Erin Krier is the Coordinator and Professor of Agriculture at Allan Hancock College. Erin’s industry background is in field research testing pesticide efficacy, her master’s research was on nutrient control of soilborne plant pathogens, and she has received advanced training in produce safety. She currently teaches plant science, sustainable agriculture, animal science, agribusiness, introduction to agriculture studies & careers, integrated pest management, and soil science. As program coordinator, Erin is responsible for curriculum development, outreach, and management of the on-campus student farm. She chairs the Academic Quality Committee, Sciences & Technologies Success Team, and AHC Agriculture Advisory Committee. She is the faculty advisor for five AHC student clubs: Young Farmers & Ranchers, Rodeo Team, Eco Revive, Hiking, and Rotaract. Erin serves on local high school FFA advisory committees, is a 4-H club and poultry project leader, and is Vocational Chair for the Rotary Club of Santa Maria. Erin has a passion for localizing the food supply in her community and empowering the next generation of agriculturalists to regenerate agroecosystems through shared knowledge, innovation, and hope.
Story behind the hand lens and orange: This hand lens belonged to Erin’s paternal grandfather, Roger W. Allen, who was Deputy Agricultural Commissioner for Santa Barbara County before retiring in 1973. She carries on his love for identifying pests that threaten the health and vitality of cropping systems. The orange represents the work of her maternal grandparents, Harry & Hazel Mayo, as producers of California citrus and avocado nursery stock before they lost their business in the 1940’s due to an outbreak of Quick Decline caused by Citrus Tristeza Virus.
