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_{Pictured L to R: UM Scholar Dean Costalas, former Brinsfield intern and rising 2L student at the Carey School at UMB, Olivia Scuderi, alongside UMCP faculty mentor Paul Goeringer, ALEI Coordinator Christin Redding, and a representative from Roseda Farm in Monkton, MD.}

Posted on ALEI LinkedIn, Adapted by Ashley DeMaio | June 16, 2025

Last week students from MPower’s UM Scholars program joined the Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) and the University of Maryland Extension (UME) for the Maryland AG Agents Summer Tour, hosted by the Maryland Association of County Agricultural Agents (MACAA). The tour connected students, AG professionals, and educators for a hands-on look at innovative agricultural operations across the state. Visits included: Old Line Custom Meat Company, Richardson Farm, Roseda Farm, Willow Oaks Farm, Clear Meadow Farm, and Starbright Farm.

One of those educators in attendance, who also plays a key role in mentoring students, was Paul Goeringer, JD – an Extension Legal Specialist at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), ALEI team member, and long-time mentor in MPower’s UM Scholars program. This year, Paul welcomed two scholars from the Francis King Carey School of Law at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). One of those students, Dean Costalas, a JD Candidate, participated in the tour, which provided exposure to Maryland’s agricultural landscape and legal challenges.

Also in attendance, was Olivia Scuderi, a rising 2L law student at UMB’s Carey School and former 2023 Brinsfield Intern. Olivia, now working with ALEI, previously engaged with Maryland’s agricultural stakeholders through the Brinsfield Internship Program, which is also supported by MPower. Her continued involvement reflects the strong connection that MPower creates between academic research, legal education, and real-world impact.

The tour also offered an opportunity to step outside the classroom and engage directly with Maryland’s agricultural communities. For students like Dean and Olivia, these experiences reflect the broader goals of the UM Scholars program and ALEI – connecting students, faculty mentors, and institutions across campuses to address state-wide challenges through research, education, and service.

More photos from the tour can be seen here: