Mark your calendars for 2022 ACES Family Academies July 14, 15
URBANA, Ill. – The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Alumni Association has announced the dates for the 2022 ACES Family Academies. The family-friendly experience will be held July 14-15 on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
Award-winning U of I professor uses jazz hands to teach animal science
URBANA, Ill. – When students walk into Anna Dilger’s classroom, they can expect play dough, cartoons, and dancing. But Dilger’s students aren’t kindergartners; they’re college students at the University of Illinois. And they’re learning from one of the best food and agriculture teachers in the country.
Ag disruptors: New Illinois major is for you
URBANA, Ill. – When he thinks about where he’ll be in five to 10 years, recent University of Illinois graduate Austin Parish sees himself disrupting the agriculture industry. In a good way.
“Right now, our only limitation in ag is how big we can think. I'm excited to be working alongside startups to bring more data and technology than ever to disrupt the plant biotechnology space,” he says.
Incoming FSHN student goes all out with blue-on-blue recipe
URBANA, Ill. – “I’m interested in studying hospitality management because I want to go into a career in food and restaurant management as well as owning my own bakery. I expect to learn the ins and outs of how the restaurant industry operates,” says Megan Darga, a first-year student this fall in food science and human nutrition (FSHN).
Task force takes on professional development, global collaboration for ag journalists
URBANA, Ill. – Now more than ever, with an ever-evolving agriculture industry, support for global efforts in agricultural communication is needed. Journalists representing the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) from member regions across the globe are working together to make new recommendations for education, training, and professional development programs to provide that support.
Cash in on cannabis craze with online course, certificate at Illinois
URBANA, Ill. – With a growing number of states legalizing the sale and personal cultivation of cannabis, including medical and recreational marijuana and hemp, farmers and home growers need to know the ins and outs of the crop. Now, enthusiasts and full-scale producers alike can learn to classify and manage cannabis production in an online course through the University of Illinois.
Professionals credit robust online master’s work with ag career successes
URBANA, Ill. – Alex Pate is on a mission to make sure fellow Chicagoans have access to healthy, locally grown foods. As a farm manager with City Farm, the oldest sustainable urban farm in the city, Pate collaborates with mutual aid organizations to get free produce in the hands of those who need it.
NIFA grant project aims to develop virtual reality training for ag safety education
URBANA, Ill.– Safety awareness is critical for operators of agricultural equipment, and a core component of training for applicator technicians. A new University of Illinois project aims to develop virtual reality (VR) simulation materials for an immersive learning experience.
New companion animal certificate draws pet professionals, enthusiasts
URBANA, Ill. – When Lizzy Geary began contemplating graduate programs for companion animal nutrition, she knew she needed an edge. As an undergraduate in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois, she heard of a new certificate program that would set her apart from the rest.
Community colleges line up new transfer pathways into ACES
URBANA, Ill. – The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) this fall added three new in-state transfer pathway programs for Illinois Valley Community College, Richland Community College, and Triton College students.