Dr. Lisa Keefe, Instructional Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University and Instructional Designer at the Center for Educational Technologies (CET), and Suzanne Kabat, Creative Director for the CET, received special recognition for their work on the CAPS Introductory Guidebook. Dr. Keefe and Ms. Kabat were acknowledged for their contributions in developing the guidebook at the 2019 National Plant Board Awards Banquet.
“From time-to-time the Pest Detection Management Team (PDMT) will forward to the National CAPS Committee (NCC) for recognition consideration, individuals or groups that put in a significant effort over time to enhance the CAPS program. Often this work is done behind the scenes in collaboration with the PDMT, and the PDMT asks the NCC if there is consensus to this recognition. This is one of those times,”
Dr. John Bowers, National Policy Manager – Pest Detection Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey USDA, APHIS, PPQ, PHP
Bowers explained, “Over the course of a year, and ending with the publication of the Guidebook and three trapping videos on the CAPS Resource & Collaboration website, the Team put in countless hours on a regular basis developing and implementing the topics, outline, and content of the Guidebook, as well as developing and reviewing three new trapping videos. The Guidebook and videos were well received. Many participants in the program stated, “I wish there was a resource like this when I started in my position. These remarks attest to the value of the Guidebook and videos, and the professionalism and commitment of the team that created them.”
Team members include:
Lisa Keefe – Project Lead, Instructional Assistant Professor, Center for Educational Technologies, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University
Suzanne Kabat – Graphic Design, Creative Director, Center for Educational Technologies, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University
Adrian Barta – State Survey Coordinator, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Darrell Bays – Pest Survey Specialist, USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection & Quarantine
Emilie Inoue – State Survey Coordinator, Vermont Agency of Agriculture
Lisa Jackson – National Operations Manager, USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection & Quarantine
Soo-Hoon (Sam) Kim – Risk Analyst, USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection & Quarantine
Dan Mackesy – Biological Science Technician, USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection & Quarantine
Tiffany Mauro – Pest Survey Specialist, USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection & Quarantine
Erin Stiers – State Plant Health Director, USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection & Quarantine
These training materials are placed on the CAPS national website and used by pest surveillance employees and volunteers in all 50 states. These educational resources will help improve state pest surveillance operations by addressing knowledge and training gaps in pest surveillance requirements as outlined by the CAPS program.
“This project builds on the success of the CET’s existing plant health training research with USDA and USAID.” Dr. Nicola Ritter, Instructional Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University and Director of the Center for Educational Technologies. “Dr. Keefe and Ms. Kabat have played a critical role in our outreach initiatives.”
About the Center for Educational Technologies: Our mission at the Center for Educational Technologies (CET) at Texas A&M University is to advance education by developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative educational tools and resources. We value innovation, collaboration, life-long learning, integrity, and strategic planning. The CET seeks to expand access to valuable educational experiences that help learners acquire knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success in their professional career. The CET accomplishes this goal through partnering with respected subject matter experts to identify educational needs and tailor instructional materials to meet those needs. The CET continues to serve our state, nation, and world through various research, teaching, and entrepreneurial endeavors – all of which are centered on providing engaging online educational resources.