Laura Probyn is a communications manager for MSU Extension. She also provides public relations support for Ag Expo and ANR Week. Media outlets may contact her for information or sources related to:

Sara Long is the communications manager for Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Environmental and Economic Needs), the state's plant agriculture initiative. Project GREEEN is a cooperative effort between plant-based commodities and businesses together with the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Department of Agriculture to advance Michigan's economy through its plant-based agriculture. Sara's role includes writing about the impacts of Project GREEEN-funded research projects, producing all Project GREEEN publications including annual reports, newsletters and legislative reports, and coordinating legislative tours. She also writes copy for and maintains the Project GREEEN Web site. To learn more about Project GREEEN or to download online versions of its publications, visit

Robin M. Usborne is a communications manager for MSU Extension, focusing on information, outreach and education in dealing with the invasive pest, the emerald ash borer. Robin works with MSU researchers in getting research information out about the pest, and she also works with MSU Extension in developing and producing educational and outreach documents, notebooks, fliers, etc. on how to deal with emerald ash borer. She is also the media resource for information about MSU's role in dealing with the pest.

Natalie Ebig Scott serves as communications manager for the Animal Agriculture Initiative (AAI) and Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Environmental and Economic Needs), the state's animal and plant agriculture initiatives. Natalie’s role is to build awareness and support for the research and Extension projects funded by the initiatives to advance animal and plant agriculture in Michigan. Her responsibilities include strategic marketing communication, publications, media relations and development of news, features and Web site content.

Carol Swinehart is the MSU Extension communications manager for the Michigan Sea Grant College Program, a cooperative Great Lakes and marine research, education and outreach program of Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. Her responsibilities include Sea Grant Extension strategic communication, marketing communication, public relations consultation, media relations, news and feature writing, producing Great Lakes informational and educational materials, web content development, as well as writing proposals and reports. She also helps develop and conduct programs about aquatic invasive species. Contact Carol if you're looking for Sea Grant or Great Lakes information.

Sandra Enness is the Director of Communication for the National Food Safety & Toxicology Center (NFSTC) at Michigan State University, a research, education and outreach center focused on food safety and toxicology with more than 50 researchers ranging from sociologists to physicians. Kirsten responds promptly to queries from the media and consumers on a wide range of food safety and food toxicology issues. Her role at the NFSTC includes producing all NFSTC publications, including the NFSTC annual reports and the NFSTC quarterly newsletters, both available at www.foodsafe.msu.edu or by emailing khirek@cvm.msu.edu for a subscription or back issue. She also is in charge of the NFSTC web site, which features food safety information in the news, and news from the NFSTC and events organized by the NFSTC. Kirsten also hosts media tours of the NFSTC or panels of researchers for media events, and works closely with the outreach branch of the NFSTC to directly provide consumer food safety information and tools.

Jamie DePolo edits Futures, a quarterly magazine on research sent to the general public, and a monthly electronic newsletter for the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES). Contact Jamie if you're looking for expert sources on research ranging from agricultural production to forestry to obesity to biotechnology to water quality. The MAES funds almost 400 scientists in five colleges at MSU, so she's bound to know one who will be able to answer your questions. To see the online version of Futures, click on

Linda Chadderdon is the communications manager for the College of Veterinary Medicine. She produces several regular publications and is the college's media liaison. Contact her for expert sources on veterinary medicine, including emerging infectious disease, public health, biotechnology, animal genetics, comparative medicine, production medicine, food safety, and wildlife health issues. She can also direct you to board-certified veterinary specialists in internal medicine, orthopedics, cardiology, ophthalmology, dermatology, nutrition, emergency medicine, pathology, and others.