Monday, November 16, 2015

Spring 2016 course - Global Forests


Spring 2016 Web Course: SWS 6932 - Nanotechnology_Application_In_Food_Agriculture_&_Environment

COURSE DESCRIPTION/OBJECTIVES:

Description: Nanotechnology is an emerging field of applied science that engages almost every
technical discipline – from chemistry to agriculture – in the study and application of extremely tiny
materials with particle sizes ranging from ~1-100 nm. This course will cover the fundamentals of
nanoscience and nanotechnology from historical development, concepts and principles to nanomaterial manufacturing and property characterization, and the application of nanotechnology in food science, agriculture and environment.
 Objectives (This is a co-taught graduate/undergraduate course):
  • To learn the basic concepts, principles, and components of nanotechnology. At the end of the course all students will be able to describe basic theory of nanoscience and nanotechnology. 
  • To learn about the creation and characterization of nanomaterials. At the end of the course all students will be familiar with methods for characterizing important properties of nanomaterials commonly used in agriculture and the environment. 
  • To learn the application of nanotechnology in agriculture, food, and environment. At the end of the course all students will be able to apply nanotechnology to solve some problems in the fields of food, agriculture, and environment. 
  • To learn about toxicology of engineered nanoparticles (EPs) and current methods of assessment. At the end of the course all students will be able to understand potential impact of EPs and conduct simple environmental risk assessment.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Thought For Food Challenge

The 2015/16 Thought For Food Challenge calls on the world's best and brightest university students to form teams and develop breakthrough projects that address the global challenge of feeding 9 billion people by 2050. In return, we provide a platform for you to shine, cutting-edge learning tools and resources, world-class mentorship from rock star experts, innovators and entrepreneurs, the chance to win a trip to the inspirational TFF Global Summit as well as significant funding for your project. You'll also join a growing global movement, comprised of friends and supporters who share your passion to make the world a better place.

December 1, 2015 entry deadline. More details here.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH INTERNSHIP POSITION-Application Deadline: December 1, 2015

The University of Florida’s Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS, http://ncbs.ifas.ufl.edu) located
in Cedar Key, FL is seeking a student intern for the period of January – April 2016. The NCBS will
be collaborating with state and federal agency partners to better understand the impact of human
recreation on Florida’s manatee populations in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, which
was established in 1983 specifically for the protection of the endangered West Indian Manatee. This
unique refuge preserves the last undeveloped area in Kings Bay and provides critical thermal refuge
for manatee each winter. This research internship offers an excellent opportunity for a student to
work in partnership with UF faculty and agency cooperators to address an issue of critical
management and conservation concern in the region.

Job Duties: Duties may include but are not limited to: visual manatee surveys, visitor surveys, boat
surveys, scientific equipment deployment, data entry, report writing, GIS mapping, and other duties
as assigned.

Required Qualifications: Student must be in the process of obtaining a degree in a natural resource
field at The University of Florida. The ability to work in inclement weather conditions with biting
and stinging insects, poison ivy and in small boats for extended periods is mandatory. Candidate must
be a strong swimmer. Travel and some overnight stay is required. Housing will be provided for
overnight field work. Candidate must have a valid driver’s license to be able to drive government
vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications: Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage the public with
surveys and informal discussions are preferred. Successful candidates will work closely with NCBS
faculty, US Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife Refuge staff and volunteers. Prior field work
experience, GPS/GIS proficiency, and MS Access, Excel and Word computer skills are preferred.
Experience preferred that includes canoe/kayak use with some knowledge of small boat operation.

Work Schedule and Wages: The work schedule for this position can be adjusted based on the
student’s coursework, but the successful applicant must have at least two full free days available per
week, which can include weekends. The interns will be paid $14 per hour.

To Apply: Please submit a CV and contact information for three references to Mike Allen, Director
NCBS (msal@ufl.edu) by December 1, 2015. The CV should include the current GPA as well as
details of courses, experience and skills relevant to the position.

Can Roundup to benefit UF Food Pantry


Breakfast Buffet to Support the UF Food Pantry-11/18


Day of Service - Stop Hunger NOW!



Day of Service- Stop Hunger NOW! All are WELCOME!

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Collegiate Farm Bureau and Gator Wesley Foundation have partnered with HungerU, Farm Journal Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, DuPont, War on Hunger, and Stop Hunger Now to host a meal packaging event!

Join us on November 19, 2015 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm to help package 20,000 plus meals which will be used to support development programs and save lives in developing countries as well as domestically.

The event will take place at the Straughn Center located at 2142 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611 (across from the Vet School). Please bring a cap to wear while packaging food. If you do not have a cap a hair net will be provided for you. Parking restrictions will be lifted in the Straughn Center lot on the day of the event- however carpooling is encouraged.

For more information please contact Charlotte Emerson at cemer@ufl.edu. We look forward to seeing you there!

 Admission to this event will be three non-perishable food items which will be used to support the Field and Fork Food Pantry on campus. Help us stock the shelves as we approach the holiday season!

Sign up to participate using this link: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0F48AAA72BA3FC1-dayofserivce