Extension

Jason Harmon’s research involves multi-use projects on rangelands to support production while conserving wildlife and pollinators. (Photo by Hayley Eberle, OSU Agriculture)

 

Jason Harmon will serve as the new head of the Oklahoma State University Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. The Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents approved the hire on March 7.

 

Harmon, an insect ecologist, is a faculty member and researcher at the North Dakota State University School of Natural Resource Sciences, where he was the school’s associate director from 2019 to 2022.

 

His recent research involves multi-use projects on rangelands to support high productivity levels for producers while conserving wildlife and pollinators, maintaining high soil productivity, and supporting an active floral and plant community. He is experienced in virtual fence technology similar to research collaborations ongoing at OSU.

 

“The use of technology like virtual fencing, remote sensing, geographic information systems and drones are powerful tools that can gather more accurate information useful to people,” Harmon said. “They help our broad vision of supporting healthy environments in a working landscape model.”

 

Harmon grew up in Wisconsin with a curiosity for nature and ecology. He said his interest in the field led to a career in lifelong learning.

 

“That’s why I went to grad school and became a faculty member – to help people while also trying to conserve nature and the environment,” he said. “Serving both communities and finding that intersection is where we both thrive.”

 

He received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin and earned a doctorate in entomology from the University of Minnesota. Harmon also completed post-doctoral work at the University of Wisconsin and the University of California-Davis.

 

“I look forward to Dr. Harmon meeting our ag producers and state leaders while bringing his expertise to our faculty and students,” said Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean for OSU Agriculture. “Bringing Dr. Harmon on board will help further our mission areas in teaching, research and Extension, and I am extremely pleased he is joining our team this summer.”

 

Harmon has held several leadership roles within the NDSU School of Natural Resource Sciences and will draw upon that experience when he officially arrives at the OSU Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management later this spring.