Building Collaborative Research and Extension Networks to Advance
LONG-TERM GOAL To elevate Extension as a partner to national stake- holders by illustrating how the assets of the Land-grant university (LGU) system set it apart from other research universities, and by applying those assets to pressing urban issues PROJECT CONTEXT The LGU system was developed when the country was predominantly rural. Now, an overwhelming majority of the population lives in and around metropolitan centers. While rural and urban areas may share some chal- lenges, they manifest differently; therefore, Extension’s approach needs to change, as well. GOAL FOR NTAE GRANT PERIOD • Create a plan for developing the National Urban Research & Extension Center, whose mission will be to support research on urban-based challenges and connect this research to Extension programming na- tionwide. (NUREC will be modeled on Washington State University’s Western Center for Metropolitan Extension & Research.)
ExtensionBot Leading National Artificial Intelligence in Partnership with Cooperative Extension
the Application of Science with Urban Communities
Our goal is to help the public connect with Cooperative Extension resources quickly and efficiently. The Extension Foundation has developed an AI chatbot, known as ExtensionBot, with funding from New Technologies for Ag Extension in partnership with Oklahoma State University. Through an AI Advisory Council of Cooperative Extension professionals, the Extension Foundation has part- nered with several institutions, including Oklahoma State University, University of Florida, Washington State University, University of Georgia, Louisiana State University, and University of Kentucky, to advance this AI effort to be used and branded locally.
TEAM LEAD Brad Gaoalch, PhD Professor Washington State University CATALYSTS
Scott Reed, PhD Fred Schlutt, PhD
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2023-2024 YEARBOOK | EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE
EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE | 2023-2024 YEARBOOK
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