Video: University Distinguished Outreach Faculty Daniel McDonald
During the month of April, Lo Que Pasa is highlighting the Regents' Professors, University Distinguished Professor and University Distinguished Outreach Faculty who were honored during the recent Pillars of Excellence Ceremony.
Daniel McDonald, University Distinguished Outreach Faculty, is the director of the Pima County Cooperative Extension, area agent and associate regional specialist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. In those positions, McDonald and his team translate UA research into resources for community members to explore gardening, nutrition and healthier lifestyles.
McDonald's research and work focus on improving people's health and well-being, with an emphasis on underserved children and adults. He developed CALS' Garden Kitchen, where community members can learn to grow and prepare healthy meals. The facility is also a lab for UA students and researchers.
McDonald is involved in other community programs as well, including Activate Tucson, Communities Putting Prevention to Work, and Brain Waves. He also is active in youth programs like Healthy Living Ambassadors, Youth Voice: Young Choice, and Teen Interactive Theater Education.
McDonald's outreach efforts have been recognized by the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Pima County. He was inducted into the YMCA of Southern Arizona Hall of Fame in 2014.
"What I love about my job in extension is my ability to connect people," McDonald says. "I see myself as somewhat of a convener, of a relationship builder, and so I try to keep tabs on what's going on in the community, where the needs are and who's doing what, and within the University, as well."
Learn more about McDonald in the video below.