Jenny Carleo

Jenny Carleo was born in New York, where her love for the outdoors and agriculture was nurtured from a young age. Her father worked in New York City, but it was her mother’s garden that truly inspired her. At around three years old, Jenny experienced a moment that would shape her future: seeing a strawberry turn red for the first time and tasting its sweetness. From that moment, she found her love of  agriculture.

Her educational journey took her to Rutgers University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science in 1999 and started her career as a research technician. She continued at Rutgers for her Master’s degree in Plant Biology in 2003 and is currently a Ph.D. student at North Carolina State University in Crop Science.

Professionally, Jenny has been an Area Specialized Agent in Grain Crops at North Carolina State University since 2019, covering 18 counties. In this role, she provides technical expertise, conducts field research, and organizes training for farmers and Extension Agents. She collaborates with about 15 county agents to create in-person farmer education events and videos, always aiming to benefit the farming community. “Their success is my success,” she says.

Before her current role, Jenny worked as an Agricultural Agent at Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Her diverse experiences, from commercial farming to working in research, have given her a practical perspective on the priorities and issues in agriculture. This background helps her transform concepts into reality, ensuring that her work has a tangible impact.

Jenny joined the Science for Success team in 2021 and currently serves as our Technical Content Editor. Jenny played a pivotal role in growing the group from a few people to the robust team that it is today, which is one of her proudest achievements. Jenny values the collaboration and the ability to leverage funding for greater impact. 

Jenny Carleo’s journey in agriculture is driven by her enthusiasm for science, the environment, and helping farmers succeed. She is excited about interdisciplinary work, especially in cropping systems and technology, bringing multiple resources together to improve the lives of farmers. Her story is a testament to her dedication and passion for making a difference in the agricultural community.

Story by Aleigha Kelly and Isabella Dean.