Impact: Fall 2022
October 6, 2022
Studies in science
In this issue of Impact, you’ll learn about undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds who held research positions with CFANS this summer through a program that aims to close the agricultural career gap for youth from underrepresented groups. You’ll also meet alumni Esakakondo “Al” Lohese, who is using his PhD in land and atmospheric science to restore the soil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, his home country. We also share the results of a CFANS Insights consumer pulse survey in which Americans express their thoughts about protein consumption today and into the future. Enjoy reading these stories that represent just a fraction of the dynamic science, research, and learning going on at CFANS. Read Dean Buhr's full message.
Give to the Max Day
Each year, Give to the Max Day — a statewide day of giving — raises much-needed support for student scholarships, research, and academic programs at CFANS and across the University of Minnesota. Mark your calendars for this year’s biggest day of giving for November 17, 2022.
Looking for a howling good show?
Check out National Geographic’s “America the Beautiful,” streaming on Disney+. This breathtaking series features the irresistible pups of the U of M’s Voyageur’s Wolf Project.
Meet our newest wheat
This summer, the U of M released a new hard red spring wheat variety called ‘MN-Rothsay,’ featuring a good combination of yield, protein, and disease resistance, and exceptional straw strength.
Americans pick their proteins
While it’s commonly acknowledged that proteins are vital to a healthy diet, U.S. consumers have varying opinions on which types they prefer to eat today and what they expect to eat in the future.
A recent CFANS Insights survey revealed that while 80 percent of U.S. adult consumers today prefer pork, beef, poultry, and fish as their main sources of protein, plant protein is gaining popularity.
Restoring his native soil
When Esakakondo “Al” Lohese began his PhD in land and atmospheric science, he had a mission: To restore the soil in Sankuru province, which lies in the geographic center of his home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Sharing the science behind invasives
This summer, CFANS hosted a statewide invasive species conference via its system of 10 Research and Outreach Centers (ROCs). The free hybrid event was open to the public and featured experiential learning and experts discussing the science behind invasive species.
Science learning in action
This summer, eight undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds across the country were provided full-time research positions with CFANS through the Sustainability Opportunities for Agricultural Research - Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (SOAR-REEU) program, which aims to close the agricultural career gap for youth from underrepresented groups.
Happy 150th birthday Bell Museum!
The Bell Museum is Minnesota’s first official natural history museum, established by the legislature in 1872 and held in trust by the U of M. Throughout 2022, the Bell has been celebrating its rich and varied 150-year history, marking this landmark anniversary with a variety of dynamic exhibitions that ignite curiosity and wonder, explore our connections to nature and the universe, and create a better future for our evolving world.
Lend an ear!
Rex Bernardo, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics and director of the Plant Breeding Center at CFANS. He developed a maroon and gold supersweet corn, aptly called GopherCorn! This delicious work represents but one of many plant varieties developed by CFANS over the years. Read more about the corn's origin story.
