Rivers joins UCCE Central Sierra as area director
Ariel Rivers joined UC ANR on Feb. 17 as the area director for the UCCE Central Sierra Multi-County Partnership, covering Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado and Tuolumne counties.
Rivers joins UCCE from the National Association of Conservation Districts, where she spent seven years advocating for conservation districts and developing national-level partnerships to further support their work. She also led programs in urban agriculture, agricultural technical assistance, and civic engagement and board training.
Prior to NACD, she worked in agricultural research and education at several institutions in the U.S. and Mexico – including as a postharvest coordinator for Latin America at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and as a soil conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service – on topics broadly related to food security, soil health and insect biodiversity.
As a product of California 4-H in Alameda County and a former intern with UC Cooperative Extension in Yolo County, Rivers said she is thrilled to join UCCE and celebrate the programs that shaped her career.
“I’m very excited to join the passionate and dedicated staff of the Central Sierra MCP, and apply my skills in partnership development, advocacy and board engagement to support the UCCE programs in an area I deeply love,” Rivers said.
Rivers lives in El Dorado County, where she’s an active gardener, maintains a small herd of dairy goats and flocks of chickens and ducks, and she spends her free time exploring the public lands of the foothills and Central Sierra.
She was recently featured in a UC story about 4-H alumni https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/4-h-alumni-keeping-california-farming-strong.
Rivers holds a dual-title Ph.D. in entomology and international agriculture and development from Pennsylvania State University, a master’s degree in environmental studies from San Jose State University, and a bachelor’s degree in soil and water science from UC Davis.
Rivers is based at the UCCE office in Placerville and can be reached at anrivers@ucanr.edu, (530) 621-5533 (office) and (209) 630-0013 (cell). She is on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielrivers/ and will be posting for the UCCE Central Sierra on Instagram and Facebook.
Ayoub joins Kearney REC as water resources advisor
Ahmed Ayoub joined UC ANR on Feb. 3 as a UCCE water resources advisor serving Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Madera counties.
Ayoub holds a Ph.D. in biodiversity, agriculture and environment from the University of Bari, Italy, where his research focused on modernizing surface irrigation systems and improving water-use efficiency. He previously worked as a researcher and advisor at the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), Bari, Italy designing capacity-building programs and applied research projects on precision irrigation and smart agricultural technologies.
His work integrates field experimentation, sensors development and decision-support tools to enhance irrigation management and sustainability. He has led and contributed to international research initiatives funded by organizations such as European Space Agency and Horizon programs, and has conducted training workshops for farmers, technicians and water managers across multiple regions.
Ayoub’s research includes developing IoT-enabled soil moisture monitoring systems, smart tensiometers, and innovative gated pipe technologies that improve irrigation efficiency, uniformity, and water productivity. Through extension, research and stakeholder collaboration, he aims to support growers in adopting data-driven irrigation strategies that improve resilience, resource efficiency, and agricultural sustainability.
Ayoub is based at Kearney Research and Extension Center and can be reached at abdelmon@ucanr.edu. He is on LinkedIn and Research Gate.
Ohadi joins UCCE as weed science specialist
Sara Ohadi joined UC Riverside on Feb. 1 as a UC Cooperative Extension specialist in weed science. Her research and extension program focuses on improving weed and invasive plant management in California’s agronomic crop production systems.
Ohadi brings a broad background spanning row crops, specialty crops and natural ecosystems. Her work integrates weed ecology, biology and population genetics with applied field research to better understand how weeds establish, spread and adapt within production systems. She works closely with growers and advisors to develop integrated management approaches that are practical, effective and sustainable.
Prior to joining UC Riverside, she worked in industry, where she led field research programs and collaborated with growers throughout Northern California. She looks forward to building strong partnerships with UC ANR advisors, commodity groups and producers to support informed decision-making and strengthen weed management across the state.
Ohadi earned her Ph.D. from the University of Melbourne, Australia, where her research focused on invasive coastal plant population diversity and genetics. She then completed two postdoctoral appointments: one at Texas A&M University working on weed management in sorghum production systems, and another with the UC Davis Rice Weed Science Program, where she supported research on weed and algae management in California rice.
Ohadi is based in Riverside and can be reached at sara.ohadi@ucr.edu, cell (530) 304-0660 and office (951) 827-4616.
De Figueiredo joins 4-H in Tulare County
Socorro de Figueiredo joined UC Cooperative Extension on Jan. 26 as a 4-H community education specialist to serve Tulare County.
Before joining UC Cooperative Extension, de Figueiredo was the education programs manager at Golden Gate National Recreation Area. She also worked at Grand Teton National Park, designing programs and curriculum that inspired hundreds of students and families.
Although de Figueiredo was born and raised in Los Angeles and built her career in San Francisco, the Sierra Nevada always calls her back. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from UC Merced and spent two memorable summers working in Yosemite National Park.
When she’s not out connecting with the community or exploring local landscapes, you’ll probably find her tidepooling, cooking, scrapbooking, and painting. And one of her superpowers is that she is fluent in Spanish!
Based in Tulare, de Figueiredo can be reached at sdefigueiredo@ucanr.edu. She is on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/socorro-cardoso-95ab46132.
Lane to serve Lake, Mendocino counties as livestock and natural resources advisor
Jennie Lane started at UC ANR on Jan. 15 as a UCCE livestock and natural resources advisor for Lake and Mendocino counties. She will work with livestock producers and land managers to collaboratively address local needs and priorities to improve livestock and rangeland health.
“Lake and Mendocino counties offer abundant natural resources for nature-based economies, including livestock production and outdoor recreation,” Lane said. “I hope to contribute in a way that supports producers through research, education and outreach.”
Lane grew up outside of Buffalo, New York, and earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and history at SUNY (State University of New York) Geneseo in the western part of the state.
After completing veterinary school at Michigan State University, Lane worked in equine ambulatory practice for several years. Her interest in livestock development and human health led her to complete her master’s in public health at UC Berkeley, with a focus on maternal and child health and nutrition.
Lane then spent time in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Malawi, collaborating with livestock producers and Extension specialists on nutrition-sensitive agriculture and the role of animal-source foods in supporting household nutrition and rural livelihoods.
After working a year in Washington, D.C., with Land O’Lakes International Development, Lane joined the One Health Institute at UC Davis in 2017. She worked on a variety of education and research projects focused on livestock disease and wildlife health surveillance, watershed restoration, food system resilience and disaster preparedness.
In her new role, Lane said she is excited to work closely with community members on key issues that impact livestock production, livelihoods and ecosystem health.
“Ultimately, a long-term goal would be Mendocino and Lake counties receiving recognition for their innovative and sustainable ranching, livestock and rangeland management practices that reduce wildland fire risks and support healthy soil, watersheds and ecosystems – while simultaneously contributing to food security, food and nature tourism and economic opportunity,” she said.
Lane is based at the UCCE office in Lakeport and can be reached at jklane@ucanr.edu. For updates on livestock and natural resources in Lake and Mendocino counties, she encourages people to join an email list: https://forms.gle/L97UhnJSSKJY5HyU8.
Maharlooei joins UCCE as ag waste, bioenergy production specialist
Mohammad Maharlooei joined UC ANR on Jan. 2 as assistant professor of Cooperative Extension in agricultural waste management and bioenergy production at UC Merced.
Maharlooei will focus on developing engineering- and technology-driven solutions to reduce crop loss and waste during harvest and postharvest operations. He will work on the design and prototyping of machinery and equipment to convert agricultural residues and byproducts into value-added products – a process known as valorization. This helps divert materials from landfills and supports more sustainable and circular agricultural systems.
“UC ANR is a pioneer in agricultural residue management and byproduct valorization,” Maharlooei said. “In this role, my goal is to develop impactful extension and research programs that reduce crop loss and ensure that food is used as food whenever possible, thereby strengthening food security and environmental sustainability in California and beyond.”
Born and raised in Shiraz, Iran, Maharlooei follows in the footsteps of his father, who worked at the university in his hometown.
“My interest in agricultural machinery began early in life,” Maharlooei explained. “My father was a technician in the Department of Agricultural Machinery Engineering, and I spent many of my childhood summer vacations working alongside him as a hobby; that early exposure sparked my fascination with agricultural systems and ultimately shaped my career path.”
At Shiraz University, Maharlooei earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural machinery engineering, a master’s in mechanics of agricultural machinery engineering, and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering of agricultural machinery.
After receiving his doctorate, he joined Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman (Iran) as a faculty member. He was also a visiting researcher at North Dakota State University and a postdoctoral researcher at UC Merced prior to joining UC ANR.
“Agriculture plays a critical role in global food security, yet significant losses occur between harvest and consumption,” Maharlooei said. “I am motivated by the opportunity to design practical, engineering-based solutions that reduce waste, improve efficiency and enhance sustainability across agricultural systems.”
Maharlooei can be reached at mmaharlooei@ucanr.edu, and is on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmaharlooei/.
Ruiz to lead Climate Action and Land Equity project
Darlene Ruiz became the land use academic coordinator for the Climate Action and Land Equity (CALE) project with UC Cooperative Extension San Diego for the Southern California region on Jan. 2. In this role, she supports efforts to expand equitable land access, diversify land management, and strengthen technical assistance and capacity for historically underrepresented communities engaged in agriculture and natural and working lands stewardship. The initiative contributes to statewide climate-smart planning and advances California’s goals for resilient, inclusive land management.
Prior to accepting her current position, Ruiz was a small farms staff research associate with UCCE in San Diego County, where she strengthened research collaborations and provided education and resources for small- to mid-scale and aspiring farmers. She brings a combination of lived experience and academic training to her work and is passionate about sustainable agriculture, food equity and supporting underserved communities in accessing land and resources.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavior with a minor in Chicana/o studies from UC Davis, and a master’s degree in agricultural education from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Ruiz is based at the UCCE office in San Diego and can be reached at druiz@ucanr.edu.
Woods joins UC ANR as Executive Director of County Cooperative Extension
Janine Woods will be joining UC ANR as the Executive Director of County Cooperative Extension Jan. 1. She will be focusing on systems, people and programs.
Before joining UC ANR, she served as associate dean and associate extension administrator for Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University in the College of Agriculture. In that role, she provided statewide leadership for two program units—Food, Agricultural Systems & Agroforestry and Integrated Well-being of Youth, Family & Community. During her tenure, she led a more than 230% increase in Extension personnel, strengthening the program’s statewide presence and operational effectiveness. Woods also helped launch several signature initiatives, including the Cooperative Extension Community-Engaged Scholarship Program, the AgriCulinary Academy, and the Community Nutrition & Health Hub.
“These programs reflected my commitment to integrating research, education and Extension for measurable community impact,” she said.
Nationally, Woods has served as a board member of the Extension Foundation, chair of the National Urban Extension Leaders (NUEL) Steering Committee, and secretary of the Association of Extension Administrators (AEA), roles that allowed her to contribute to advancing equity, collaboration, and innovation across the Cooperative Extension system.
Woods began her career as a graduate intern in agricultural economics at the University of Kentucky, studying small ruminant market economics. She later served as a Sustainable Agriculture and Marketing Peace Corps Volunteer in Chimaltenango, Guatemala, supporting coffee cooperatives in brand development, production quality and organizational leadership. While pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Florida, she worked with the university’s Center for Public Issues Education and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences evaluation team.
At North Carolina A&T State University, Woods served as an agricultural business and marketing extension specialist. She later became the extension program leader for agricultural and natural resources, where she developed the AgriShops Regional Workshop Series and co-led programs under NC State’s Local Foods Initiative and NC AgrAbility.
“At the heart of my work is a deep belief in the power of Cooperative Extension to connect science with communities by helping people live better, farm smarter and build stronger, more resilient systems,” Woods said. “My leadership philosophy is centered on servant leadership, empowerment, inclusion and purpose-driven partnerships that help others thrive.”
Woods is also known as “Dr. Boots,” a nickname noting her penchant for wearing cowboy boots.
She is based at the UC ANR building in Davis and can be reached at drjwoods@ucanr.edu.