Extension

Liberty Galvin studies the timing of herbicide application based on weed growth and development as an OSU Extension weed science specialist. (Photo by Mitchell Alcala, OSU Agriculture)

 

Oklahoma State University alumna Liberty Galvin is a valuable resource for producers seeking assistance in weed management for their crops.

 

The Bartlesville, Oklahoma, native joined the OSU Extension team in late 2023 as a specialist in weed science and precision weed management, building upon her foundational OSU bachelor of science degree in environmental science. Galvin also earned minors in soil science and agronomy while participating in study-abroad endeavors at OSU. Her academic pursuits and experience in project management led her to complete a master of science in international agricultural development from the University of California-Davis.

 

Galvin then pivoted to a horticulture agronomy doctorate with an emphasis on weed science at UC Davis before returning to Oklahoma to begin her OSU career.

 

“I love being back in Oklahoma. I enjoyed California and learned a lot about diverse agricultural systems, but I missed Oklahoma,” she said. “Our population is small enough in Oklahoma that we are still beholden to our neighbors and communities. I can be friendly, and people will reciprocate.”

 

Galvin describes her doctorate in weed science as unconventional because while a lot of her colleagues focus on herbicide application, her background involves more applied ecology than herbicide technology.

 

“I look at the environment and how plants grow and try to exploit weak points in the weed’s life cycle,” she said. “In Oklahoma, the timing of herbicide application is so difficult because of weather and soil type differences, so this year I’m going to look at the timing of application based on weed growth and development as well as weather conditions in real-time.”

 

Galvin focuses on weed seed bank dynamics, including ideal temperature and moisture for germination, and more recently, tillage options to control herbicide-resistant weeds. Understanding weed biology can help producers and land managers use tools more efficiently with the long-term goal of reducing herbicide use.

 

Galvin gained vast experience in people management, leading projects and learning how to be a good listener during her master’s degree and time studying abroad in Sierra Leonne. She said these traits contribute to an effective Extension specialist.

 

“I have friends and family in Oklahoma, and I understand the value of talking to people,” she said. “Learning how to work and be highly adaptable to different environments from a social perspective is what I took from my master’s degree.”

 

In addition to her role as an assistant professor in the OSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and her Extension position, Galvin is a member of the OSU Wheat Improvement Team. She delivered 3,400 continuing education hours to producers in 2024. Anyone interested in weed science-related CEU hours can contact her directly at lbgalvin@okstate.edu to coordinate.