My First Conference Experience at the 2024 National Urban Extension Conference as a NUREC Fellow

My name is Prabesh Khanal. I am a PhD student in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at Washington State University. I am stationed at the Puyallup Research and Extension Center, where my research focuses on urban agricultural soils. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend my first-ever academic conference—NUEC (National Urban Extension Conference) in Nashville, TN—as a NUREC (National Urban Research and Extension Center) fellow. As a native of Nepal, this experience also marked my first travel outside Washington State to another U.S. state, making it an especially memorable event.

Presenting My Research on Urban Soils

At the conference I presented a lightning talk on urban soils, emphasizing the importance of examining both physical and chemical soil properties. I provided an overview of how these properties interact and why understanding them and assessing their changes is critical to urban agricultural sustainability. It was encouraging to see the high level of curiosity and concern among attendees regarding soil health. One of the most engaging aspects of the discussion revolved around soil pH and its intricate linkages to soil microbial and chemical properties. Many attendees were particularly interested in understanding how soil pH influences microbial communities and nutrient availability, leading to insightful discussions and valuable feedback.

A Unique Conference Experience

Unlike many academic conferences that primarily cater to graduate students and researchers, NUEC is a gathering of Extension professionals with years of experience in their respective fields. This made it a different, but highly enriching, experience for me. Engaging with Extension professionals from various universities opened my eyes to potential career pathways in extension services. Their insights and guidance helped me better understand the real-world applications of my research and how I can contribute to soil health initiatives in the real world.

Confidence and Motivation

Attending the NUEC conference not only broadened my professional network but also boosted my confidence. The positive reception of my talk and the meaningful conversations I had with experienced professionals motivated me to refine my approach and push my research further. The experience reinforced the importance of effective science communication and the role of extension professionals in bridging the gap between research and practical applications.

A Recommendation for Graduate Students

I strongly recommend that graduate students strive to find opportunities to attend conferences such as the NUEC during their academic journey. Professional conferences offer unique opportunities to learn about the work of others. At the NUEC, one can meet extension professionals from across the US, gain insights into community-driven agricultural solutions, and explore potential career paths in extension services. It provides a clearer perspective on the impact of research beyond the laboratory and can be instrumental in shaping one’s professional aspirations.

Overall, my first conference experience at the 2024 NUEC was transformative, and I look forward to continuing my engagement with the extension community. For any graduate student interested in applied research and community outreach, NUEC is an invaluable experience that should not be missed.