Cultivating Curiosity

Explore the heart of rural Georgia in this episode as we discuss the intersection of social work, agriculture and mental well-being with Anna Scheyett , professor in the CAES Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication (ALEC) and former dean at the University of Georgia's School of Social Work . Anna shares how she is building more robust networks to dismantle mental he...

In this episode, we dive into the world of food processing with Kevin Mis Solval , associate professor in the University of Georgia's Department of Food Science and Technology . Discover how Georgia's food industry is embracing innovation, blending tradition with modernity to craft sustainable, high-quality products for the world in this episode of Cultivating Curiosity. Kevin discusses...

In this episode, we dig into the career of Dave Hoisington , director of the USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Peanut at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Listeners will gain insights into the critical role of peanuts in global food security and how the Peanut Innovation Lab is leveraging cutting-edge research to transform peanut cultivatio...

In this episode, we took a deep dive into the Hospitality and Food Industry Management (HFIM) program at the University of Georgia with John Salazar , professor and program coordinator. Listen in as John shares his passion for the field and highlights the incredible opportunities and growth in the world of hospitality. Learn about the broad scope of the industry, its incredible economic impact in...

We sat down with Becky Griffin , community and school garden coordinator within the Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture , to chat about the Great Southeast Pollinator Census . Learn more about this project she piloted in Georgia in 2017, which has since expanded across the southeastern U.S., to inspire citizens to become pollinator advocates. And of course, we can't talk about pollinators wi...

In this episode, we chat with Kris Braman , head of the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia, to learn about the diversity of research taking place in the department, including insect microbial interactions, wetland ecology, household and structural entomology, and integrated pest management (IPM). Listen in to learn about fun public outreach events, career opportunities, partners...

In this mini episode, we sat down with George Vellidis , professor in crop and soil sciences and Simer Virk, assistant professor and Extension precision agriculture specialist in crop and soil sciences, to discuss what to expect out of the first Integrative Precision Agriculture Conference, which will be held at the University of Georgia May 18 and 19. Listen in to learn how global industry leader...

On the first-ever travel episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we head to Tifton, Georgia to visit with George Vellidis and Simer Virk, both faculty in the University of Georgia's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences . Listen in to learn what digital technology is involved with integrative precision agriculture (IPA — the science, not the beer!) and how the data produced helps growers make better...

We spoke with Jillian Bohlen , associate professor in the UGA Department of Animal and Dairy Science . Devoting her career to helping students apply what they learn, this award-winning educator utilizes interactive group discussions and hands-on activities to inspire the next generation. Listen in as she answers some of our questions about the dairy industry like: What is voluntary milking? What i...

From an early age, we’re told to eat our vegetables. But, there’s often confusion around what is a vegetable versus a fruit — tomatoes, we’re looking at you. UGA Extension vegetable specialist Tim Coolong joins us on this mini-episode to help us understand when a vegetable is actually a fruit — or something else entirely. Resources: When is a vegetable really a fruit? Learn more about UGA Extensio...

We chatted with Todd Applegate , Department Head and R. Harold and Patsy Harrison Chair in Poultry Science. From reducing the environmental impacts of poultry to improving welfare during poultry transport, debunking poultry misconceptions to explaining current egg prices — plus a few chicken jokes thrown in for good measure — listen in to learn how the UGA Department of Poultry Science is a leader...

UGA College of Engineering student Garrett Stigall shares his experience with the FABricate program that helped him launch his energy drink company, Compulsion. The following bonus content is part of our full-length episode about creating a culture of entrepreneurship through the FABricate program. In that episode, we spoke with Chris Rhodes, director of industry partnerships and project-based lea...

UGA Terry College of Business student Laila Pettigrew shares how the FABricate program helped take her business Lovely Acreage Farms, LLC, to the next level. The following bonus content is part of our full-length episode about creating a culture of entrepreneurship through the FABricate program. In that episode, we spoke with Chris Rhodes, director of industry partnerships and project-based learni...

We spoke with Chris Rhodes, director of industry partnerships and project-based learning at CAES, and UGA students Chris Ayers and Jeffery Whitmire about FABricate, an entrepreneurial pitch contest. Participants get the chance to expand their leadership and business skills while developing a new food product or agricultural, environmental or sustainable business. Listen to more of the student expe...

We spoke with Franklin West, professor in the CAES Department of Animal and Dairy Science , executive committee member of the UGA Regenerative Bioscience Center (RBC) and leading expert in stem cell biology research. From stem cell reprogramming to therapies for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and stroke, learn how RBC researchers are advancing healthy living through bioscience. Resources: Learn mo...

We spoke with Cesar Escalante, a professor in the CAES Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. From equity challenges in agricultural lending and the effect of immigration on agriculture to the impact of a changing economy on our food supply, dig into the economics of agriculture with us. Resources: Listen to the FINRA Foundation's podcast episode on the 2022 Ketchum Prize. Visit th...

We spoke with Manpreet Singh, professor and department head of the CAES Department of Food Science and Technology . From debunking some common food safety misconceptions to exploring the local, national and international impact of the department, this episode is a literal smorgasbord of information! Resources: UGA Cooperative Extension's website More about UGA-Griffin More about UGA-Tifton Th...

Nestled on UGA's South Campus in Athens, the UGA Trial Gardens offer a stunning environment for students, researchers and the public. We talked to John Ruter , professor and director of the Trial Gardens and Sandy Begani , Trial Gardens manager, about what visitors might find in the garden, what a plant trial entails and more. Resources: The UGA Trial Gardens' website Dr. John Ruter&apos...

When you hear the word agriculture, seaweed might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But Allison Fortner , a University of Georgia doctoral student pursuing a degree in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication , is doing her part to help raise the profile of this important marine species. Resources: Learn more about the international agriculture certificate at...