Tim Lawrence, a post-doctoral research assistant at Washington State University, has been named the new director for WSU’s Island County Extension office.

Lawrence, who is currently a researcher with the Honey Bee Health Program in the WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences’ Department of Entomology in Pullman, will start his new job on May 1.

“In addition to his bee expertise, Tim brings an extensive and diverse background in land-use and water-quality education, agricultural safety, and the management of small, diversified agricultural operations, as well as county extension work,” said Jim Kropf, western district director for WSU Extension.

Lawrence was previously manager and co-director of the University of California Extension Center for Water and Land Use, and also served as coordinator for the University of California Sea Grant program. He also was the program director for Ohio State University’s NEMO program, providing watershed education for municipal officials.

“County extension is where we bring the scientific research and knowledge of the university to the community level, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with the Island County communities,” Lawrence said. “I’m really excited by the opportunity to be working hands-on in the community.”