Tea and the Taste of Climate Change: A Socio-Ecological Model to Examine Botanical Quality – Seminar by Dr. Selena Ahmed
– Cornell University (School of Integrative Plant Science) Friday, February 27, 2015 at 11:15am to 12:15pm  in Plant Science Building, 404
– Montana State University (Land Resources and Environmental Sciences) Monday, February 23rd, 2015 at 1:10 – 2:00 p.m. 346 Leon Johnson Hall (Annex)
What is the impact of climate change on botanical quality? How can innovative production and processing practices mitigate climatic risk in food and medicinal plant systems?
In this seminar, Dr. Selena Ahmed, explores these questions using tea as a case study. Climate change is impacting agro-ecosystems, crops, and farmer livelihoods in communities worldwide. While it is well understood that more frequent and intense climate events in many areas are resulting in a decline in crop yields, the impact on crop quality is less acknowledged, yet it is critical for food systems that benefit both farmers and consumers through high-quality products. This study examines tea (Camellia sinensis; Theaceae), the world’s most widely consumed beverage after water, as a study system to measure effects of climate variability on crop functional quality and associated farmer knowledge, preferences, and livelihoods. Findings draw from interdisciplinary methods including: (1) field sampling in tea-producing areas of China, (2) controlled green house experiments that manipulate climate scenarios, (3) phytochemical analyses of major antioxidant and flavor compounds in tea, (4) sensory analyses of perceived tea quality and, (5) farmer surveys on ecological knowledge, management and livelihoods. The ultimate goal of this work is to facilitate societal actions towards enhanced sustainability of food systems. This project is supported by the NSF Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems (CNH) Program with collaborators Albert Robbat, Tim Griffin, Colin Orians, Rick Stepp, Sean Cash and Corene Matyas.
Speaker Bio: Selena Ahmed is an Assistant Professor of Sustainable Food Systems at Montana State University where she leads the Food and Health Disparities Integrative Lab. Basic, clinical, and applied projects in this lab examine the socio-ecological, phytonutrient, behavioral and sensory basis of food systems from farm to consumer.

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 Sustainability Administrative Assistants are responsible for assisting in all sustainability functions including logistical support, event support, program support, sustainability reporting, and research.  Sustainability administrative assistants must act with integrity and strictly adhere to all policies and procedures.

Application Deadline: 

Apply Online

In observance of President’s Day, Hirsh Health Sciences Library will be open from 12pm-7pm on Monday, February 16. Enjoy your weekend and have Happy Valentine’s Day as well!

The Director will provide leadership to the campus and act as organizational strategist for sustainability in order to position IUPUI as a leader in sustainability in higher education.

APPLY ONLINE– Job number is 13090.

FINE is currently seeking a researcher for the FSMC Contract Evaluation and Technical Assistance component of the project. The intention of the research is to understand and outline the current and potential value of food service management in meeting the values-based purchasing goals of institutions as they relate to regional food procurement.

Individuals interested in the research position should apply by February 22, 2015.

Application details can be found on their website.

K-I-S-S-I-N-G! Join the staff of the Hirsh Health Sciences Library Thursday 2/12 and Friday 2/13 to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Stop by to warm up, eat some candy, and maybe share a smooch with our resident skeleton heartthrob, Leo. That’s right, Leo is opening a kissing booth!

Alone on Valentine’s Day? Sweetie stranded somewhere in the snow? Don’t despair ladies and gentlemen, there’s plenty of Leo to go around! So stop by the HHSL Service Desk on Sackler 4, from noon – closing on Thursday the 12th and again from 10am – 5pm on Friday the 13 (spooky!). Sneak a smooch*, snap and share some selfies (tweet your pics to @TuftsHHSL), and fuel your winter-battered body and soul with delicious candy!
* Please don’t actually kiss the skeleton. It’s cold and flu season. You have no idea where he’s been. Air kisses only, please.