CAUSES In Action | May - June 2022 | |
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Celebrating Students' Recent Academic Achievement!
Congratulations CAUSES graduates! Whether you are earning a diploma, a program certificate, a degree, or even a cool new professional title, your hard work deserves some warm, thoughtful words of recognition and encouragement.
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UDC Receives $300K Grant from Propel Center | | |
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Image caption L-R: Jordan Clayton, MakerSpace Fellow, CAUSES, UDC President Mason, Harris Trobman, Project Specialist in Green Infrastructure, CAUSES, Dr. Kenneth Bota, Propel Center Senior Lead of the Agri-tech Team, Dr. Charles Gibbs, President of the Propel Center’s HBCU Consortium, Dr.Hossain Azam, Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering, SEAS and Dr. Ricardo Brown, Associate Dean, CAUSES
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The University of the District of Columbia is one of 15 institutions chosen to share $3 million for student and research-centered projects collectively through the Propel Center, an Apple-funded global campus headquartered in Atlanta that supports learning and developments for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
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UDC Van Ness Farmers Market Featured in Forest Hills Connection
The award-winning ANC 3F e-magazine, Forest Hills Connection, highlights our Van Ness market and local businesses, the area’s rich history, fascinating neighbors, and wildlife frequently spotted in Rock Creek Park.
Learn more about new and familiar local vendors.
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CAUSES Receives 2022 World Green Energy Symposium (WGES) NOVA AWARD
WGS recognized CAUSES' commitment to sustainable practices, education, and helping the underserved find sustainable employment, education, and opportunities.
Dr. Sabine O’Hara accepted the award for the University of the District of Columbia's CAUSES for its Urban Food Hubs concept as a model for Urban Agriculture.
With the pandemic, climate crisis at an all-time high, the war in Ukraine, and the societal injustices peaking at a global level, WGES felt it important to recognize those who stepped up to provide opportunities to create a more equitable and sustainable economy. CAUSES is honored to receive such a prestigious award.
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Dr. Lillie Monroe-Lord Wins the Western Region's Excellence in Multistate Research Award
As the director for the Center for Diet, Nutrition, and Health, Dr. Monroe-Lord accepted Excellence in Multistate Award. Her project is entitled, "Parenting practices supporting positive eating behaviors during independent eating occasions among early adolescent children."
Western Region’s winning nomination for the Excellence in Multistate Research Award receives an opportunity to provide a brief presentation about the project during an awards program at the Western Region Joint Summer Meeting (a meeting of Deans, Directors, and select stakeholders). The regional winner also represents the region in the national competition.
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Funding Opportunity: Department of Defense (DoD) Research and Education Program Awards CAUSES with Lab Instruments
The Research and Education Program is designed to enhance the research capabilities of HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions and to strengthen their STEM education programs. CAUSES, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) collaborated on a research proposal for acquiring LC-MS/MS for research is approved for funding by Department of Defense. Dr. Hossain Azam, Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering, SEAS, is the Principal Investigator of this collaborative project. It is expected to be installed in the lab of the Chemistry Department managed by Dr. Song, Associate Professor, CAS. This is a great addition to our current laboratory capacity and will advance our research effort, especially in the emerging contaminants in soil, water, and food.
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Doctoral Student Selected as 2022 Scholar in Innovators of Progress’ Pre-Accelerator Program
A doctoral student in the Urban Leadership and Entrepreneurship program, Shaka Dickerson was chosen for one of two cohorts in the Innovators of Progress pre-accelerator program, a one-year program designed to support entrepreneurial-minded students with up to $140,000 comprised of seed capital, tuition assistance, and internships.
Admitted scholars are ambitious, high-achieving students who want to make a difference in their communities and respective fields. The vision of the Innovators of Progress program is to engage students early, provide them with an environment to practice the science of entrepreneurship, and provide opportunities for them to grow their businesses in their region.
Dickerson is developing a virtual platform called Creative Good, which aims to be a one-stop-shop for holistic, positive-minded content, merchandise and mentoring for those battling anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.
“The foundation for Creative Good grew from a challenging period in my life. The full concept and energy behind it came as an educator observing the mental strain today’s society places on people of all ages, especially youth, and a burning desire to do something about it.”
Learn more about UDC’s Urban Leadership and Entrepreneurship Program by clicking here.
For more information about Innovators of Progress, please visit their website.
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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 industries' talent demands.
Your support is needed to advance faculty research and to continue our legacy of academic excellence and innovation.
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A Must Read: Producing Cherry Tomatoes in Urban Agriculture, by Dr. Matthew Richardson, CURES Director and Caitlin Arlotta | | |
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Center for Urban Research, Engagement and Scholarship (CURES) Director, Dr. Matthew Richardson and Research Associate Caitlin Arlotta recently published an article titled, “Producing Cherry Tomatoes in Urban Agriculture,” in Horticulturae as part of the Special Issue Urban Horticulture - New Trends and Technologies.
Agriculture in urban and urbanizing areas will be increasingly critical to enhancing food security and food sovereignty, creating income, strengthening social interactions, and improving health outcomes in cities.
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Recently Published: Former CAUSES Intern Joins Pet Food Institute (PFI) | | | |
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Pet Food Institute (PFI) announced Cindy Ndebumadu is their new office support specialist.
Prior to PFI, Ndebumadu served as communication intern at The Center of 4-H and Youth Development in CAUSES. She has a bachelor’s degree in digital media and public relations from the University of the District of Columbia.
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Now Live: Deep Dive Series Episode 7 | | |
A "Deep Dive with CAUSES" provides real-time and current updates on land-grant and academic programs, student opportunities, live events, and campus news. | | |
CAUSES Cares: Youth Assisted in the US Super STEM Competition – Agriculture Division
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Graduate student Dylan Mehri and and the CURES Director, Dr. Matthew Richardson assisted the STEM Sharks in the US Super STEM Competition – Agriculture Division by helping them design and set-up at-home hydroponic systems for growing tomatoes. The goal in the Agriculture Division is to grow the tallest cherry tomato plant using any hydroponic (non-soil) method. To compete Agricultural Division registrants ordered the Burpee Super Sweet 100 brand cherry tomato seeds and grew their cherry tomatoes in a hydroponic system.
Learn firsthand about the STEM Sharks' results in their competition video below.
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Despite Pandemic, PSM Graduate Student and American Water Resources Association Student President, Jacob Wynn Continues to Soar | | |
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"I enrolled in CAUSES to follow my interests in environmental stewardship and protecting the waters we all share. I learned about some of the city's unique water issues before becoming a resident and followed a somewhat crooked path toward the Professional Science Masters program. When I first moved to D.C., I looked for like-minded individuals and discovered volunteering through CAUSES on the green roof at Van Ness and composting at Bertie Backus. Through these activities, I was introduced to the PSM program and the Green Infrastructure Workforce Development program through UDC, Water Environment Federation (WEF) and Constituent Services Worldwide (CFW).
When the pandemic hit, I was let go from my job, and took the chance to pursue a different direction. I applied to the Workforce Development Program, intending to follow up in the PSM in Water Resource Management. While I had graduated with a B.S. in Biology a few years back, I hadn't pursued a career in the field. The PSM Program offered a slate of courses that would provide me with the skills and experience I would need to pursue my career interests while navigating a changing world. With more awareness enlightening the vast interconnections between our modes of living and the environment, our processes are beginning to align with solutions that naturally benefit the many over the few. As I take the next steps out of the classroom, I look forward to collaborating with this change. It won't be easy, but I am motivated by the possibility of clean air, clean water, and the abundance nature offers freely when taken care of." ~ Jacob Wynn
"The way we do one thing, is the way we do everything." ~ Iyanyla Vanzant
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CAUSES Students and the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment Team Present Abstracts at the American Ecological Engineering Society Conference | | |
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Join us in congratulating Dylan Mehri, Assefa Tadesse, and Annabelle Arnold for their abstract acceptance to the 22nd annual American Ecological Engineering Society Conference (AEES)! This year's theme was "Designing For Our Future: Ecotechnology for Watershed Health in the Urban-Rural Continuum." All three students did an excellent job on their abstracts.
During the conference, our student presenters demonstrated how the practices of ecological engineering can be used to solve the world's grand challenges. This is the first time CAUSES students extended beyond our group to present our work to a scientific community. The Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) team contributed to the work and information incorporated in the abstracts. So, congratulations to the LCSA team as well.
Special thanks to Dr. Hossain Azam, Dr. Matthew Richardson, Dr. Sabine O’Hara, and additional collaborators. Thanks for your kind support to get to this point and path forward.
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ICYMI: CAUSES at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival | | |
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After a two-year hiatus, CAUSES revisited the National Mall to take part in the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival. This year's theme was “Earth Optimism × Folklife: Inspiring Conservation Communities.” We engaged the guests with our community garden, information urban food hubs, hydroponic growing methods, and other groundbreaking sustainability practices. Chef Herb provided mouth-watering cooking demonstrations.
Thanks to all the volunteers and CAUSES staff who made this event a success!
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Data STEAM Camp Starts July 11th | | |
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The University of District Columbia’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) has partnered with Data Science Camp Inc (DSCI) to design and deliver the 2022 Data STEAM Camp. The newly designed program is a two-week, project-based, virtual learning program for design thinking and team collaboration for high school students in the Washington, D.C., area who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
Joyce Hunter, Founder of Data Science Camp, Inc and Brian Westbrook, former Philadelphia Eagles Running Back, will engage participants as they learn about groundbreaking agricultural practices while visiting the UDC Firebird Farm, The Westbrook Farm in Upper Marlboro, and UDC's East Capitol Urban Farm.
The program’s mission is to help students gain familiarity and hands-on experiences with strategic approaches, digital tools, and analytical techniques relevant to harnessing open data on critical issues connected to urban agriculture and food security. Participants will learn about groundbreaking agricultural practices while visiting those sites.
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See What's Happening in CAUSES! | | |
UDC Van Ness Farmers Market Returns | The UDC Van Ness Farmers Market is 13 years strong! Come get fresh and local foods. To help ensure social distancing practices and promote safety for all in our community, we encourage you to use the preorder from our vendors online and pick up orders from our Grab & Go Station located in front of the UDC Student Center. Vendors include farmers, producers, growers, bakers, and artisans from D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. | | | |
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Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right: A Nutrition Series for Older Adults—Part 4
This workshop series targets SNAP-eligible older adults living in Washington, D.C., and will address how to create healthy meals on a budget using minimal equipment. This series provides participants with information about healthy eating and food safety, trying new cuisines, time management in the kitchen, and more.
Each workshop includes a cooking demonstration with Chef Herbert Holden. While we hope you will join us for the whole series, we encourage you to register, even if you can only attend a few sessions!
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Please contact Miranda Desmarais at Miranda.Desmarais @udc.edu. | | |
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! | | |
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ICYMI: UDC CAUSES 2022 Earth Day
The UDC CAUSES 2022 Earth Day aims to reach residents of Ward 5 (Bertie Backus) primarily and other DC residents as well as UDC Master’s Naturalist and Master’s Gardener students of UDC by celebrating this special day. CAUSES students, faculty, staff, as well as our partners and community members gathered for the creativity, enthusiasm, and ambition that we need to protect our environment and our community to define our future. A total number of 20 volunteers appeared who registered through our online portal. From UDC, we had another 20 staff members and volunteers. There were also eight walk-up volunteers on that day. Altogether the event was very successful in terms of pulling a good number of volunteers.
This year's UDC Earth Day theme was planting trees and celebrating life. UDC's Chef Herb was also present with his food truck for food tasting and preparation and to provide spirited energy among the participants. Volunteers were encouraged to plant two trees per group (comprised of three members each) along the UDC Bertie Backus campus green areas. We considered the community’s environmental health and sustainability as part of our Earth sustainability.
We provided them with the opportunity to socialize with others and rebuild their sense of community. We have shared a token giveaway of seed packets. We also organized food demonstration and cooking by Chef Herb allowing participants to enjoy freshly made tomato soups. Volunteers who have provided feedback after participation rated the event as five-star and expressed their gratitude.
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Forever Firebird: Sheena Foster Highlights United Nations Graduate Fellowship Commencement | |
"This program taught me so much about sustainable development on an international scale and studying the 17 sustainable development goals in depth, as well as having weekly sessions with ambassadors and key UN officials. It has given me keen insight on how to tackle some of the world's most pressing issues! I would love to come and guest lecture for the undergrads in CAUSES for one of their class sessions in the future. Please keep me in the loop on how I can engage with students.
About half of our cohort members weren't in attendance because they had final exams this week, as do I. We also had a few students who attended DC area institutions, but participated from their home country.
Thanks for your confidence in me for such a great recommendation. This program was highly competitive, and I'm happy to be a part of the few to be accepted." ~ 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, & 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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Socially Active? Stay Connected! | |
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About the University of the District of Columbia
As an HBCU, an urban land-grant institution, and the only public university in the nation’s capital, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is committed to a broad mission of education, research, and community service. Established by abolitionist Myrtilla Miner in 1851, the University offers Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees, along with a host of workforce development and continuing education certifications for student success, professional growth, and economic advancement. 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; UDC Community College; and the UDC 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. 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. 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, 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801, 267-284-5011.
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.
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