UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Brittani Kirkland has joined Penn State Extension as equine extension educator based in Washington County. She most recently served as a 4-H livestock agent in Larimer County, Colorado, where she was a member of multiple livestock and horse education teams for Colorado State University Extension.
A native of Alachua, Florida, Kirkland earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from the University of Florida and Oklahoma State University, respectively. During her time at Florida, she worked in the state animal science extension office helping to deliver state and regional equine programs and events to youth audiences.
Her graduate research focused on disaster preparedness, with her master’s thesis titled “Oklahoma Wildfires: Examining Extension Partnerships in Large Animal Disaster Preparedness.” In addition, Kirkland conducted research on human perceptions of equine behaviors and assisted the Oklahoma State University equine specialist with all adult and youth equine extension programming. She helped create and deliver extension programs on numerous equine science topics, such as behavior, physiology, health and biosecurity.
Kirkland joins the Penn State Extension Equine Team, which provides equine nutrition, health, production and business management educational programs for the equine industry. The team delivers these programs and educational information through meetings, virtual methods such as webinars, and individual, on-site, assistance.
“We are excited to welcome Brittani Kirkland to the Penn State Extension Equine Team, which works with all segments of the equine industry,” said David Swartz, Penn State Extension assistant director for animal systems programs. “With Brittani’s extensive experience and training, she will be a great addition to the extension team and an asset to the equine industry in Washington and surrounding counties.”
Kirkland, who started her new position Oct. 5, can be reached at the Penn State Extension office in Washington County at 724-207-2010 or by email at bmk5819@psu.edu.
–Chuck Gill, Penn State University