Master Food Preservers « OSU Extension Internship Program

Extension has been a part of my family since before I was born. My family has been preserving food for decades. My mom learned from her mom and mother-in-law, and I learned from her. As my mom looked for safe canning recipes in the early 90’s, she turned to the Extension Service for help. From Extension, she found a recipe for salsa that would become a part of my family’s summers for decades. In April of 1990, according to the date on the bottom of the paper, my mom picked up a recipe for salsa. The salsa recipe, in a packet with a couple of other recipes printed on pink paper, became a family staple. We have made that salsa, using that same paper, for 34 years now.

Emily Braibish assisting at an informational Extension booth. Photo: Otillia Schreuder

Now, as a college student exploring my options, I have also turned to Extension, though for slightly different reasons. As I look for possible career paths and avenues of study, the OSU Extension service is where I have landed. A career in Extension connects research with the public. It helps farmers, families and the surrounding community use new ideas to solve real problems. My goal is to work as an Extension agent who shares useful knowledge, supports local growth and builds strong community ties.

Emily Braibish, OSU Extension intern in Benton and Linn Counties. Photo: Otillia Schreuder

Extension work plays such an important role in the community by acting as a bridge between the academic work of universities and everyday people. Extension programs serve as a critical link between academic research and the practical needs of local communities. By translating complex scientific data into accessible, actionable tools, Extension agents empower individuals and businesses to implement proven best practices.

My own desire to work within Extension programming stems from a deep commitment to meaningful community service and public impact. I want to build a career where my daily efforts directly improve the lives of the people around me; Extension provides the perfect framework to turn that goal into reality. By working at the crossroads of education and community, I look forward to giving back to the community, helping my neighbors with their questions, and equipping families with the tools they need to thrive.

-Emily Braibish, OSU Extension intern in Benton and Linn Counties

Hi! I’m Emma Branson, the intern for OSU Extension in Lane County. I’m a sophomore at the University of Oregon majoring in environmental science with a minor in secondary educational foundations. My career goal is to guide environmental education by connecting communities to the land beyond classroom walls, especially for youth and agriculture. I hope to be a high school agriculture science teacher, but I am exploring all aspects of this industry! Growing up, I participated in Lane County 4-H for 13 years showing goats, small animals, horticulture, communications, family consumer sciences and more. These urban agricultural experiences with OSU Extension motivated me to intern with them in Lane County.

Emma smiles with a sweet treat after the Lane County 4-H & FFA Fair statics judging day. Photo: Joaquin Yoos

This summer, I hope to learn management styles and communication skills for leading Extension programs. In my first month of this internship, I led youth cooking classes for a summer camp at a local urban farm! I practiced teaching knife skills, food safety, measurements and basic nutrition to 4th grade students in an outdoor kitchen. This program built my confidence in event planning through preparation, attention to detail and communication, as well as gaining practical teaching experience. Additionally, I supported staff at the Lane County 4-H & FFA Fair by communicating directly with the youth, families and volunteers to ensure everyone had a positive learning experience. I’m grateful for the guidance from my mentors and the opportunity to independently strengthen my skills.

Moving forward, I’m ready to collaborate with more Extension programs offered in Lane County! I’m excited to complete my Master Food Preserver certification, help with Forestry community outreach, and join in on Small Farms projects. I plan to continue making the most of my internship by working hard and having fun!

Hi everyone!

My name is Callie Bradshaw, and I am entering my third year at Oregon State University studying public health with a minor in communication. After earning my degree, I hope to pursue a career in healthcare administration, where I can help improve patient experiences and make healthcare more accessible and effective. This summer, I am thrilled to be interning with Oregon State University Extension’s Master Food Preserver (MFP) program, working with both the Benton and Linn County communities.

Callie Bradshaw smiles for her senior photo. Photo: Starr Photography

I’ll admit that before this internship, my knowledge of food preservation extended little beyond basic food safety. I quickly learned that there is so much science, planning, education and outreach involved in helping people preserve food safely. One of the biggest surprises has been discovering just how many ways OSU Extension Master Food Preservers serve Oregon communities. Whether answering food preservation questions, teaching workshops, supporting volunteers, or creating educational resources, I’ve seen firsthand how research-based information can make a real difference in people’s lives, especially when it comes to food security.

One of my favorite projects has been designing educational displays and interactive materials for community outreach events. I enjoy combining creativity with education, and this project has challenged me to think about how to communicate food safety information in ways that are engaging and easy to understand. I’ve also had the opportunity to organize Master Food Preserver equipment and resources, assist with workshops and learn about the planning and coordination that happen behind the scenes.

Master Food Preserver volunteers smile for the camera at the Food Preservation booth for the Mennonite Heritage Day. Photo: Callie Bradshaw

As the summer continues, I’m looking forward to attending farmers’ markets, community events and workshops where I can connect directly with members of my community. I’m excited to see the educational displays we’ve created in action while continuing to learn from the dedicated MFP volunteers. I hope to use every event as an opportunity to strengthen my communication skills and gain confidence in community outreach. Although food preservation is different from the healthcare setting where I hope to work someday, this internship has shown me how closely education and public health are connected. Helping people make informed decisions about safely preserving food is another way of promoting health and preventing illness. That perspective is something I plan to carry with me throughout my career, making me even more grateful to have the opportunity to learn and serve my community this summer!

Hi there everyone! My name is Makena Oglesby, and I am interning at the Clatsop County OSU Extension office this summer. I’ve had fun the first few weeks, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you through these blog posts over the summer!

Makena Oglesby poses with a display of some of her woodworking projects, including fish shaped cutting boards, coasters and magnets. Photo: Monique Council

During the school year, I study wood innovation for sustainability and have a focus on art & design at Oregon State University (this is a fancy way to say that I do woodworking). My major focuses a lot on wood science which I then get to apply to woodworking projects, both functional and artistic pieces. My favorite combination is when I get to make something beautiful or fun that is still fully functional, which you can see some examples of in the photo above. I am still exploring what I want to do once I graduate (at the end of fall term!) but I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far in the OSU Extension office, and before that for about 4 years in Special Events for the Parks and Recreation Department in Hillsboro, Oregon. The work I did there is very similar to what I get to do this summer, and I have always enjoyed it so I could see myself continuing a career in the Extension Service realm after graduation (with perhaps some woodworking thrown in for fun).

I am typically located in Hillsboro, but this summer I have the opportunity to stay with my great grandmother as I work at the OSU Extension office in Astoria. I am excited to spend time with her as I work at the office and around the county this summer. As I am an intern under the Master Food Preservers coordinator at the Clatsop County OSU Extension office, I do a lot of work with all of the programs that we house including the Master Gardeners and Small Farms, 4-H and Oregon Sea Grant programs.

One thing I have already had a lot of fun doing is helping out at Seafood Tours on docks along the Oregon coast. The tours are free and open to the public and help teach people about Oregon ports, the daily lives of fisherman and how to buy seafood directly off of fishing vessels. It has been so interesting to listen to the tours as I help put them on, and make them enjoyable and memorable for the attendees. I may not be studying marine life, but it is a hobby of mine and something I love to learn about!

I am looking forward to the rest of my summer with everyone at the OSU Extension office in Astoria, and I am so excited to be involved in all of the events and programing we have planned!

More of Makena’s creative masterpieces: Makena’s Portfolio

OSU Extension Internship Program

Category Archives: Master Food Preservers

OSU Extension intern shares how a 34-year-old salsa recipe connected her to a career path

OSU Extension intern empowers youth through hands-on learning

OSU Extension intern explores the vital link between education and health

OSU Extension intern brings creativity and curiosity to Clatsop County

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