UConn Extension is thrilled to welcome Maureen Kahiu, who joined us in August 2025 as an Assistant Extension Educator of Turfgrass and Weed Ecology. In just a few months, Maureen has already started building connections across Connecticut’s turfgrass industry, helping professionals manage weeds and promote healthier, more resilient turf.
Maureen grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, and her path to turfgrass science began with an unexpected discovery. “I interned at a golf course when I was in college and loved every aspect of it,” she recalls. “From there I never looked back—I wanted to learn all the ins and outs of turfgrass management.” That passion led her to study turfgrass from multiple angles, including pathology and weed science, and to pursue advanced degrees that deepened her expertise.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, followed by a master’s degree at Penn State University, where she studied turfgrass pathology. Maureen then completed her Ph.D. at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, specializing in turfgrass weed science. Together, these experiences gave her a unique perspective on the science and practice of growing and maintaining healthy turf.
At UConn Extension, Maureen helps turfgrass professionals and others across the region understand and manage weed problems while improving overall turf health. Her approach emphasizes prevention through strong, thriving turf. “One of my mentors used to say, weeds do not cause bad turf—they are a result of bad turf,” she explains. “Healthy turf is the best defense against weeds.”
Since arriving at UConn, Maureen has been inspired by the spirit of collaboration and problem-solving that defines Extension. “What excites me most about working with UConn Extension is the opportunity to serve an industry I care about while continuing to grow professionally and personally,” she says. “I love the hands-on approach I’ve seen from my colleagues—they don’t just share information, they solve real-world problems that affect people across Connecticut.” She points to examples like the Home Garden Education Office, which assists residents with lawn and garden questions, and the well water testing program, which helps families learn what’s in their water, as models of Extension’s practical, people-centered impact.
Although she’s only been in Connecticut a few months, Maureen is already exploring and enjoying her new home state. “So far, it’s been getting pizza from local pizzerias—for some reason I can’t get enough of it!” she laughs. “A close second is driving between Storrs and Manchester. That drive has been absolutely beautiful—I don’t know if I’ll be of the same school of thought come January.”
Outside of work, Maureen is a devoted sports fan who enjoys watching and attending baseball, golf, and Formula 1 racing events. “I love the thrill brought about by sporting competition,” she says. Her sense of fun extends to her work history, too—when volunteering at a golf championship, she once helped “fluff the rough,” making sure the grass stood tall again after equipment and maintenance traffic.
From golf greens in Kenya to research fields in Connecticut, Maureen’s career has been shaped by curiosity, expertise, and a deep appreciation for the science of healthy turf. UConn Extension is proud to have her on our team and excited for the contributions she’ll make in the years ahead.