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Brooklyne Wassel
ZEBULON - My name is Brooklyne Wassel; I am the new Pike County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent. I am ecstatic to be starting this new chapter with such a wonderful opportunity to serve the community of Pike County as well as work collaboratively with surrounding counties.
Though I came from Auburn, Alabama, I was born and raised a Georgia girl in Hall County. I grew up as a part of a family of eight where all I wanted was to be in a barn around animals, especially horses. Horses were a large part of my childhood from showing hunters to breaking ponies. My love of large animals led me to Auburn University to pursue a degree in Animal Sciences- Pre-Veterinary Medicine. While attending Auburn, I became a teaching assistant for a young horse handling class. Through that course, I discovered that I have a passion for teaching. The years in that class opened numerous doors in both teaching and extension. I went on to participate in various activities such as: teach a segment of the equine lab for Introduction to Animal Sciences, volunteer at the Alabama Horse Fair, and lead a station at a youth outreach event.
Originally believing I would teach in some aspect, I went on the get my Master of Science in Animal Science while focusing on animal nutrition. My research investigated equine nutrition and water effects on hay, but my program did so much more. The small program size at Auburn allowed me to partake in virtually all ongoing projects in some aspect. I did everything from serve on a trained sensory panel with pork, to collect rumen fluid for digestive studies, and even sample forage in stocker cattle systems.
Throughout my graduate career, I was a graduate teaching assistant every semester. The more opportunities I was given to teach and learn, the more I knew that was what I wanted to do. I truly felt a calling for both extension and its purpose. I believe in the county system and its ability to give Pike County what it needs. Extension is here to serve the community, so please reach out to our office for support, problem-solving, or workshop requests.
This is not the original path I drew for myself, but I would not change this for anything. Pike County has welcomed me with open arms, and I am proud to call it home. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for this little piece of Georgia with a gigantic heart.
Brooklyne Wassel
University of Georgia Extension- Pike County | Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent
74 Gwyn Street | Zebulon, GA 30295
678-588-3153 | brooklyne.wassel@uga.edu