Get to know Cynthia Domenghini

NM: What are your goals for KSU’s horticulture research program?

CD: I think Ward (Upham) has done a fantastic job of meeting the needs of gardeners in the community and the state. The resources he puts together are very useful for extension agencies and home gardeners outside of Kansas, so I am hopeful that I’ll be able to continue the great work that he’s done. It’s always been a passion of mine to build community in whatever position I’ve been serving in, so I am excited to get to Kansas and be able to work more directly with the extension agents, the Master Gardener Program and be a resource for everyone. Kansas has some strong programs. We have potential to continue to move forward, and I hope to facilitate that.

NM: Do you have any projects that you’re excited to pursue in this new position?

CD: I have a background in human health and horticulture, so that’s always a passion of mine. A lot of the programming already is geared more towards adult gardeners, and my background is working with youth. So I would love to incorporate more activities that are for a family unit or just for youth in general to promote healthy living in terms of gardening activities – teaching or promoting fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, overall mental health and well-being, all of those areas for young gardeners.

NM: So when you’re not working, what are some of your hobbies?

CD: Well, I have four children, so they are my hobby (laughs). I love to read. I love exercising. We go hiking a lot as a family, as much as possible. We love to travel and experience new adventures. I like to do anything that keeps me moving. Over the last several years on our farm, we established a cut flower garden, and that was a very fulfilling hobby that turned into actual income, which is always nice. I love to bake, and that was another hobby that I turned into a small business here in Kentucky. I hope to pursue that to some degree over in Kansas too. My hobby is being busy (laughs).

NM: Do you have any favorite baking recipes that you want to share?

CD: I love to bake scones. I used to bake scones for my kids, just randomly make them scones, and they liked them. It’s not always easy to please young children with homemade items. When I was selling flowers at the farmers market, I decided, ‘well, people might like to snack on something.’ So I made a batch of scones, and they sold out so quickly.

For more: www.ksre.k-state.edu