GSR Profile: Jennifer Baumbach – UCCE Master Gardener coordinator

Jennifer Baumbach is a Graduate Student Research awardee who now coordinates the Master Gardner Program in Solano and Yolo counties for University of California Cooperative Extension. She and the volunteers she works with translate scientific research into practical information that people can use at their homes and businesses. Statewide, the program has trained tens of thousands of volunteers – about 6,000 active now – who impact their communities with environmentally sound, science-based ways to manage garden pests, reduce water use and grow fruits and vegetables.

Q: You received a Graduate Student Research award as a student in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences. How did that help you? The support I received with the GSR award allowed me to cover expenses associated with my research that weren't covered by another grant I had received through the Elvenia J. Slosson Endowment for Ornamental Horticulture, which is also administered by UC ANR. The GSR award was invaluable and helped me get started in the field that I'm passionate about.

Q: How did this research training prepare you for your current role? I had already secured my role as community education specialist II prior to my grad research, which allowed me to work and attend school simultaneously. I truly believe that this experience enhanced my understanding of how UC's research side connects to the practical side and ultimately benefits our clients, the end-users. As the information trickles down to the public, they, too, benefit from the research being conducted on the UC campuses.

It is truly satisfying to see the research you undertake have a positive impact on others and enhance what they do in their respective landscapes.

Q: What was your research during your graduate studies at UC Davis? During my time in the lab of Loren Oki, I had the opportunity to conduct research as part of the UC ANR Landscape Workgroup. The workgroup’s statewide project, Refinement of Urban Landscape Water Requirements, focused on studying the performance of commonly used plants in urban landscapes.  The aim of the project was to increase our understanding of the water requirements of landscape plants based on research, which could help support the landscape industry in better managing irrigation

Additionally, the findings could be useful to regulatory agencies and policy makers as they work to develop policies related to urban landscaping.

Q: What outreach and extension research did you undertake as part of your studies? I was able to share what I learned from the research with the UCCE Master Gardeners. In turn, the Master Gardeners used this new information to educate the public about how to water plants in their gardens. Ultimately, the research was disseminated to a larger audience, the general public, where the information could be put to practical use in home landscapes.

I also made connections with UC farm advisors and specialists. I was able to engage with my new connections and increase my knowledge about this subject, drawing on their varied expertise.

Seeds that bear much fruit

Thanks to the James Monroe McDonald Endowment, the Department of Plant Sciences has been able to support dozens of our very best graduate students – scientists-in-training such as Jennifer Baumbach – with awards that supplement their finances. Graduate Student Research awards provide $20,000 yearly for two years to master's degree students, and for four years to doctoral students.

Like Baumbach, many go on to careers in UC Cooperative Extension. The McDonald Endowment, administered by UC Agricultural and Natural Resources, provides these funds so that our students can translate research into action, making an impact on California and beyond.

In this series, we highlight a few of our GSR award recipients who have gone on to careers supporting healthy food systems, healthy environments, healthy communities and healthy Californians.

Related links

Apply for a GSR award.

Learn about the James Monroe McDonald Endowment, administered by UC ANR, which funds our GSR awards.