His innovative approaches using technology and hands-on experiences has led him to be a nationally leading 4-H STEM specialist. Since 2001, Francis has generated over $2 million in external funding to support STEM programs and published five journal articles describing program impacts. In 2016, he was recognized as the Extension Researcher of the Year by USU and named as a Fellow by the eXtension Foundation to study the fusion between gardening and the Maker Movement. Francis received his Bachelors of Science degree and Masters of Science in Agricultural Systems Technology with an emphasis in Agricultural Extension Education from Utah State University.