As we come to the close of an exciting year of events and programs, the "Discovery Initiative" of the Office of Community Engagement presents highlights from the 2011 fall semester. As always, you are invited to become a "discoverer" of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Please check our website often for our event calendar. |
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Dean Bob Goodman Welcomes
Retired Faculty, Spouses and Guests
More than 100 retired faculty, spouses and guests gathered December 5 for what has become one of the school's best traditions -- the annual Retired Faculty Luncheon. Great conversation, excellent food, a wonderful musical interlude presented by Lou and Fran Iozzi, and an update from Executive Dean Bob Goodman marked the afternoon. Read all about the event here. |
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"The Power of Genomics": The Executive Dean's Distinguished Lecture
featuring Debashish Bhattacharya
The rapidly advancing field of genomics -- particularly single cell research -- presents vast opportunities for our understanding of life, from evolution to human medicine. This was a strong message conveyed by Debashish Bhattacharya, a professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, during the Fall Executive Dean's Distinguished Lecture on November 10 in Winants Hall.
Attended by more than 100 guests, Bhattacharya's talk listed some of the implications posed by genome research:
- Genomics and health -- Nine out of 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. have a basis in genomics.
- Genomics and the environment -- The impacts of global climate change affect the genetic makeup of organisms and their distribution in the environment.
- Genomics and the quality of life -- Developing novel and improved crops, biofuels and the like depend upon the study and application of genomics.
Read more about the lecture and about Debashish Bhattacharya's work here. |
"International Governance
for a Changing Arctic"
Presented by Ambassador David Balton,
guest lecturer
Ambassador to the oceans, David Balton visited the G.H. Cook Campus on November 16, 2011, to talk about the all-important region of the Arctic Ocean.
Balton is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries at the U.S. Department of State.
He pointed to some of the threats facing the region: declining sea ice coverage, coastal erosion, thawing permafrost, and increasing ocean acidity.
He also outlined opportunities and challenges. For example, shrinking sea ice presents the potential for shorter, more fuel efficient shipping routes. However, a challenge will be the number of issues that need to be resolved among the eight nations that border the Arctic region.
Read more about his engaging talk here. |
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Spotlight on Our Work
As a continuing feature in our newsletter, we will be highlighting the research and activities within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. This month's feature focuses on important work in hazelnuts. |
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Hidden Potential: Hazelnuts
for Food and Fuel
When Thomas Molnar took an entry-level position with legendary plant breeder C. Reed Funk, little did he know it would grow into an association that has the potential of making a major impact on the world's need for food and sustainable fuel.
As reported in Rutgers alumni magazine, "Together, they launched an ambitious program to breed hardy, productive nut trees that could flourish on marginal land.... Hazelnut trees, which are uniquely capable of thriving on rocky hillsides, soon became their primary focus."
Read more about this fruitful collaboration here. |
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Save the date...
January 31, 2012 - The Annual Karl Maramorosch Lecture
February 2-3, 2012 - The Annual Microbiology Symposium
March 27, 2012 - Executive Dean's Distinguished Lecture
April 25, 2012 - Celebration of Excellence Awards
April 28, 2012 - Ag Field Day @ Rutgers Day
Visit our website for more information about this and other events. |
