CAUSES In Action | January & February 2022 | |
Dr. Mamatha Hanumappa Selected as Fulbright Scholar! | |
We are proud to announce that Dr. Hanumappa was selected as a prestigious Fulbright Scholar to conduct research with the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University at Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Fulbright Program is the premier faculty exchange program of the United States, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, to improve mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries through the exchange of expertise, knowledge, and skills. As a Fulbright Scholar and Specialist, Dr. Hanumappa will have the opportunity to share her expertise in the UDC Food Hubs Model as an example of solution-based research in food and nutritional security, urban agriculture, urban sustainability, green infrastructure, and climate change adaptation.
Dr. Hanumappa will also recruit while at the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, and will inform interested students of UDC's degree programs and workforce development certificate opportunities, thus advancing UDC Equity Imperative Goal 2, "Increase the Number of UDC Degrees and Workforce Credentials Awarded" and Objective 3 (A)(1): “Encourage Multicultural Engagement''.
Considered to be one of the most widely recognized and prestigious scholarships in the world, the Fulbright Program is devoted to increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The program was founded by United States Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2021. Dr. Matthew Richardson, also of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES), was an awardee in 2019.
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Almaty is a beautiful city located about 15 miles north of the Alatau mountains, part of the Central Asian Tian Shan range, which is itself part of the Himalayan range. Almaty weather is similar to that of DC except for the evening fog, but I am looking forward to spring!
My project (promoting urban agriculture) has generated some interest and I am excited to begin working on it. People are very nice and helpful. I have already made several friends within and outside the department. Kazakhs love meat but vegetarian options are available.
I hope CAUSES and Firebirds are doing well. Greetings and best wishes to everyone. Have a wonderful February!
~ Mamatha Hanumappa
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Your contribution helps UDC-CAUSES arm its students with the skills and knowledge needed to face global challenges, find solutions to community problems, and meet the industry's talent demands.
Your support is needed to advance faculty research and to continue our legacy of academic excellence and innovation.
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The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) Selects UDC Students as 2022 CRIT Scholars! | |
Cameron Wright, Moyosore Oguntoye, and Alexander Hager, students in the Master of Architecture degree program, are three of the eight students selected from a national applicant pool as CRIT Scholars. The CRIT Scholars Program is a research-based fellowship program, supported by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), in partnership with several prominent architecture firms. The program supports student research and is an opportunity for students to receive further guidance in their own research from a practicing architect. The long-term objective is to encourage students to be actively involved in advancing architectural innovation in support of the design profession, through mentored research projects embedded in academia and practice. Each recipient will receive a $1,000 grant for their research project and will be assigned an architect advisor whose specialty is in the scholar’s chosen research topic. Students will present at the National Research Forum and will be published in the CRIT Journal.
Meet Cameron Wright, Moyosore Oguntoye, and Alexander Hager, three of the eight students selected from a national pool.
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Cameron Wright
I’m Cameron. My life experience has given me a strong empathetic approach to design and how design can affect well-being and survival. By studying current events and history, I have focused on ‘circular design approaches’ to make the average citizen's lifestyle easier. A well-designed home and environment make a positive impact on the individual life, therefore, resulting in more positive reactions elsewhere in society.
Research topic: Designing a resilient lifestyle by using "independent utility integration" in households to mitigate risk during a time of aging infrastructure and natural hazards. (A focused case study on a Washington D.C. row-house.)
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Moyosore Oguntoye
Moyosore Oguntoye is a graduate student in the Department of Architecture and Urban Sustainability at the University of the District of Columbia. Driven by creativity, a passion for change, and sustainable development, his goal as an architect is to make the world a better place for underserved communities. Moyosore currently works in artistic and healthcare services and resides in Annapolis, Maryland.
Research topic: Assessing bamboo and coconut tree as sustainable building materials: A case study of Lagos, Nigeria.
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Alexander Hagen
Alex is a non-traditional student in his second semester of study towards his graduate architecture degree. He is a U.S. Navy veteran who has traveled throughout the United States and has chosen the D.C. area to be his home, for the foreseeable future. He plans to become a registered architect in the DMV.
Research topic: The application of social inclusion design principles within healthcare design.
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Cultivate Your Career at CAUSES | |
Whether you are a recent graduate or a skilled industry professional, we welcome you to share your expertise and skills at CAUSES, as we work to recruit and grow our next generation of talent!
We are committed to building a diverse group of leaders and experts within our organization. We aim to create a culture for professionals to thrive.
Our college provides an opportunity to leverage the power of your degree with real career momentum. We offer web-based, on-the-job training, mentor support, and extensive networking opportunities to help you achieve success.
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We invite you to apply for an opportunity best suited for you and your future! | | |
A Must-Read: COVID and African Americans: Addressing Disparities in Mental Health by Dr. James Maiden and Dr. Phronie Jackson | | | |
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The mental health implications stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are still to be revealed. However, research suggests the outlook is quite concerning. The COVID-19 pandemic effects on communities of color has provided more attention and respect to African Americans’ need for mental health care. Racism worsens the adverse impacts of social determinants of health, causing health disparities for African Americans. This conceptual article explores COVID-19 and racism disproportionately affecting African Americans’ mental health and psychological well-being. The article also provides recommendations for mental health professionals to offer advocacy and to combat the problem. | | |
SAVE THE DATE: Food Tank 2022 Live Tour | April 20th | | |
Food Tank and the University of the District of Columbia will host a Summit on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, themed "Urban AgroEcology." A diverse panel of experts will discuss the quest for a sustainable and equitable food systems model for urban cities. This event is in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations North America, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the World Food Program USA.
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Calling All Makers: UDC-CAUSES MakerSpace Launch | March 1
We are establishing a Community Advisory Team to ensure community voices and insights are centered in this MakerSpace system and invite you to join us!
This Team will include folks, such as yourself, and other community leaders who are committed to ensuring effective, innovative, and inclusive education in all eight District wards.
Our goal is to create a community MakerSpace system that serves as a hub where STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) resources, knowledge, and people power are shared with all who wish to collaborate, with an emphasis on historically underserved and under-resourced students, families, and communities.
We wish to hear from you and work with you to equip those who live and learn in D.C. with unique STEAM resources and opportunities!
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Eighth Annual Food Justice Youth Summit Kicks Off in April
We are proud to host the eighth annual Food Justice Youth Summit. This event provides an opportunity for DC youth to share their research, ideas, and recommendations on food justice issues as they work with other youth and food justice activists to build a citywide movement for sustainable food systems. The summit also aims to connect the dots between local and global struggles and move together toward a more fair and sustainable food system.
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Join us for a day of youth-led workshops focusing on issues of food justice! | | |
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Bertie Backus Urban Food Hub Featured in Taiwan Insider
Taiwan Insider and Voice of America (VOA) cover the new global trend of vertical farming, featuring the UDC Bertie Backus Urban Food Hub. Vertical farming is one of many concepts practiced, eliminating pesticide and herbicide usage. Nutrient and chemical runoff are also non-existent, resulting in high quality produce. Controlled environment farms can yield three to ten times more per square foot than traditional farms. All food grown at the urban food hubs is donated to local nonprofits and food banks.
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See What's Happening in CAUSES!
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The CAUSES Research Seminar offers opportunities for the community to learn about research underway at CAUSES, UDC, and partner organizations across the United States and globally.
All seminars are held on selected Fridays from 12:00 to 1:30 PM EST via Zoom.
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Have Questions? Need Assistance?
For information about the CAUSES Research Seminar Series and its speakers, contact Dr. Sabine O’Hara, Distinguished Professor and Ph.D. Program Director, at sabine.ohara@udc.edu
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| CAUSES Research Seminar Series | | Zoom link will be provided with event registration. | | 03/18/22 12:00pm - 03/18/22 1:30pm US/Eastern | | The Global Influence of Urban Food | | | | |
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Get Certified: Professional Food Manager Course
The course is designed to teach the principles of food safety management and how to use those principles to create a food-safe culture. Additionally, the course emphasizes and provides information to students about identifying and avoiding food contaminants, proper employee health and hygiene, cleaning and sanitation principles, and safe food handling practices.
Course Instructor: Paul Brown, Jr., Food Safety Coordinator, pbrown@udc.edu.
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Back by Popular Demand:
"Quick Tips to Understanding the Nutrition Facts Label"
This FREE one-hour presentation is designed to provide participants with information and easy tips on reading and understanding nutrition facts labels.
Also, participants will learn what nutrients and ingredients are required on the nutrition facts label by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Course Instructor:
Tiffany N. Johnson-Largent, Ph.D., RDN, LD For further information, please contact
Dr. Johnson-Largent at 202-274-6708 or tiffany.johnsonlarge@udc.edu.
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Telework 15: Nutrition Tips To Avoid Weight Gain While Working From Home Returns
This workshop will provide helpful nutrition tips to those working from home to prevent weight gain that can occur from the consumption of food and drinks that are high in calories, fats, sodium, and sugar.
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Course Instructor:
Tiffany N. Johnson-Largent, Ph.D., RDN, LD For further information, please contact
Dr. Johnson-Largent at 202-274-6708 or tiffany.johnsonlarge@udc.edu.
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Now Open: DC Water Summer Internship Applications | |
DC Water considers it part of its public service mission to support and encourage the educational goals of the next generation. The Summer Internship Program is designed to expose undergraduate and graduate students to a wide range of career opportunities in the public sector and provide them with valuable professional skills that can be transferred to any occupation or industry. For more information, including application requirements and specific internship opportunities, visit the DC Water website.
College students who have at least 30 credits and a 3.00 GPA are encouraged to apply!
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Internship Duration:
May 23 - August 5, 2022
For more information, contact Nicole Spriggs at (202) 787-2401 or Intern.program@dcwater.com.
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Healthy Foods Internship Opportunity with Martha's Table | Martha's Table has opened its internship application to undergraduate and graduate students in search of practical experience in public health education and programming while strengthening their inclusive leadership, teamwork and service-learning skills. Martha's Table will accept interns on a rolling basis based on capacity, needs, and student program requirements. | |
For more information, contact Camille Range, Martha's Table Community Nutritionist, at (630) 248-9080. | | |
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Coming Soon: Major Upgrades at UDC Bertie Backus Food Hub
At the UDC Bertie Backus Food Hub, we work to design the next generation of urban food hub systems to be able to feed our urban community. To further enhance the UDC Food Hub’s mission, Bertie Backus is going through several upgrades. These upgrades will enhance sustainability and resilience and provide valuable support in field research, innovation, training, workshops, and other co-creation knowledge-sharing activities.
The upgrades include stormwater bioswales and bioretention, food safety infrastructure, more reliable heating, and cooling measures. There will also be upgrades to research and data collection tools, as well as to the Native Plant Nursery spaces. As stormwater is a major priority within our region, the Food Hub will utilize a bio-swale to go along the whole front of the Food Hub. This structure requires concrete excavation and land removal, which is a safety concern for people visiting the site. Bertie Backus will need to lean and rely on its fellow greenhouses and community growers as these upgrades are expected to last a few months. For the safety purpose during the project, community access to the site will be significantly limited. Ultimately, Bertie Backus will demonstrate how we can overlay our gray infrastructure with green infrastructure to create resilience and sustainability to further mitigate the impacts of climate change. We will keep you informed as we are making progress with our upgrade project.
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Deadline Approaching: Request for Proposals for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program - Farm Bill
The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is requesting completed grant proposals for projects that specifically address the goals that the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Marketing Service (USDA/AMS) has established for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program- Farm Bill (SCBGP-FB).
CAUSES expects to award multiple grants under this funded program. Solicitations for individual grant awards between $10,000 and $50,000 will be considered. This is a reimbursable grant. CAUSES may advance up to 20 percent (maximum $5,000) of the approved budget to initiate project activities, with the balance being attainable on a reimbursable schedule. Reimbursement will require timely completion and proper reporting of approved budget activities and the submission of invoices.
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For more information contact:
Dr. Mamatha Hanumappa at mamatha.hanumappa@udc.edu.
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Dr. Jackson Leads the Walk Ward 5 Coalition | Dr. Phronie Jackson is a dynamic and passionate leader who has dedicated her life to research, education, and program development to dissolve the health disparities faced by underserved communities. Since 2016, Dr. Jackson has spearheaded the Walk Ward 5 Coalition in D.C. by partnering with local community organizations and Walk with a Doc. Walk Ward 5 provides free and accessible wellness events to underserved residents around topics of mental health, chronic disease prevention, and the powers of regular physical activity. In addition, she is an America Walks Walking College Fellow and an Assistant Professor of Health Eduation in the Department of Health, Nursing and Nutrition at the University of the District of Columbia. | |
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For more information, contact
Dr. Phronie Jackson at phronie.jackson@udc.edu
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Success Story: Sheena Foster, B.A. in Urban Sustainability, United Nations Association Graduate Fellow | |
As an alum of UDC holding a degree in Urban Sustainability, it is with great pleasure to share that I have not only put my degree to use, professionally, starting my own boutique firm, but I have continued my professional education as a United Nations Association Graduate Fellow in their 2022 cohort here in the National Capital Area. This fellowship has not only given me a UN lens to understanding diplomacy and international development, but unpacking the sustainable development goals (SDG's) that I explored as a student at UDC has added some relevance to how CAUSES shapes its curriculum around fostering global citizens who understand the intersections of social, economic, and environmental sustainability. A few of the key elements of the programs are our weekly sessions where we meet with high level UN officials to discuss current affairs as well as the mentor pairing where we are paired with an accomplished international development expert. I've been fortunate to be paired with Dr. E. Faye Williams, who has participated in global peacekeeping missions, and is an accomplished author, attorney, and minister.
In addition to my work as a UNA-NCA Graduate Fellow, I am currently preparing to graduate with my Masters in Public Administration (MPA) at the University of Texas Permian Basin. I am also happy to announce that through my firm, SustainaBuilders Group, LLC, I have recently secured several acres of land, both residential and recreational, where I will be building a sustainable eco-wellness retreat village. Inspired by my urban sustainability studies at UDC, I am also seeking opportunities to invest in electric vehicle charging stations.
I am eternally grateful for CAUSES, Dean Dwane Jones, and all of the professors that have contributed to my academic and professional success.
~ Sheena Foster
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| What Would You Like To See More Of In Our Monthly Newsletter? | | | |
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Welcome to the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). UDC is the only urban, land-grant university in the nation. CAUSES was formed, in 2010, as the university’s land-grant college.
We engage in applied teaching and research that helps to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for residents of the District of Columbia and others around the world through traditional academic degrees, and through the non-degree, non-credit bearing, skills-building programs, such as green infrastructure and urban agriculture.
CAUSES is unique in its organizational structure and its mission: an interdisciplinary college, where academic programs, such as architecture, urban sustainability, health education, nutrition and dietetics, and nursing, train a forward-thinking generation of professionals who will ensure that the world has “Healthy Cities–Healthy People.” The college houses the only doctoral-level program in the nation that focuses on urban leadership and entrepreneurship.
For more information or inquiries, feel free to contact us at causes@udc.edu.
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About the University of the District of Columbia
University of the District of Columbia is an HBCU, urban land-grant, and the only public university in the nation's capital, The University of the District of Columbia is committed to a broad mission of education, research, and community service. Established by abolitionist Myrtilla Miner in 1851, the University of DC offers Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral Degrees and a host of workplace development services designed to create opportunities for student success. The University is comprised of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Public Administration, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, a Community College, and the David A. Clarke School of Law. To learn more, visit www.udc.edu. The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University's EO Policy Statement, please visit http://www.udc.edu/equal_opportunity. The University of the District of Columbia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education - 3624 Market Street - Philadelphia, PA 19104 - 267.284.5000.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, this information is available in languages other than English. To file a complaint alleging discrimination, please complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to US Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. Submit your completed letter or form to USDA via fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action institution. The University prohibits discrimination or harassment against any person on the basis of the actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. This policy covers all programs, services policies, and procedures of the University, including admission to educational programs and employment. The University emphasizes the recruitment of minorities, women, disabled individuals, disabled veterans, Vietnam-era veterans, and other eligible veterans.
El Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU. (USDA) prohíbe la discriminación en todos sus programas y actividades por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, religión, sexo, identidad de género (incluida la expresión de género), orientación sexual, discapacidad, edad, estado civil, estado familiar / parental, ingresos derivados de un programa de asistencia pública, creencias políticas, represalias o represalias por actividades previas de derechos civiles. (No todas las bases prohibidas se aplican a todos los programas.) Las personas con discapacidades que requieren medios de comunicación alternativos para obtener información sobre el programa. (por ejemplo, Braille, letra grande, cinta de audio, lenguaje de señas estadounidense, etc.) debe comunicarse con la Agencia responsable o con el TARGET Center de USDA al (202) 720-2600 (voz y TTY) o comunicarse con el USDA a través del Federal Relay Service al (800) 877-8339. Además, esta información está disponible en otros idiomas además del inglés. Para presentar una queja alegando discriminación, por favor complete el Formulario de Queja por Discriminación del Programa del USDA, AD-3027, que se encuentra en línea en http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, o en cualquier oficina del USDA o escriba una carta dirigida a Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos, Oficina del Subsecretario de Derechos Civiles, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 y proporcionar en la carta toda la información solicitada en el formulario. Envíe su carta o formulario completado al USDA por fax: (202) 690-7442; o correo electrónico: program.intake@usda.gov. Para solicitar una copia del formulario de queja, llame al (866) 632-9992. USDA es un proveedor, empleador y prestamista con igualdad de oportunidades para todos.
La Universidad del Distrito de Columbia es una institución de Acción Afirmativa en Igualdad de Oportunidades. La Universidad prohíbe la discriminación o el acoso contra cualquier persona sobre la base de la raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, orientación sexual, identidad o expresión de género reales o percibidos, responsabilidades familiares, matrícula, afiliación política, estado marital, apariencia personal, información genética, estado familiar, fuente de ingresos, estado como víctima de una ofensa intrafamiliar, lugar de residencia o negocio, o estado como veterano, según lo dispuesto y en la medida requerida por los estatutos del Distrito y Federal y regulaciones. Esta política cubre todos los programas, políticas de servicios y procedimientos de la Universidad, incluida la admisión a programas educativos y empleo. La Universidad enfatiza el reclutamiento de minorías, mujeres, personas discapacitadas, veteranos discapacitados, veteranos de la era de Vietnam y otros veteranos elegibles.
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