Crystal Smith

Unit Coordinator
Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Animal Science
(540) 635-4549
csmith06@vt.edu

Biographical Sketch

Crystal was born and raised on a horse farm in Central Pennsylvania.  Crystal was an active 4-H member and showed horses competitively on the national level as a youth.  Crystal's background and experience in the horse industry led her to pursue a B.S. in Animal Science at Penn State.  After working for a few years as a barn manager and assistant trainer, Crystal returned to Penn State to pursue a Masters Degree in Animal Science with a focus on extension education.  While in graduate school, Crystal planned programs for Penn State's Equine Science Program and conducted research for the American Youth Horse Council.  Crystal now serves a five-county region of Northwest Virginia as the Animal Science Extension Agent where she conducts innovative, need-based educational programs for the horse industry.  Her equine business management extension programming has been recognized nationally for Excellence in Livestock Production.

Education and Degrees

M.Agr. - Pennsylvania State University, 2005
Master of Agriculture
Animal Science

B.S. - Pennsylvania State University, 2002
Bachelor of Science
Animal Science

Work Experience

2005 to present
Extension Agent, Animal Science
Virginia Cooperative Extension, Warren County Office

Summer 2005
Equine Industry Liaison Intern
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Harrisburg, PA

Spring 2005
Teaching Assistant
Contemporary Issues and Careers in the Equine Industry, University Park, PA

2004-2005
Research Assistant
Impact of Equine Activities on Youth Development, University Park, PA

2004-2005
Events Coordinator
Equine Experience at Ag Progress Days, University Park, PA

2002-2004
Barn Manager
Crystal Creek Acres, Bloomsburg, PA