Matthew McKernan

In the role of Consumer Horticulture Extension Associate, I serve as a statewide horticulture specialist for Kansas State University. Through educational content creation and outreach, I connect home gardeners with unbiased university research and practical horticultural information that benefits Kansas residents.

As a statewide education leader, I have both extension and research responsibilities that support Kansas State University’s missions. I work closely with Extension agents across Kansas by providing horticultural expertise, answering technical questions, and developing outreach resources that help deliver research-based information to local communities. My responsibilities include producing the weekly K-State Horticulture Newsletter, creating digital resources and educational content, and developing programs that translate horticultural science into practical, accessible recommendations for the public. I also support Extension Master Gardener volunteers and contribute to statewide program planning, evaluation, reporting, and coordination efforts. In addition to my Extension responsibilities, I conduct horticultural research through plant trials and evaluations to assess plant performance, identify superior cultivars, and generate data that informs recommendations for Kansas gardeners, landscape professionals, and Extension educators.

By providing timely, research-based guidance on gardening, landscaping, plant health, and environmental stewardship, I help Kansans across the state make informed decisions that improve their landscapes, conserve resources, and enhance their quality of life.