April 2015

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From the Dean

Jay AkridgeRecently, I spent a few minutes with Jim Morris, currently President of Pacers Sports and Entertainment and a member of the Board of Trustees at Indiana University. More relevant for our College, Jim served as Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme from 2002-2007. In this role, he oversaw the world’s largest food aid organization – reaching over 100 million people in more than 80 countries. He is now the honorary co-chair of the Alliance to End Hunger, a broad-based collaborative organization pulling together industry, academe, government, NGOs, and religious organizations in strategic partnerships aimed at addressing hunger. Obviously, his academic allegiances are ‘cream and crimson’, but he has always impressed me with his understanding of, and respect for, the work we do in the College of Agriculture – especially work aimed at addressing food insecurity.

My interaction with Jim was brief and in a social setting, but as I was leaving and he was shaking my hand, he said, “Make sure you stop and take some time to reflect on the important work your College is doing. It is very important work, and you should give that some thought.” Maybe because it was at the end of a very busy week, but his words really resonated with me. The work our College does IS important, and we SHOULD reflect on that point – maybe especially at this time of year.

April always brings an extraordinary level of activity to the College: end of year student celebrations; graduation; graduate students working to complete theses and dissertations; unit annual reporting and budget preparation; planning for summer county fairs and Extension activities; and all the other things that happen as the semester winds down and everyone scrambles to get papers, projects, grants, travel plans, etc., wrapped up before summer starts. It is easy to get focused on the immediate tasks at hand, the inevitable problems that arise, the tensions that can come with what seems like too much to do and not enough time to do it.

At some point in the middle of all this activity, I would ask that you pause, take a step back, and reflect a bit on how important what you are doing really is. Whether you are helping grow our next generation of leaders in the classroom or through your support of co-curricular activities and advising; helping find solutions for problems in the food security, food safety, energy, health, environment, and natural resources, among many more areas; expanding what we know about an area of science; developing and delivering Extension programs that are building a stronger Indiana; addressing a key challenge or issue in a developing country; or directly supporting someone who is doing these things through your role in our business office, IT, communications, in the front office of your department, at the farms -– please accept the challenge Jim gave me. For at least a few minutes, whatever your job description or role in the College, consider the broader purpose of what you are doing, the difference you are making and the impact you have. I am hopeful that a few minutes of reflection will help you navigate this amazingly busy time of year equipped with some level of personal satisfaction that you truly are making a difference in what you do.

I wish each of you all the best as you wrap up this semester, and as always, thank you for making this College a very special place.

All the best,

Jay

 

 


Purdue Agriculture People

 

 

Ag Research Spotlight: Dev Niyogi 

Dev NiyogiThe Ag Research Spotlight shines each month on an individual whose work reflects our commitment to the six strategic themes that guide Agricultural Research at Purdue. Our spotlight for March is on Dev Niyogi, Agronomy, whose work underscores the theme, “Facilitating informed decision making to improve economic and social well-being.”

Full story: https://www2.ag.purdue.edu/arp/Pages/Spotlight-Niyogi.aspx#.VSRYGVXF-8l

 


Students ‘Magnify’ Agriculture during Purdue Ag Week

Magnify logoThe fourth annual Purdue Ag Week, hosted by students and created to share information about the importance of agriculture with the campus community, will take place April 12-17 on the Purdue University campus. This year’s theme is “mAGnify: A Closer Look at Agriculture.” It highlights aspects of community, technology and hunger as related to agriculture. “I am most excited for Purdue Ag Week because I enjoy watching students in the College of Agriculture with very diverse backgrounds share their passion for agriculture with other Boilermakers,” said Zach Frazier, Ag Week Task Force president and junior in agricultural economics and animal sciences.

For a complete rundown of events planned for each day of Ag Week, click here: http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/in_focus/2015/April/2015AgWeek.pdf


Spring Fest coming April 18-19

Spring FestMark your calendars and plan to join us April 18 and 19, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for Purdue's largest engagement activity. Spring Fest is an annual event showcasing the lighter side of higher education. This free event is a great opportunity for students of all ages to learn about animals, art, astronomy, and much more in two full days of hands-on activities. It's part education, part entertainment, and all fun!

More information: https://ag.purdue.edu/springfest/Pages/default.aspx


Nominations for Women in Ag Awards now accepted

Extension logoPurdue Extension's Women in Agriculture committee is accepting nominations for the organization's top awards through May 1. Awards for leadership and achievement will be given during the 2015 Indiana State Fair in August to women who are leaders and innovators in the Indiana agricultural industry. Nominees for the Achievement Award must be an essential part of their family business or personal farm business. Leadership Award nominees hold leadership roles in agriculture such as educational, veterinarian, service, nonprofit or corporate positions. Women may nominate themselves or others who reside in Indiana and are not currently employed by Purdue. Nominators must submit the nomination form found at http://bit.ly/1aXEvJZ to Danica Kirkpatrick at danica@purdue.edu.       

 

Nominations open for Business Office Service Award

The College of Agriculture Business Office Service Award recognizes the significant efforts of business office staff members who consistently exert effort above and beyond to help accomplish the College’s strategic goals. A cash award will be given each year to a staff member in each classification at the annual spring appreciation gathering. The award honors Exempt AP, Non-Exempt AP, and Clerical staff. Nominations must be submitted by April 30.

More information: http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/in_focus/2015/April/CoABusinessOfficeServiceAward2015.pdf

 

College honors eight Distinguished Agriculture Alumni

Distinguished AlumniEight educators, executives and researchers received 2015 Distinguished Agriculture Alumni (DAA) Awards, the College of Agriculture's top honor. The DAA award recognizes Purdue Agriculture alumni who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments, made significant contributions to their professions or to society in general and exhibit high potential for future professional growth. The 2015 class brings to 208 the number of alumni who have received the award since it was created in 1992. "As with all previous recipients, the new inductees are terrific examples of what Purdue Agriculture produces every year - farmers, scientists, educators, entrepreneurs and business executives who become leaders in their fields," said Dean Jay Akridge. "We are very proud of them and what they have accomplished to this point in their careers. And, we are even more excited about what they will yet accomplish."

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2015/Q1/8-to-join-purdues-distinguished-agriculture-alumni-roll.html

 

 

Purdue Parents Network a resource for Purdue employees with kids

kidsThe Purdue Parents Network (PPN) is a resource created by parents (and their concerned friends) for parents. The group's goal is to provide an avenue for parents within Purdue University to network, share information, and find support within the Purdue community. All Purdue employees with families (and those thinking of starting a family) are invited to join the Purdue Parent Network.

More information: http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/in_focus/2014/October/PPN_InvitationToJoin.pdf

 

 

Training modules available for faculty and staff

Risk Management, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance and the Office of the Vice President for Human Resources, announces the availability of the Risk Management Employment Claims Initiative education program. The program helps employees and supervisors understand employment-related issues such as discrimination, harassment, disability awareness and accommodations, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), overtime rates, and other university leave policies. Participants will complete four training modules and corresponding certification quizzes: 1) Equal Opportunity; 2) Americans with Disabilities Act; 3) Wage and Hour Issues for Employees and Supervisors; and 4) Family and Medical Leave Act and University Leave Policies.

The training modules and instructions for accessing the certification quizzes are located on the Purdue Employee Portal. Each training module is approximately 20 to 25 minutes long. Training on the Americans with Disabilities Act and Equal Opportunity will also fulfill College of Agriculture requirements for civil rights training as required by the USDA. All faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to complete these training modules. Faculty and staff participation in these training modules impacts the College's share of insurance costs.



Awards and Recognitions

 

Larry DeBoerLarry DeBoer, Agricultural Economics, received a 2015 Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award. This award is the Purdue's highest undergraduate teaching honor. Prior to 1987, the award was sponsored by the Amoco Foundation. The Murphy Award is accompanied by a $10,000 cash award and induction into Purdue's Teaching Academy, which provides leadership for the improvement of undergraduate, graduate and outreach teaching. Murphy was a history professor at Purdue from 1927 to 1970. Professor Joan Fulton surprised Larry in his classroom with the announcement.

 

 

Esters and HarrisonLevon Esters, Youth Development and Agricultural Education, and Gerald Harrison, Agricultural Economics, were among five Purdue faculty and staff members selected to receive 2015 Helping Hands Awards from College Mentors for Kids for their mentoring of Purdue students and children within the community. College Mentors for Kids pairs first- through sixth-grade students with college student mentors in one-on-one mentoring relationships. The Purdue Chapter of College Mentors for Kids serves more than 240 kids at various Lafayette-area elementary and middle schools.


Raymond FloraxRaymond Florax, Agricultural Economics, has been named a Fellow of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI). RSAI is a world-wide scholarly association with more than 4,000 members. The organization unites economists, geographers, planners and transportation engineers with an interest in regional impacts of national or global processes of economic and social change.

 

 

kee-hong kimKee-Hong Kim, Food Science, received the American Society for Nutrition's (ASN) 2015 Korean Nutrition Society (KNS) Award. The award was created by the Society in 2010 to improve understanding and co-operation between KNS and ASN, and to promote excellence in nutrition research conducted by a North American scientist who is an ASN member. Dr. Kim received the award at a ceremony held on March 29 during the Experimental Biology meeting in Boston.

 

 

Pamala MorrisPamala Morris, Assistant Dean and Director of the Office of Multicultural Programs in the College of Agriculture, was presented with the Transformations “Leadership in Diversity” Award in recognition of her accomplishment in making transformative change both within your college, and field. Specifically, she was honored for her innovative and groundbreaking work in curricular development; eXtension; and her leadership of the Diversity Action Team in Agriculture (DATA) group’s  approach to furthering diversity. The award was presented during the Transformations Forum on April 1 in the Purdue Memorial Union.

 

Bob NielsenBob Nielsen, Agronomy, was presented with a Beck’s Hybrids Beyond the Fence Award at the Indiana Livestock Forage and Grain Forum held in Indianapolis in March. He was recognized with the Ag Education Outreach award for his outstanding contributions to Indiana agricultural education. The Beck’s Beyond the Fence awards are sponsored by Beck’s Hybrids of Atlanta, Ind., in conjunction with the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Growers Association and are presented annually to individuals who are advocates of farmers and the agriculture industry across the state.

 


University Faculty ScholarsFour College of Agriculture faculty members have been selected as 2015 University Faculty Scholars: Ian Kaplan, Entomology; Shihuan Kuang, Animal Sciences; Roberto Lopez, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture; and Marisol Sepúlveda, Forestry and Natural Resources. The University Faculty Scholars program recognizes outstanding faculty who are on an accelerated path for academic distinction in the discovery and dissemination of knowledge. Dr. Kaplan’s work exploiting predator-prey relationships in biological control of insect herbivores is internationally recognized; Dr. Kuang’s research gives promise for enhancing food security through a greater understanding of the regulation of muscle stem cell differentiation relevant to food animal growth; Dr. Lopez focuses on energy-efficient production of floriculture and leafy green vegetable crops in various environments; and Dr. Sepúlveda conducts excellent research in the area of environmental toxicology and health of wild animals.

 

Marliese OrrMarliese Orr, business office account clerk in Food Science, received a 'Thumbs Up' recognition from Jeannette Merritt, marketing director for the Indiana Wine Grape Council: "I'd like to recognize Marliese Orr for helping me deal with a long-distance phone issue. I have an 800 number for the Indiana wine industry and discovered that I'd been billed for fraudulent calls. Marliese spent hours on the phone with AT and T arguing those calls and ended up getting me a credit for the fraudulent calls. Marliese goes above and beyond whenever you need her." -- Jeanette Merritt (Indiana Wine Grape Council)

 

 

Karil SommersKaril Sommers, Ag Business Office, received a 'Thumbs Up' recognition from Kimber Nicoletti, YDAE: "Thank you to Karil Sommers in the Agricultural Business Office, who has provided the most outstanding services and has improved our ability to run the MESA program over the past few months. She has worked so hard. We cannot thank her enough for her positive attitude, hard work and sharp eye for detail!" -- Kimber Nicoletti (Youth Development and Agricultural Education)

 

Jennifer AllenJennifer Allen, a graduate student in Food Science, received a 2nd place award for her research poster on flavonoids and protein interactions at the MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) 30th Annual Career Fair and Training Conference in Houston, Texas.

 

 

 

Amber Furrer Sydney MoserAmber Furrer and Sydney Moser, graduate students in Food Science working with Dr. Mario Ferruzzi's research team, placed 2nd and 3rd in the Emerging Leaders in Nutrition Poster session sponsored by the Dietary Bioactive Research Interest Section at the American Society for Nutrition annual meeting.

 

 


Jaycey HardensteinJaycey Hardenstein, a senior in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, is one of two Purdue students invited to participate in the 19th Annual Council on Undergraduate Research "Posters on the Hill" event in Washington, DC on April 22 and 23. The Council on Undergraduate Research, founded in 1978, is a national organization of individual and institutional members representing over 900 colleges and universities. Jaycey's research project was one of 60 selected from some 500 entries nationwide. Jaycey works with Dr. Michael Ladisch.

 

Morgan MeiserMorgan Meiser, a junior in Food Science working with Dr. Joe Kokini, received a 2015 Institute of Food Technology (IFT) Food Engineering Division Undergraduate Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student pursuing a research project focusing on any aspect of food process engineering. 

 

 

 

Sydney MoserSydney Moser, graduate student in Food Science studying with Dr. Mario Ferruzzi, received a student research award from the PhenHRig, the Phenolics and Health Research Interest Group, a society affiliated with the American Society for Nutrition. Sydney was recognized for her project on potato phenolics modulate rate of glucose transport.

 

 


Josh NelsonJosh Nelson, a program assistant with the College of Agriculture's MESA Program, was selected as one of the 100 Black LGBTQ Leaders to Watch by the National Black Justice Coalition. The National Black Justice Coalition in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign, hosted an “Emerging Leaders Day at the White House” on March 25, where in addition to lunch at the White House, participants heard briefings on policy issues that affect the Black LGBTQ/SGL community.

 

Beth PletschElizabeth (Beth) Pletsch a graduate student in Food Science working with Dr. Bruce Hamaker, received a Best Poster Award at the 2015 Experimental Biology in the Nutrition Translation, Research Interest Section at the American Society for Nutrition annual meeting. Her poster title was 'Understanding Aspects of Carbohydrate Quality in Rice Related to Differences in Gastric Emptying Rate'

 

 

 

Animal Sciences TeamThe Purdue Animal Sciences Academic Quadrathlon Team received 4th in practicum, 4th in presentation, 3rd in exam and 2nd overall in the Animal Sciences Academic Quadrathalon held in Des Moines, Iowa in March. The competition, held in conjunction with the Midwest Animal and Dairy Science Meetings, tests teams’ animal science knowledge and skills through a lab practicum, an oral presentation, a written exam, and a quiz bowl. The Animal Sciences team is composed of Alex Hegg, Rachael Kempfer, Michaela Long and Kayla Mills.

 

Congratulations to the 2015 Purdue Livestock Judging Team for winning the All-East Contest in late March. Matt Claeys, Extension Specialist in Animal Sciences and team coach,notes that each team member was recognized individually at least once for various placings.  


Purdue Agriculture in the News

 

Purdue to host National Conference for Agribusiness

CAB ConferenceAgribusiness professionals can improve their ability to manage talent and better understand performance management by attending the National Conference for Agribusiness, set Nov. 10-11 at Purdue. The theme of this year’s conference is People – Performance – Productivity. Purdue faculty and industry guest speakers will discuss information from Purdue’s first-ever survey of agribusiness managers regarding their performance management practices. The conference, organized by Purdue's Center for Food and Agricultural Business, will examine several key topics from the survey data, including practical steps that companies can take to improve the way they manage their people. The cost to attend is $995 if attendees register before September 1. Continuing education credit and Certified Crop Adviser credit is available. See more information at the link below or call the Center at 765-494-4247.

More information: http://agribusiness.purdue.edu/seminars-and-events/national-conference-for-agribusiness

 

Purdue leading research to improve water management on farms

Frankenberger Draining graphicJane Frankenberger, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, is heading a $5 million project examining the economic and environmental benefits and costs of storing water on farms in ways for crops to use it when they need it and to reduce nutrients draining into waterways. The five-year research addressing the issues of farm nutrients draining from fields and causing problems downstream, and the need for water in the late summer to irrigate sometimes parched crops. "Both of these problems are expected to get more pressing with climate change," Frankenberger said. "This research will collect data now that will help farmers make better decisions in the future." The research is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2015/Q1/purdue-leading-research-to-improve-water-management-on-farms.html

 

Expert on U.S. food, nutrition policies to present Snyder lecture

Helen JensenAn Iowa State University economist who researches national food and nutrition policies will give the 2015 James C. Snyder Memorial Lecture on April 10 at Purdue. Helen H. Jensen's presentation, "An Economist's Perspective on Policies to Target Nutrition and Dietary Choices," will be in the auditorium of the Krannert Building starting at 2:45 p.m. The event, presented by the Department of Agricultural Economics, is free and open to the public. Jensen is a professor of economics and leads the food and nutrition policy research at Iowa State's Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, an internationally recognized research center that addresses issues of the food, agricultural and natural resource sectors. Her research is in the economics and design of food and nutrition programs and policies, food insecurity, food demand and markets, and food safety regulations and builds on strong, interdisciplinary collaborations.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2015/Q2/expert-on-u.s.-food,-nutrition-policies-to-present-snyder-lecture.html

 

Extension app records horse body condition score

horseExtension horse specialists from Purdue and the University of Nebraska have developed an app that enables smartphone users to calculate a horse's body condition score and record the score with a photo of the horse. The HorseBCS app will be helpful for any horse owner or other trained equine professional. Law enforcement personnel also will benefit from the app, along with 4-H'ers and their leaders, as they learn the proper technique of caring for a horse. "Body condition scoring is a vital part of monitoring your horse's health and assessing your feeding program. Changes in body condition can be indicators of other health issues, as well," said Colleen Brady of Purdue Extension. Brady partnered with University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension specialist Kathy Anderson in developing the app.

Full story:http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2015/Q1/extension-app-records-horse-body-condition-score-.html

 

Purdue Student Farm to launch Farm Share program

farmers marketBeginning in June, the Purdue Student Farm’s Farm Share program will offer a new way for patrons to purchase its vegetables, herbs and cut flowers. To become a member of the Farm Share program at Purdue, customers will purchase a $250 produce credit, and they’ll have 10 weeks to spend the entire amount on seasonally available vegetables, herbs and flowers grown at the Student Farm. Members can spend as much or as little as they want each week until their credit is used up or the session expires. The Farm Share program will take place over two 10-week sessions during 2015. Session I is from June 15 to Aug. 20, and Session II follows from Aug. 24 to Oct. 29.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/purduetoday/releases/2015/Q2/purdue-student-farm-to-launch-farm-share-program-.html

 

Soybean-based air freshener tops in Purdue student contest

soybean sniffsA team that created a soybean-based air freshener won the top prize in the 2015 Student Soybean Product Innovation Competition of the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Purdue University. The three students who developed Soy Sniffs will receive a $20,000 prize for their first-place entry in the annual contest, which challenges Purdue students to develop new products based on soybean. This year, 13 teams composed of 39 students competed. The Soy Sniffs team members are Evan Anderson, an agricultural and biological engineering major of Churubusco, Indiana; his brother, Sean, majoring in forestry; and Sara Richert, a public relations/strategic communications major of Oak Park, Illinois. A second-place award of $10,000 went to a team that produced biodegradable flower pots. All members of this year's runner-up team, with its entry of Soycotta Pots, are from Corydon. They are Tyler Allen, a computer engineering student; Levi Jackson, majoring in agricultural and biological engineering; and Chelsea Sullivan, studying accounting and marketing.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2015/Q1/soybean-based-air-freshener-tops-in-purdue-student-contest.html


 

Purdue webinar to provide latest PEDv information

Allan SchinckelImproved measures for prevention and treatment have helped slow the spread of porcine epidemic diarrhea, but the virus remains a significant threat, says Allan Schinckel, professor of animal sciences. Any hog exposed to PEDv could trigger another outbreak. PEDv causes intestinal disease in swine of all ages but has an especially high mortality rate among pre-weaned piglets. In 2014, PEDv was blamed for the deaths of millions of baby pigs, reducing hog production by about 7 percent and driving up pork prices. Fewer deaths have been reported in 2015, due in part to increased biosecurity including the increased use of disinfectants in trailers, pens and other places where hogs are transported and regrouped, Schinckel said. To help producers, veterinarians, students and faculty stay informed on the latest developments, Purdue's Pork Interest Group will host a PEDv meeting April 13. The meeting will also be presented as a live webinar.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2015/Q2/purdue-webinar-to-provide-latest-pedv-information.html

 

Purdue Center for Animal Welfare Science to present symposium

Candace CroneyPurdue University's Center for Animal Welfare Science will bring together researchers, producers, government officials and others in its first symposium exploring how science can help allay mounting public concern over the well-being of animals. The daylong event, "Addressing Current Animal Welfare Issues: Scientific Challenges and Their Societal Context," will be held May 21 on the West Lafayette campus. "This inaugural symposium examines why animal welfare remains a matter of growing public concern and why it is important to put science in its appropriate social context to help resolve socially contentious animal welfare issues," said Candace Croney, associate professor of animal sciences and director of the center. The program is intended to be useful for scientists, students, veterinarians, animal producers, various animal industry personnel, legislators and interested members of the general public. Topics to be explored will include agricultural, companion and laboratory animal welfare challenges and opportunities.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2015/Q1/purdue-center-for-animal-welfare-science-to-present-symposium.html

 

New class of insecticides offers safer, more targeted mosquito control

larvaePurdue researchers have identified a new class of chemical insecticides that could provide a safer, more selective means of controlling mosquitoes that transmit key infectious diseases such as dengue, yellow fever and elephantiasis. Known as dopamine receptor antagonists, the chemicals beat out the neurotransmitter dopamine to lock into protein receptors that span the mosquito cell membrane. Disrupting the mechanics of dopamine - which plays important roles in cell signaling, movement, development and complex behaviors - eventually leads to the insect's death. The researchers used the mosquito genome to pinpoint chemicals that will be more selective than current insecticides, which bind readily to molecules in humans and non-target insects, said Catherine Hill, professor of entomology and Showalter Faculty Scholar. "These are sophisticated designer drugs," she said. "They're like personalized medicine for mosquitoes - but in this case, the medicine is lethal."

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2015/Q2/new-class-of-insecticides-offers-safer,-more-targeted-mosquito-control.html

 

Events at state park to raise awareness of hellbender preservation

HellbenderCrawfish is a common food of the hellbender and likewise will be on the menu for people at a Purdue Extension dinner and festivities designed to raise awareness of efforts to save the endangered salamander in Indiana. The April 11 "Feast Like a Hellbender" will be at the Hickory Hollow Nature Center at O'Bannon Woods State Park in Corydon. The all-you-can-eat Cajun cuisine dinner will include crawfish étouffée, boiled crawfish, shrimp creole, jambalaya, and rice and beans, with optional menu items for children. There will be arts and crafts such as face painting and coloring, games for the family, live animals on display and door prizes donated by local sponsors.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2015/Q1/events-at-state-park-to-raise-awareness-of-hellbender-preservation.html

 

Faculty seed grants available from Center for Global Food Security

Global Food Security CenterThe Purdue Center for Global Food Security (PCGFS) has issued a call for the second round of its Faculty Seed Grants. Purdue faculty teams may submit research proposals for internal seed grants directed at innovative research approaches for resolving major global food and nutrition security challenges. These seed grants are to foster collaboration by interdisciplinary groups of research faculty taking novel approaches to key, grand challenges impacting global food and nutrition security. These seed grants are expected to serve as a path for generating new and novel data and information needed to develop more complete projects that will then be submitted to external donor agencies for competitive funding. Applications are due on Friday, May 15 at 5:00 pm. Any questions regarding the call for proposals should be directed to Gary Burniske – grburniske@purdue.edu.

More information: http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/in_focus/2015/April/CGFS2015FacultySeedGrant.pdf


University News

President issues statement affirming University's commitment to nondiscrimination policy

Purdue works hard every day to be an open and welcoming institution, and we stand by our university-wide policy on nondiscrimination, which prohibits “discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.” We will continue our proactive and persistent efforts to ensure that all members of the University community feel welcome and supported. While a longstanding Board of Trustees policy precludes Purdue taking institutional positions on matters such as the current controversy, we wish to take this opportunity to affirm our unwavering commitment to our principles and our opposition to any governmental measure that would interfere with their practice on our campuses.

 

Purdue to host P-12 Networking Summit

Purdue faculty and staff are invited to attend the Purdue P-12 Networking Summit on April 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Hall of Discovery and Learning Research. The event is intended to give faculty and staff engaged with P-12 schools a forum to interact with each other, share ideas, and develop collaborations that make programs more effective. The summit will feature speakers, breakout sessions and a poster session.

More information: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/purduetoday/releases/2015/Q2/purdues-inaugural-p-12-networking-summit-set-for-april-20.html

 

Purdue joining national effort to attack 'grand challenges'

Purdue University has joined a group of 122 U.S. universities to educate a new generation of engineers with specialties aimed at tackling some of the most pressing issues facing society. The initiative focuses on "grand challenges" identified through efforts such as the White House Strategy for American Innovation, the National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges for Engineering, and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. The challenges are described as complex yet potentially achievable goals to improve national and international health, security, sustainability and quality of life in the 21st century. These include goals such as engineering better medicines, making solar energy cost-competitive with fossil fuels, securing cyberspace and advancing personalized learning tools to deliver better education to more students.

Full story: http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2015/Q1/purdue-joining-national-effort-to-attack-grand-challenges.html



Human Resources encourages supervisors to use new employee orientation

The Office of the Vice President for Human Resources implemented University-wide orientation for new employees in 2012. The goal of this program is to support new staff members in assimilating quickly and successfully into the Purdue culture and to offer a foundation of knowledge regarding mission, organizational structure and functions. New employee orientation is offered weekly on Mondays. Supervisors should register new employees for orientation at the time an open position is filled. The success of this program depends on supervisors' registering employees to take part. Participation is highly encouraged, and feedback is welcome. To register for new employee orientation or new supervisor training, go to https://purdue.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_0DIm9bes4Mx2gQs. Additional tools, including onboarding assistance, an agenda for orientation, parking information and upcoming dates and locations, are available online at www.purdue.edu/hr/careers/resources/employeeorientation.html. Questions about new employee orientation may be directed to Teresa Rohler at 49-41679 or teresar@purdue.edu.