
February Faculty and Staff Newsletter

Dear Colleagues,
The spring semester is often one of the most dynamic periods in our academic year. From student research forums to CAHNR’s annual awards and honors event, the months ahead are filled with opportunities to celebrate and advance CAHNR’s mission. All of it leads toward one of the most meaningful moments we share as a college: commencement, when we welcome a new class of graduates into the CAHNR alumni community.
We also know this spring will bring significant conversations and developments across the University. Ongoing initiatives, including the organizational needs assessment, proposed budget models, and institutional planning, are expected to evolve in the weeks and months ahead. As always, I am committed to sharing information as it becomes available and to supporting transparent dialogue within our College.
Thank you for your steady focus, creative energy, and commitment to your students, colleagues, and communities we serve. I look forward to the many accomplishments we’ll celebrate together this spring.
Kumar Venkitanarayanan
Interim Dean and Director
Have an idea for the newsletter? We are grateful for the creativity and diverse opinions of our College community.
Featured Story of the Month

Health
A Better Way to Measure Body Fat for Athletes
Jennifer Fields, assistant professor of nutritional sciences, has developed an equation to allow coaches, trainers, and anyone else working with athletes to gain a more accurate, accessible measurement of body composition
Hallmark Husky
Gratitude Ninjas
We’re excited to celebrate and recognize the many ways our colleagues make CAHNR such a great place to work — here come this month’s CAHNR Gratitude Ninjas! These paper Ninjas are on a mission to spread appreciation, connection, and smiles throughout our college community.


2026 CAHNR Excellence Awards
Early Career Research Award
Chaoyu Zhai
Excellence in Engagement
Alena Meacham
Excellence in Extension
Indu Upadhyaya
Excellence in Research
Douglas Casa
Excellence in Teaching
Sarah Reed
Graduate Student Research (Ph.D.)
Sunni Chen
Graduate Student Teaching
Korina Ehrlich
CES – Innovative Extension Programming
Emily Wilson and Anita Morzillo
Justice, Equity, Anti-Racism & Inclusion (Student)
Shanelle Thevarajah
Justice, Equity, Anti-Racism & Inclusion (Faculty)
Mary Anne Amalaradjou
Kinsman (Early Career Teaching Award)
Julia Smachylo
Outstanding Staff Award
Michelle Lewis
Spirit of the Land
Cristina Connolly

Awards and Honors will be hosted on March 25, 2026.
Save the Date
Spring 2026
- February 26, 2026: Interim Provost – CAHNR Faculty & Staff Meeting
- March 25, 2026: Awards and Honors Ceremony
- April 17, 2026: Faculty Standards Committee Forum
- May 8, 2026: Spring Faculty and Staff Meeting
- May 9, 2026: Commencement
Interim Provost – CAHNR Faculty & Staff Meeting
The Interim Provost, Pamir Alpay, would like to meet with CAHNR faculty and staff for an open conversation and update. A virtual meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, February 26, from 12:15–1:00 p.m. There is no set agenda for this meeting. Provost Alpay plans to share updates, hear from faculty and staff, and address any questions or concerns.
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Faculty Standards Committee Forum
The Faculty Standards Committee of the University Senate will hold two distinct forums on faculty promotion, tenure, and reappointment on Friday, April 17, 2026, via WebEx. The purpose of the forums is to ensure that all faculty are aware of PTR and PR procedures and expectations at the university and have the opportunity to have their questions answered by the administration.
9:00am – 11:00am | PTR Forum (Tenure Track)
1:00pm – 2:30pm | PR Forum (CIRE Faculty)
Updates from the Business Office
What’s the best Valentine’s to receive at work? An email that could have been a meeting.
There’s more fun in this month’s edition of the CAHNR Business Office newsletter. Each month, the team in CAHNR’s Business Office will update the CAHNR community on deadlines, policies, procedures, staffing changes, and all kinds of other useful information. Visit the CAHNR Business Office site for more.
Policy Highlights
Animals on Campus Policy
- Animals are generally prohibited from being brought into buildings or other controlled spaces on University property.
- Service Animals and approved Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) may be permitted under defined conditions consistent with law and UConn policy.
- Pets (non-service animals) are not allowed in campus buildings or controlled spaces, except in limited residential scenarios permitted by lease terms.
- Exceptions & educational uses: Animals used for bona-fide educational purposes in classes may be allowed with prior approval.
Children in the workplace
- Faculty and staff must notify Dean, Director or Department Heads (DDD) in advance of any visit, with the understanding that the DDD has the authority to approve or deny visits.
- The child must remain under parental supervision; within sight and sound of the parent or guardian at all times
- The child’s presence must not disrupt the work or school environment or negatively impact productivity
- Sick children are not allowed in the workplace