Sara Tomis is our new assistant extension educator for One Health – Agriculture and Community Engagement. Sara is originally from Preston, Connecticut and earned a bachelor of science in agricultural education and outreach from UConn CAHNR and a master of science in agricultural education and communication with a specialization in Extension from the University of Florida.
What is your area of interest and how did you get interested in it?
My passion for enhancing health and agricultural literacy and strengthening Connecticut agriculture comes from my own experiences as a first-generation agriculturalist. I began raising sheep in high school as an FFA member, which inspired me to attend UConn to study agricultural education. As an interdisciplinary framework, One Health combines my background in animal, plant, and social sciences with my aspirations for service and community engagement.
What is your role with UConn Extension?
My role with UConn Extension will be the development of resources and educational programming around One Health topics with an agricultural focus. One Health is a holistic approach to understanding the relationships between the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Through my work in this position, I intend to partner with Connecticut communities, agencies, and organizations to co-create and equip residents with integrated solutions to challenges encompassed in the One Health framework. I am particularly passionate about supporting new and beginning farmers, hobbyists, and small-scale producers.
What excites you the most about working with UConn Extension?
I have a long history with UConn Extension. I started as a UConn 4-Her with sheep and textile projects, and have served the Department of Extension as a summer intern, student employee, 4-H volunteer, and public service technician prior to this position. I am very excited to contribute to UConn’s outreach mission in this new role. I am particularly looking forward to collaborating with community members and colleagues across the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources and the broader University to enhance the health and resilience of our state.
What is one thing you hope people will learn from you and your work?
I intend to serve as a resource for Connecticut producers and consumers to improve One Health awareness, knowledge, and practice for enhanced health, stewardship, and sustainability. Community input is a priority for me, and I intend to focus on One Health areas that are most important to Connecticut. These may include food safety and security, biosecurity, minimizing and mitigating zoonotic disease transfer, and enhancing biodiversity, among others.
What is your favorite thing to do in Connecticut?
Connecticut has so much to offer! I love to go to the beach, attend and participate in agricultural fairs, and ski in the broader New England area.
What is the most unusual job you’ve had?
When I was in high school, I served as a junior sailing instructor – without knowing how to sail! I was hired for my experience working with youth and had to quickly pick up the tools of the trade.
What are some of your hobbies and other interests?
I currently own and operate a small sheep farm focused on fiber production. Through this endeavor, I am frequently knitting, spinning, and weaving wool from our flock of registered Romney sheep. I also love to read and spend time with my family.
Anything else you think we should know?
Keep an eye out for One Health programs and resources, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or resource needs! Feel free to email me at sara.tomis@uconn.edu or use the Ask UConn Extension webpage to submit an inquiry.