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Anderson served as director of the 920-acre Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center in Palmer since 2018. Her personal life has shaped her passion for the mission of a land-grant university. She is the great-niece and granddaughter of two Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service professionals.

Anderson came to Alaska in 2003 after 11 years of teaching chemistry and life sciences to high school and college students in North Carolina. In Alaska, she began and managed the Alaska Community Horticulture Program for UAF. A self-described “nerd to the core,” Anderson’s research focuses on soil building, organic nitrogen soil supplements, compost development and community gardening. 

In her spare time, she likes to barbecue and grill, fish, hike and do other outdoor activities. Anderson said she has made it her personal mission to improve Alaska barbecue standards “one pork shoulder at a time.”

A strong communicator, Anderson has traveled throughout Alaska, developing collaborations and relationships with teachers, growers and communities. 

“I am strongly aware of the opportunities and challenges of Alaska’s agricultural and natural resource industries, and the essential role IANRE plays in both areas, as well as the invaluable research and educational opportunities this unit provides to all Alaskans,” she said. “I am committed to helping these industries succeed, as well as ensuring all Alaskans gain and maintain access to valuable knowledge and research that will help them sustain and grow their communities for generations to come.”