Jeff Bradshaw, Extension Entomologist at the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center, has been named Associate Research and Extension Director Intern for the Panhandle Center and Panhandle Extension District. His new assignment was announced by Jack Whittier, Research and Extension Director for the Panhandle.

Jim Schild, who had served as associate director since 2013, will return to his previous role as an Extension Educator.

“I’m grateful to Jim for the support, guidance, wisdom and experience he has shown during the three years I have been Director,” Whittier commented. “I wish him well in the future.”

Schild was Interim Associate Research and Extension Director (ARED) when Whittier was hired as Panhandle Research and Extension Director (RED) in June 2014. As Whittier gained experience, he determined that he wanted to modify the administrative model for the associate director position.

Bradshaw, a CropWatch contributor, will have a split appointment, 50% as associate director intern and 50% in his present duties.

The new model provides a training opportunity for research or extension professionals who may want to gain administrative experience through an internship. The intern will assist the director with administrative duties in the Panhandle District for 12 to 18 months, participate in statewide administrative discussions and retreats, and be responsible for special projects within the Panhandle District. Bradshaw’s primary responsibilities will be at the Panhandle Center, allowing Whittier to work more directly at the county level.

Bradshaw said: “It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Nebraska as your entomologist at ‘the people’s university’. I am humbled to be entrusted with this added role to help foster the impactful collaboration of our exceptional scientists and educators at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center. I am looking forward to reaching out to agencies and organizations in our communities to develop meaningful partnerships around bold ideas and a shared vision for agriculture and natural resources.”

Bradshaw joined the faculty at the Panhandle Center in 2010 following post-doctoral research work in Illinois. He received a Ph.D. in entomology and plant pathology in 2007 from Iowa State University, and received his M.S. and B.S. degrees in zoology (in 2001 and 1998, respectively) from Southern Illinois University. He received an associate's degree with a specialization in biology and chemistry in 1996 from Illinois Central College.