reduce water use and produce high-quality specialty crops. Photo by Robert Moore.
  • Associate Professor Dylan Kosma’s booth featured hands-on activities about his research to help farmers and reduce food waste by increasing the storage life of potatoes. Photo by Ashley Andrews.
  • Sierra Nevada Adaptive Management Experiment (AMEX) researchers shared the tools they use in their research project to protect forests. Photo by Ashley Andrews.
  • Assistant Professor David St-Jules educated community members on the roles of the kidneys in nutrition and the dietary needs of people with kidney disease. Photo by Robert Moore.
  • The Rethink Your Drink Nevada booth provided healthy drinks recipes and information to help parents make improvements in their family’s health. Photo by Robert Moore.
  • Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program provided a seed paper-making activity and engaged event goers, including University mascots Alphie, Luna and Wolfie Jr., in 4-H Camp games. Photo by Robert Moore.
  • Extended Studies shared information on professional development programs, including one- to two-day short courses, multiple-week, and custom options. Photo by Robert Moore.
  • Woody Worthington staffed Nevada Farm Bureau’s Ag Wagon booth, educating attendees about Nevada agriculture through virtual reality experiences and informational stations. Photo by Robert Moore.
  • Bees 4 Vets, a local nonprofit with hives on Experiment Station land, sold local honey and shared information on how their programs help veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Photo by Robert Moore.

Serving Nevadans in their everyday lives

“There was a lot to see and do, and it helped people understand how we blend the missions of the University in terms of teaching, research and engaging with our communities to serve Nevadans in their everyday lives.” – Dean Bill Payne

KIDS UNIVERSITY

Weeklong camps for youth | June 19 - Aug. 4

Children with University of Nevada, Reno mascot.

Choose from a dozen themed camps, focusing on science, technology, engineering, art and math

Innovating for Nevada

Our programs work together to make an impact

Our teaching, research and engagement programs are intertwined and complement one another. Faculty who teach on campus also conduct research as part of our Experiment Station, allowing students to learn about and participate in research. Extension faculty engaging with communities identify research needs, as well as join Experiment Station faculty to conduct research. Faculty on campus help to develop Extension programs in communities.

Researching critical issues Experiment Station faculty conduct research at experiment stations, labs and research facilities across the state, as well as teach classes and share and conduct research with students. The state-federal partnership tackles issues affecting Nevada's citizens, communities and economy.
student researcher with plants in greenhouse
Teaching University students We offer 24 undergraduate and graduate degrees to prepare students for high-paying, in-demand careers in agriculture, rangeland & veterinary sciences; biochemistry & molecular biology; natural resources & environmental science; and nutrition.
students taking notes in the field
Engaging Nevada communities Extension is engaged in Nevada communities, presenting research-based knowledge to address critical community needs. The county-state-federal partnership provides practical education to people, businesses and communities, fulfilling the University's land-grant mission.
parents with children