CAUSES In Action | August 2021
FOREVER A FIREBIRD!
UDC’s Distinguished Diane C. Hyman, MBA,
Deputy Director of Land-Grant Programs is 
Recognized for 37 Years of Service
“The college was fortunate to have you and is beyond grateful for your contributions to the organization. May your new life chapter bring you much happiness and fulfillment.”

CAUSES Nation
Meet Diane Hyman
During her time at UDC, Diane Hyman served as the Deputy Director of Land-Grant Programs, College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES). Here, Diane practiced 15 years in land-grant administration at the college.

Her work as Deputy Director included assisting the Dean with the administration of research and extension programs, leading vital operational systems and strategies, and providing leadership to projects teams and development training to staff and faculty.

A fun fact about Ms. Hyman is that she is a great baker and a fantastic singer.

Join us in commemoration as we celebrate Diane’s retirement and legacy at UDC!
CAUSES NEWS
Our NEW Center for Urban Research, Engagement & Scholarship (CURES) Debuts with an Article and E-tool for DC’s Green Infrastructure and Urban Agriculture Planning! 
The new Center for Urban Research, Engagement & Scholarship (CURES) makes its debut with an article by Mamatha Hanumappa, Matthew Richardson, and collaborators in a special issue of the journal —
Sustainability!

In their article titled Facilitating Multifunctional Green Infrastructure Planning in Washington, DC through a Tableau Interface, the authors describe the development of a public-access geographic information system (GIS) that can be used for multifunctional urban green infrastructure (UGI) planning in Washington, DC. By creating an e-tool in the form of Tableau dashboards, they enable stakeholders to identify (1) existing UGI, (2) potential areas for new UGI including urban agriculture (UA), and (3) priority locations for equitable UGI development. The work serves as a model for similar digital tools in other locales using Tableau and other platforms.
What’s Inside

  • Multifunctional UGI can regulate stormwater, mitigate heat islands, conserve biodiversity and biocultural diversity, and produce food.

  • DC currently has 150 hectares (ha) of existing UGI in documented projects and an additional 3,012 ha potentially suitable for UGI development.

  • A total of 2,792 (ha) is potentially suitable for UA, with 58% of that area in Wards 5, 7, and 8. These wards are largely food deserts with primarily Black residents, and they experience the greatest inequities.

  • By doing a street address search to find a specific parcel, users can identify the potential a property holds for GI, including rooftop and ground UA, which is helpful for home and property owners and urban farmers.
Community Highlight
This Summer, UDC 4-H Soccer Program Shares Over 400 Participants 
This summer, more than 400 youth have participated in this thrilling program. After pausing for a year due to COVID, we relaunched the first week of July, and it has been successfully operating since.

UDC’s 4-H Soccer Program promotes and organizes youth soccer at both the recreational and competitive levels.

The program develops its players and coaches to allow them to reach their fullest potential. It instills sportsmanship and friendship while creating a healthy living, community, and leadership spirit among all its members.
Want to Watch?

Catch our 4-H Soccer Program in action on UDC’s YouTube channel at the link below:

bit.ly/UDCSoccer

OR
CAUSES CARES: The Firebird Research Farm Donates Over 5,900 Pounds of Fresh and Nutritious Produce to DC Communities!
In July, UDC’s beloved Firebird Farm donated 5,979 pounds of fresh and nutritious produce to Jones Memorial Church in Ward 8, DC Central Kitchen, and Bread for the City. This food came from the controlled environment agriculture systems (hydroponic and aquaponic) and fields.
Special Thanks
These donations were grown and harvested by UDC Project Assistant Victoria Mirowski, Dr. Lavell Merritt, Jr., and Purple Mountain Organics
Student Spotlight
Our NEW Center for Urban Research, Engagement, and Scholarship Welcomes Two NEW Student Research Interns
Micheal Bates
Michael Bates is pursuing a dual Professional Science Master's in Urban Agriculture and Urban Sustainability. He saw this internship as an opportunity to pair his prior experience in hydroponics and aquaponics with soil systems. Michael is currently running a parallel, informal study in a community garden and hoping to build that into something more extensive for the community.

Gayle George
Gayle George is pursuing a Ph.D. in Urban Leadership and Entrepreneurship through the CAUSES program at UDC. She was drawn to this internship by the opportunity to conduct academic research for an international Fulbright-funded project. Gayle's experience increased her knowledge of the urban agricultural landscape in and around the District of Columbia and helped cultivate a green thumb.
The Center for Urban Research, Engagement & Scholarship (CURES), which officially launched June 15th, would like to celebrate its new research interns, Gayle George and Michael Bates, and present its NEW Acting Director, Matthew Richardson. For more program information, please contact matthew.richardson@udc.edu.
Announcements
Check Out CAUSES Facebook Channel! 
Our Facebook channel helps us engage with YOU to promote our many upcoming offerings, events, and innovative activities and learning resources.

Click below to learn how UDC–CAUSES can benefit you professionally or academically. Stay engaged!

You can find our Facebook page at the following social handle: UofDC.CAUSES
Follow us on social stay to updated! #UDC1851
Coming Soon: CAUSES Plans to Launch Customer Service Line for Residents without Internet Access
Need insight on a program, course, or training of interest? Call CAUSES! We are here to help!

Next month, CAUSES will kick off its new chatline service, providing one-on-one sessions for incoming or returning students regarding college and program information.

This new service is OPEN to ALL. Connect with us!
  • Center for Nutrition, Diet, and Health (CNDH)
  • Center for Urban Agriculture and Garden Education (CUAGE)
  • Center for Sustainable Development and Resilience (CSDR)
  • Center for Urban Research, Engagement and Scholarship (CURES)
Connect with CAUSES
Schedule a Meeting with our Centers (M–F between 3–5 PM)
The college aims to ensure all questions are answered and all problems are provided solutions.
NEW Agricultural System Internship Opportunity at UDC Main Campus!
UDC-CAUSES shares a profound and unique passion for small-scale farming, sustainable agriculture, and innovative farming methods while expanding today’s practices amongst the next generation of green leaders.

The Agricultural Fieldwork Intern of the University of the District of Columbia’s Firebird Farm is an integral part of a visionary team of land-grant professionals. The team is dedicated to Urban Agriculture and comprehensive Urban Food Systems that improve urban populations' quality of life and economic opportunity.


DATES NEEDED: This hire is for the fall session (August 23rd – December 8th) with the capacity to extend into Spring.

STIPENDS: The stipend amount for undergraduates is $2,500 over the fall session. The stipend amount for graduate students is $3,000 over the fall session.
To apply or for questions, please contact Lenneita Haigler, lenneita.haigler@udc.edu

Begin your journey today!
Apply now!
Get the Facts: Cultivating Citizenship, Equity, and Social Inclusion in Urban Food Spaces — Fact Sheet by CAUSES Own, Caroline Staub
Urban food movements are growing! These movements provide income for farmers and producers, educate consumers on the value of sustainably grown food, and build a sense of community by connecting civic farmers and food citizens.

Urban farming is an example of civic agriculture. It comprises networks of small-scale, community-oriented farms and food producers that focus on producing local food while nurturing communities' social and economic development.

Gain insight into some of the factors that promote the engagement of low-income communities with urban food spaces in our NEW Fact Sheet.
Contributing Authors:
Caroline Staub, Ph.D.,
University of the District of Columbia

Melissa Poulsen, Ph.D., MPH.,
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Upcoming Events & Workshops
CALLING ALL STAKEHOLDERS:
Virtual Community Listening Session on 9/16
This fall, the University of District of Columbia (UDC) returns with its second Virtual Community Listening Session, this time for its Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education (CUAGE). We kindly invite you all (DC residents and community stakeholders) to participate and assist the university in its mission to implement significant change within your communities and beyond.

What to expect
  • A short presentation by UDC staff on the Center’s programs
  • Facilitated discussion among participants about opportunities, challenges, issues and solutions related to the Center’s current programs 
  • A 3-minute post-event survey to help UDC better capture your feedback and serve the community
For further information, please contact us at causes@udc.edu.
In this session, we will gather feedback from participants on current and potential issues in the communities. Then, we will follow up with possible solutions, utilizing the resources of UDC-CAUSES to mitigate these issues.

Note: An independent consultant will moderate this event to allow an open dialogue. This is the perfect opportunity for you to share your feedback and concerns confidently.

Your voice and thoughts matter! Please share them with UDC!
Save the Date: Research Seminar Series Returns in Time for Fall
The Research Seminar of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) offers opportunities for the community to learn about research underway at CAUSES, UDC, and partner organizations across the United States and around the world. All seminars are held Fridays from 12:00 to 1:30 PM via Zoom.

This unique seminar series airs on September 24th with James Rutenbeck. Please note that this seminar will extend to 2:00 PM.

Meet the Speaker:
James Rutenbeck is a two-time recipient of the Alfred I. DuPont Journalism Award - A Reckoning in Boston.
For more information contact, Dr. Sabine O'Hara at sabine.ohara@udc.edu.
Virtual Open House: RN to BSN
Learn how to complete your degree in 16 months or less by enrolling in our fully online, accredited RN to BSN degree program.
About this Event
Do you have an associate degree in nursing? A 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher? A nursing license (now or in the next few months)? If so, attend our next Virtual Open House for our RN to BSN degree program!

Save the Date
Please join us for an overview of the program on September 8th, 2021, from 5:00–6:00 PM. We will cover the program curriculum, credits, costs, funding opportunities, and career possibilities at this event. We will also answer commonly asked questions in detail. The nursing program will provide all registrants with a link for attendance.

Contact Kenneth J. Cooper, Ph.D., our Student Recruitment and Academic Advising Specialist–RN to BSN Program, for questions and application support at kenneth.cooper@udc.edu.
Please visit our program site to learn more about the RN to BSN program.
Join SNAP-Ed Educators to learn about healthy eating and food safety for older adults.

Classes will explore how to read and understand nutrition facts labels and money-saving tips for grocery shopping.

Each class will include a cooking demonstration with Chef Herb Holden!

Class Returns: 9/13/21
For further information, please contact Miranda Desmarais, SNAP-Ed Program Coordinator, miranda.desmarais@udc.edu.
Trending Virtual Programs
Last Call: DC Master Gardener Continuing Educational Workshop Series
Learn insightful tips and tricks for planning a successful garden.

Final 3 Classes Include:
  • Grow Healthy, Easy-Care Roses
  • The Work is in Our Hands
  • Rain Gardens: Cleaning Our Rivers by Capturing Stormwater

All classes are FREE. 

Series Begins: 9/14/21
Please contact Patrica Bon at patricia.bon@udc.edu.
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Are you interested in advancing your expertise and skill set in food safety management?

This virtual course is designed to teach food safety management principles to create an adaptive food safety culture. The course also includes how to identify and avoid harmful food contaminants,
proper employee health and hygiene, cleaning and sanitation principles, and safe food handling practices. Classes reconvene on 9/13!

Bonus: Participants will have the opportunity to earn a Professional Food Manager certification if they pass the national certification exam with a score of 70% or better.
For additional information about this course, please contact Paul Brown, Jr. at pbrown@udc.edu or 202-841-1902.
MEET UDC-CAUSES
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.

Socially Active? Connect with Us!

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.