Goal oriented new director eager to guide the Mat-Su Experiment Farm

PALMER — At just under 1,000 acres, the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center in Palmer is marking its centennial with a new director. The University of Alaska Fairbanks brought Susanna Pearlstein on board early last month.

Pearlstein brings with her a solid background in both agriculture and marine biology. She obtained her PhD in 2015 and Master’s Degree in 2010—both from the University of Arizona. She obtained her undergraduate degree in British Columbia. Prior to obtaining her post-bachelor degrees, Pearlstein worked several years in Hawaii as an onboard fisheries observer monitoring protected fish species and long-line fishing boat practices in Hawaii.

Prior to her arrival here in the Mat-Su in early April, Pearlstein was a post-doctoral researcher based at the federal Environmental Protection Agency in Corvallis, Ore. There, for the past four years, she worked directly with the community as an eco-hydrologist and as an outreach coordinator and researcher looking at the effects of fertilizer management practices—including large, commercial farms down to the small-lot farmer—and their effects on groundwater quality.

Pearlstein said she was hired to bring leadership and administrative oversight for all the parts—academic, research, and Cooperative Extension—that make up the UAF-owned farm just off Trunk Road. Pearlstein said she plans to use her experience in grant writing to help secure operational and research dollars. One of her main focuses will be finding new revenue and alternative financial options for the farm.

“I was hired to help with the daily function of this place. Paying the bills. Things like: do the lights turn on? or, do we need to plow?” Pearlstein said. “I am also currently working on a long-range strategic plan. What they really need is for someone to focus on the long-term needs of the farm…I’m working on a 10-year plan.”

Pearlstein said she’s hoping to expand the ongoing research at the facility. Shortly after arriving at the farm, she conducted a community meeting. She said over 50 people attended and more took part via social media.

“Farming may not be all our research…but we’re still a farm. We have competing interests and other revenue streams,” Pearlstein said, adding that she’s looking forward to the challenge. “We can provide many unique things here. I’m inspired by the multiple opportunities.”

Pearlstein said better utilization of laboratory facilities, the extensive trail systems, and farming opportunities come to mind. Expansion ideas include renewal energy and environmental remediation, as well as use by other Alaska agencies.

“There are a lot of things that are actually happening here. There’s been a lot of belt-tightening but a there’s a lot more that could happen,” Pearlstein said in addition to her long-term plan, she’s developed a six-week, six month, one year and other time-frames.

“The six weeks are almost up…I’m kind of naïve and things have changed a lot already. I’m very goal-oriented,” said Pearlstein.

Milan Shipka, UAF Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station director, said Pearlstein impressed the hiring committee with her knowledge of the farm, her background and her enthusiasm.

“She’s got some really good ideas and brings new energy to the position,” she said.

Pearlstein said she welcomes the public’s stopping in or suggestions. She can be reached at 746-9466 or via the farm’s Facebook page under Matanuska Farm and Extension Center.