Effective Fall 2011, the General Agriculture program has changed its name to Agricultural Sciences. The purpose of the change in name was simply to reflect more accurately the focus of the content in the program. The academic program has not changed at all, so all current participants and new participants will still have the same requirements. If any current General Agriculture students wish to change the name of their program to Agricultural Sciences, they should contact the department to find out how. Students admitted to the program Fall 2011 or later will automatically have the new program name.

Last summer, Julia McGonigle was a recipient of the “Ernest and Pauline Jaworski Summer Research Experiences Scholarships for Underserved Undergraduates in the Plant Sciences”. She conducted her research project in Dr. Bob Meinke’s laboratory.

Julia graduated from Botany and Plant Pathology in June 2011 and applied for a very competitive summer program entitled “The Student Airborne Research Program (SARP)” and was accepted into this program. Approximately 30 students are chosen from across the US. “This program is a six-week summer program for junior and senior undergraduate and early graduate students to acquire hands-on research experience in all aspects of a scientific campaign using NASA’s DC-8 airborne science laboratory. The DC-8 is a major NASA resource for studying Earth system processes, calibration/validation of space-borne observations, and prototyping instruments for possible satellite missions. Participants assist in the operation of instruments on board the DC-8 to sample atmospheric chemicals, and to image land and water surfaces in multiple spectral bands. Research areas include atmospheric chemistry, evapotranspiration from agricultural crops in California’s Central Valley, and ocean biology along the California coast. Along with airborne data collection, students participate in taking measurements at field sites. The program culminates with formal presentations of research results and conclusions”.

Seven collegiate FFA members, including Thomas Griffin of Culver, chosen to participate in the National organization’s global outreach program “FFA GO: Africa” recently returned from the African nation of Rwanda.

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Ambassadors for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources have the opportunity to develop and enhance their public speaking, time management skills, individual and group dynamics, prepare for student and pre-professional success and engage in activities that promote the College of Agricultural Sciences and the College of Forestry.

(Meet the Ambassadors)

The Agricultural Executive Council is the student government organization of the College of Agricultural Sciences. The New Fields Blog is their ongoing publication of information about student clubs, meetings and activities. It is a good one to bookmark and return to often for current news and events.

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That is the clever name of the blog Mee-ya Monnin, undergraduate student in Fisheries and Wildlife, is writing about her venture into the world of research and marine mammals. Get her fresh perspective on experiential education as she works with Dr. Markus Horning in Antarctica.

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The first cohort of the CAS Leadership Academy has been selected and ten students are embarking on the new program of personal and professional development that began in Fall term. Dr. Jonathan Velez holds the Bradshaw Leadership Academy Endowed Professorship, and Kellie Strawn is the Director of the Academy.

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