Andrea Skantar

#Nematology friends: preserving the USDA Nematode Collection at #BARC is just one reason to voice your opinions about the ‘disorganization’ plan. Irreplaceable historical research specimens (incl. Cobb) are at risk. We need your support, now more than ever. @son-nemaweb.bsky.social

Over my 28 year career as a scientist at Beltsville, I identified plant parasitic nematodes from nearly every state. The flexibility to pivot to emerging problems as needed was a strength not a weakness. All gone now.

Part of this week’s harvests. I finally suceeded with brussels sprouts. Usually the heat and pests overtake them. That extra cold winter we had is paying off with fewer cucumber beetles.

Devastating impact on ag research. My heart goes out to my former colleagues at BARC.

Here at #SON2025 in beautiful Victoria, BC with my co EIC, Rolo Perry, representing Nematology #degruyterbrill. Stop by and say hi and check our our offerings.

Multi sunflower is popping at my community garden plot, providing a bit of shade for my brussels sprout. This might be the year I get some if it doesn’t bolt.

The napa cabbage was used for kimchi, which I used for kimchi fried rice and kimchi grilled cheese. Yum! #gardening

This ball head cabbage made for some tasty halupki. #homegrown #gardening

First bok choy of the season. 🌱

Yesterday I bid farewell to my lab, my favorite ratty old office chair, my colleagues and my 28 years with ARS. It doesn’t feel real.

Obviously he is aiming for a top position in Hell

Text here: https://organizingmythoughts.org/must-reads-and-some-thoughts-on-learning-in-this-moment/

https://organizingmythoughts.org/must-reads-and-some-thoughts-on-learning-in-this-moment/

Great talk from @mskellymhayes.bsky.social on being in college in an era of autocracy and cruelty. I'm showing this to my daughter, who is about to graduate high school. If you've got an older teen or young adult in your life, this is a recommended read. organizingmythoughts.org/must-reads-a...

Cat with glasses and bow tie. Caption of course He is risen. Helium is lighter than air

Happy Easter from Chemistry Cat 🧪

The spring garden feels a little behind this year. Hopefully the warm up will last and I can start hardening off my tomatoes and peppers. Garlic and peas are looking good though.

For those who haven’t heard, I (and several other long time federal nematologists) am retiring sooner than I’d planned. Estimated 200+ years of nematology expertise about to walk out the door.

It’s been an honor.

(I still plan to stay as EIC of Nematology).

I'm constantly trying to get lost in my X-ray microscopy and forget the outside world. Here's a fly-through from an XRM scan of a fixed & contrast enhanced Beech tree bud, infested with nematodes.
@danforthcenter.bsky.social

I’m a fellow Marylander (hi neighbor). I love Crate 61 soap. They have great variety packs.

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. So many people who think private industry should replace govt don’t realize how important public-private partnerships are for innovation!

I’m so sorry, Ellie. We’ve lost some people as well. It’s the worst feeling.

REPOST if you support our federal workforce and know how dedicated they are to their jobs. Show them you appreciate them!

All USDA-ARS probationers gone.

Winter gardening is rough.

Looks beautiful. Enjoy!

The community garden is looking a little bleak right now. Most of my tunnels are frozen and collapsed. My spinach is still alive. I’ll have to wait for a thaw to get in there.

👍🏼 I am trying to figure out how to get off Meta apps too, but I follow some small businesses on IG and I’m on fb garden and community pages with no alternatives. I turned off activity tracking. It’s better than nothing. X is a cesspool.

Winter carrot harvest from my community garden plot. Parisienne are so stubby!

Only grievances with those nematodes!

an older man in a red cardigan says i got a lot of problems ALT: an older man in a red cardigan says i got a lot of problems

Happy belated festivus!

In honor of my first post, it seems only fitting to show the heavily galled luffa roots from my garden. It still produced vigorously. Amazing.