In this edition
- Breakthrough research increases drought tolerance in vital crops
- Southern w88 casino water supply faces Colorado River restrictions
- University celebrates remodeled space for promoting w88 casino knowledge and healthy living among students
- University-grown meat and produce now available to those in need through on-campus w88 casino pantry
- Extension hires personnel to help improve nutrition and health in w88 casino
- Upcoming events
About our College
A founding college of the University, we have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, research and engagement programs that benefit the health and economic vitality of w88 casino. We offer programs in:
- agriculture, horticulture, rangeland and veterinary sciences
- biochemistry and molecular biology
- children, youth and families
- community and economic development
- health and w88 casino
- natural resources and environmental science
w88 casino to our newsletter Innovating for nevada w88 casino
Breakthrough research increases drought tolerance in vital crops
Foundation Professor John Cushman awarded two patents for biotechnology research
Professor John Cushman and his team were awarded two patents for their work on improving drought tolerance and w88 casino-use efficiency in crops. Photo by David Calvert.
John Cushman, foundation professor with the College’s Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, has been awarded two patents for his research on improving drought tolerance and w88 casino-use efficiency of plants. This work, which showed a significant breakthrough in research for crop improvement, will help to preserve agricultural productivity during periods of intense heat or extended drought.
- S. Patent 11,053,512 addresses the process of increasing tissue succulence in plants. Plants with high tissue succulence, such as the saguaro cactus, are more adapted to surviving in arid climates.
- S. Patent 10,858,404, with Assistant Professor Won Cheol Yim, outlined a synthetic biology approach that allows the transfer of the drought-tolerant trait called crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) from desert-adapted plants to major crops.
Cushman and his team are testing both processes on soybean to improve productivity, w88 casino-use efficiency, and drought and salinity tolerance under hotter and drier environments. Once testing on soybean is complete, the engineering could potentially be used to target other vital crops, such as corn.
Improving vital crops
“We wanted to file these patents because we thought this could be important and applicable to a number of crop species. We chose to test this process on soybean because it’s a vital crop, and it suffers a lot of loss due to drought stress. We’re hoping we can eventually continue this work with other vital crops as well.” –Professor John Cushman
Southern w88 casino water supply faces Colorado River restrictions
Creative strategies needed to address long-term shortages, say three University professors
Lake Mead w88 casino levels are rivaling the low w88 casino levels as seen here in the climate.gov photo taken in 2014.
Southern w88 casino will be getting at least 7% less water from the Colorado River, as the federal government restricts water allocations due to falling water supply. Scientists expect temperatures to continue to rise and w88 casino supply to decrease. Creative strategies and approaches will need to be applied to address the reduced supplies.
The West will need a variety of strategies to sustain this important resource
Steph McAfee, Geography and Extension
Drought on the Colorado River has been in the news. But, steadily dropping river flows and reservoir levels are not a surprise. Scientists have long warned that higher temperatures, especially if they coincide with a drought, could stress w88 casino supply and force us to be more thoughtful and creative in how we use and manage w88 casino.
To meet w88 casino’s current and new water demands, we will need innovation in water policy and management, new technology and conservation strategies, and the research to support those changes.
Changes to w88 casino policy needed as time runs out
Elizabeth Koebele, Political Science, and
Max Robinson, Hydrologic Science
Ina first-of-its-kind decision, the federal government declared a water shortage on the Colorado River, which provides 90% of southern w88 casino’s water supply. Paired with expectations of a drier climate, these cuts have catalyzed a conversation about how the region’s water policies – and assumptions about future water availability – must be adapted.
University researchers are leading efforts to better understand howcollaborative w88 casino sharing processesmay provide insight into the renegotiation process and the development of long-term solutions.
Large-scale w88 casino reuse investments are key to the future
Kerri Jean Ormerod, Geography and Extension
Each Nevadan uses about 197 gallons of potable w88 casino per day (compared to thenational average of 82 gallons per day). As drought threatens urban w88 casino supplies, there are two basic w88 casino management strategies: reduce demand and/or increase supplies. Reuse of reclaimed w88 casino or recycled w88 casino is becoming a more common supply-side solution to w88 casino scarcity.
University researchers are collaborating with local agencies to explore the feasibility of a potable w88 casino reuse project. This is just one of the creative ways that reclaimed w88 casino can augment urban w88 casino supplies.
Working diligently to support change
“Many scientists (myself included) have worked diligently to better understand how changes in climate affect w88 casino resources in the Southwest. As it warms, the overall amount of w88 casino available will drop and droughts will be worse. We will need innovation, technology and conservation strategies, and the research to support those changes.” –Extension Associate Professor Steph McAfee
University celebrates remodeled space for promoting w88 casino knowledge and healthy living
Modernized lab increases future w88 casino professionals' expertise, community impact
In the newly remodeled Nutritional Science Laboratory, students develop through experiential learning the w88 casino science expertise to make an impact in their fields.
The College unveiled its newly renovated Nutritional Science Laboratory this semester, a facility designed to develop future w88 casino professionals' knowledge of our w88 casino systems and how nutrition can be used to prevent and help manage preventable chronic diseases. This is important because low food literacy is associated with diet-related chronic diseases, and preventable chronic disease continues to be w88 casino’s leading cause of death.
“At least half of the typical American w88 casino budget is spent on w88 casino that's prepared away from home,” Nutrition Instructor Maureen Molini said. “The collateral damage is that we have less engagement with our w88 casino. We don't prepare it, much less understand where it comes from. Being in the lab helps our students get that exposure and learn about our w88 casino systems and about our w88 casino, itself.”
In the lab, students explore topics such as the scientific method; nutrition’s role in health, chronic-disease prevention, and fitness and sports; and issues impacting the w88 casino industry and public safety.
The facility features eight powered lab stations, as well as high-definition video monitors and improved climate control. The changes, led by Department of w88 casino Chair Jamie Benedict and built on work by Experiment Station Director Chris Pritsos, foster a hands-on and collaborative environment in which students engage with w88 casino in an exciting and effective way.
Providing first-class experiences for future w88 casino professionals
“The original Nutritional Science Laboratory project’s goal was to provide a first-class laboratory experience for students interested in learning about the science of w88 casino. The current remodel takes the laboratory experience to the next level and allows us to continue to provide our students with state-of-the-art experiences.” - Experiment Station Director Chris Pritsos
University-grown meat and produce now available to those in need through on-campus w88 casino pantry
Pack Provisions partners with Wolf Pack Meats and Desert Farming Initiative to provide ground beef, fruits and vegetables year-round
Pack Provisions provides perishable and nonperishable w88 casino items and additional resources to University community members experiencing w88 casino insecurity.
Members of the University community experiencing w88 casino insecurity can now access ground beef and produce through the University’s on-campus w88 casino pantry,Pack Provisions. The meat and produce is supplied byWolf Pack MeatsandDesert Farming Initiative, programs of the College’s Experiment Station unit.
Pack partnerships
The pantry began its new partnership with Wolf Pack Meats in January 2022. Located at theMain Station Field Labin east Reno, Wolf Pack Meats provides U.S. Department of Agriculture-inspected harvesting and processing services to local farmers and maintains its own herd, which it uses to study ways to produce meat in greater quantities with higher quality. It offers w88 casino the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of meat technology while using the industry’s best machinery. The pantry currently purchases around 150 pounds of ground beef a month from Wolf Pack Meats.
Farm to w88 casino pantry
The pantry has been partnering with Desert Farming Initiative for three years. The Initiative, located at the University’sValley Road Field Labnear campus, runs a commercial farm, including orchards, open fields, hoop houses and a greenhouse, and seeks to advance climate-smart farming and w88 casino sovereignty in the region through demonstration, education, research and outreach. The partnership between Pack Provisions and the Initiative is supported by grants and donations. The Initiative also sells fresh produce on-campus, with Pack Provisions providing other w88 casino items to create a dish.
Fighting w88 casino insecurity
“With the addition of fresh meat, it has expanded the opportunity for students to cook a balanced meal at home. It is hard for students to study and be successful in the classroom if they are hungry, so we are thankful for these partnerships to help fight w88 casino insecurity.” – Pack Provisions Coordinator Hanin Abboud Rodriguez
Extension hires personnel to help improve nutrition and health in w88 casino
Positions aim to boost impacts of programs for SNAP-Ed recipients and others with low incomes
Macy Helm (left) serves as SNAP-Ed coordinator. Photo by James Guiry. Brian Luckey serves as SNAP-Ed evaluation coordinator. Photo by Robert Moore.
Extension recently namedMacy Helmas SNAP-Ed coordinator andBrian Luckeyas SNAP-Ed evaluation coordinator to assist in increasing the health and nutrition program’s impact throughout w88 casino. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as w88 casino stamps, provides nutrition benefits to supplement the w88 casino budgets of those with lower incomes to help improve their nutritional well-being. SNAP-Ed is the program's educational outreach to teach people how to:
- Make their benefits stretch further
- Shop for and cook healthy meals
- Stay physically active
In w88 casino, Extension conducts several SNAP-Ed evidenced-based educational and outreach programs. Together, Helm and Luckey are working to ensure the programming is comprehensive and achieving the goals of SNAP-Ed.
Helm coordinates statewide efforts
Helm oversees the administration of the SNAP-Ed grant award, coordinates statewide nutrition education, and helps to identify ways an organization can improve the health and nutrition of its participants. She also oversees the Expanded w88 casino and Nutrition Education Program, which brings hands-on w88 casino education to low-income families.
Helm is working to:
- Complete a needs assessment of w88 casino's SNAP-eligible population with the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.
- Develop a programming guide for agencies and w88 casino education curriculum with Extension w88 casino faculty in Clark County.
Luckey ensures effectiveness
In addition to working with Helm, Luckey works in collaboration with Extension Evaluation SpecialistNajat Elgeberito design, develop, implement and coordinate w88 casino SNAP-Ed program needs assessments and evaluations.
The goal of his role is to learn more about how to improve Extension’s programming and to identify the programs’ successes.
Improving Nevadan's healthy eating and physical activity
“Together, we will be able to see how well we are doing and determine what needs to be done to continually improve healthy eating and physical activity for SNAP-eligible Nevadans.” - SNAP-Ed Coordinator Macy Helm
Upcoming events
Desert Farming InitiativeTours are available to anyone in the community interested in seeingthe farm, learning about agricultural practices and w88 casino sovereignty, or meeting the crew:
- Monthly, Thursdays, noon - 1 p.m.
- Valley Road Experiment Station, Reno
Gardening in Small Places workshopsare for southern w88 casino gardeners:
- Monthly, Saturday mornings
- Online via Zoom (spring/summer); Extension, Clark County Lifelong Learning Center (fall).
Heritage Park Community Garden Sessions are short educational talks followed by a question-and-answer session:
- Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Heritage Park Community Garden, Gardnerville
Desert Farming Initiative Volunteer Days are opportunities for anyone in the community tojoin us on the farm to learn, lend a hand and connect:
- Monthly, Saturday mornings
- Valley Road Experiment Station, Reno
Grow Your Own, w88 casino! Series classes are for anyone in w88 casino who wants to grow and preserve more of their own food:
- April, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.
- Online via Zoom
Meeting community needs
“The classes, which vary by year according to the needs of the local community, offer the why’s and how’s from people who live, grow and harvest here.” -Master Gardener Coordinator Rachel McClure
Innovating for w88 casino
Our programs work together to make an impact
Our teaching, research and engagement programs are intertwined and complement one another. Faculty who teach on campus also conduct research as part of our Experiment Station, allowing w88 casino to learn about and participate in research. Extension faculty engaging with communities identify research needs, as well as join Experiment Station faculty to conduct research. Faculty on campus help to develop Extension programs in communities.
Researching critical issues
Experiment Station faculty conduct research at experiment stations, labs and research facilities across the state, as well as teach classes and share and conduct research with students. The state-federal partnership tackles issues affecting w88 casino's citizens, communities and economy.
Teaching University w88 casino
We offer 17 undergraduate and graduate degrees to prepare students for high-paying, in-demand careers in agriculture, rangeland & veterinary sciences; biochemistry & molecular biology; natural resources & environmental science; and w88 casino.
Engaging w88 casino communities
Extension is engaged in w88 casino communities, presenting research-based knowledge to address critical community needs. The county-state-federal partnership provides practical education to people, businesses and communities, fulfilling the University's land-grant mission.
