(Left to right) Valentina Castano, Ashley McLeod-Morin, Meredith Oglesby, Sydney Honeycutt and Ricky Telg sight-seeing in Thessaloniki, Greece.
THESSALONIKI, GREECE — After two years of virtual conferences and travel restrictions due to COVID-19, the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education (PIE Center) traveled to Greece to present research at an international conference.
In April 2022, the Association for International Agricultural Extension Education (AIAEE) hosted its annual conference in Thessaloniki, Greece. Faculty and students from universities around the world were in attendance to share research findings and discuss current topics in agricultural extension.
The PIE Center team presented a total of three research posters and one oral presentation. Research topics ranged from community advisory committees to public perceptions related to COVID-19.
Valentina Castano (left) and Meredith Oglesby (right) pose for a picture in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Agricultural education and communication master’s students Valentina Castano and Meredith Oglesby presented findings from their research on COVID-19 vaccine information sources.
“I am very thankful to have represented the PIE Center at AIAEE,” said Castano. “I enjoyed being able to present and discuss PIE Center research with international faculty and students.”
The PIE Center was honored to receive two research awards at the conclusion of the conference.
PIE Center director Ricky Telg presented a poster on perceptions of UF/IFAS Extension stakeholders, which was recognized as a Distinguished Poster.
PIE Center media coordinator Sydney Honeycutt received the Outstanding Poster award for a poster related to cultural concerns during COVID-19.
Ricky Telg (left) speaks with Ashley McLeod-Morin (right) during the poster session.
Sydney Honeycutt (right) presents her poster on cultural concerns during COVID-19.
Before returning to the United States, the PIE Center embraced the opportunity to learn more about Greece with a trip to Athens. The group traveled by train through the picturesque countryside, even catching a glimpse of the famed Mount Olympus.
Once in Athens, the PIE Center listened to stories of Greek mythology while exploring the Acropolis. Built in the 5th century B.C., the ancient temples sit high above the city, providing a breathtaking view of Athens and the Mediterranean Sea.
“I really enjoyed learning about Greek history and culture,” said SCCAHS associate director of communications Ashley McLeod-Morin. “Visiting famous sites like the Acropolis made the trip memorable.”
The view of Athens from the Acropolis.
Traveling to Greece was an unforgettable experience for the PIE Center. Faculty and staff were inspired to pursue more international opportunities in the future.
“Attending AIAEE was a wonderful opportunity for the PIE Center,” said PIE Center director Ricky Telg. “We look forward to expanding our reach by sharing PIE Center research at future international conferences.”
