Department of HorticultureNorthwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center

Nikki joined the staff of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center (NWMHRC) in September of 2004 as the District IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Agent for Fruit.  She was named coordinator in 2010 and District Extension Horticulture Educator. This position holds a split appointment with Michigan Agricultural Research Station (45%) and Michigan State University Extension (55%). Responsibilities for the station coordinator include providing overall leadership for the operation of the NWMHRC, conducting independent and collaborative research with researchers to provide direction, research, and research coordination for the NWMHRC.

In the District Extension Horticultural Educator role, Nikki provides leadership and coordination in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating extension educational program and activities in order to maintain the flow of current research-based technical and management information to the fruit industry. She also helps to improve the skills of growers and agribusiness persons in application of research results to their particular production or marketing situation. Lastly, she works with the Northern Michigan fruit industry to provide horticultural leadership with extension directions and agricultural educators in the North and Upper Peninsula regions.