askACES: Recent Episodes
College of ACES
Bats are ecological heroes, especially for agriculture. Hear from Joy O' Keefe and Frank Tillman from the Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences in ACES about how building and providing appropriate shelter for bats with bat boxes can keep them safe. Find more info at: https://wildlife.nres.illinois.edu/tips-for-making-bat-boxes-safer-for-bats/.
Hosted by: Carolina Garibay Produced by: Stephanie Henry
Hear from Alexa Smith, a senior in natural resources & environmental sciences in ACES, who was awarded this year's Lincoln Laureate Student Award for the University of Illinois. Smith published a book on sustainability, and has led several initiatives on and off campus to support the zero waste movement. Each fall, an outstanding senior from each of the four-year degree-granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois is awarded the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award. They become Student Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. In the spirit of Lincoln, Student Laureates are honored for their leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.
Hosted by: Carolina Garibay Produced by: Carolina Garibay
During a recent interview with WITY's Dennis Michelson, Jennifer Smist, ALEC instructor, talks about the agricultural leadership, education, and communications program and how ALEC students can be effective leaders and communicators.
Jill Craft, clinical associate professor and program director and advisor in hospitality management, and Yuan-Xiang Pan, associate professor of nutrition and associate head for undergraduate programs, from the Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition talks with WITY's Dennis Michelson about programs in FSHN.
Agricultural & Biological Engineering department head, Ronaldo Maghirang and Paul Davidson, associate professor, speak with WITY’s Dennis Michelson about programs offered in ABE.
Caroline Helton, senior academic advisor and recruitment coordinator for the Department of Agricultural & Consumer Economics talks with WITY's Dennis Michelson about programs in ACE.
During a recent interview with WITY's Dennis Michelson, Barbara Anderson, HDFS academic advisor, and HDFS student Alia, talk about the human development & family studies major and how HDFS students can make a difference in others' lives.
Hope Michelson, an associate professor of agricultural and consumer economics, talks with WITY's Dennis Michelsen about agricultural careers. Dr. Michelson studies the dynamics of poverty and food security in low-income countries, with a focus on the interaction of international development efforts with local and large-scale agribusiness.
Allen Parrish, director of Crop Sciences Research and Education Centers in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and chairperson for Agronomy Day, discusses summer 2021 Agronomy Day events and his role in the college with WITY's Dennis Michelson.
College of ACES Career Services director, Jean Drasgow, discusses services offered to both students and potential employers, as well as career paths students can find in ACES, professional development, and more on a recent WITY interview with Dennis Michelsen.
During this second interview of the series, Emily Heaton, professor of regenerative agriculture in ACES Department of Crop Sciences and PI/director of the Illinois Regenerative Agriculture Initiative (IRAI), and Anya Knecht, project manager/associate director of IRAI with the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE), discuss the initiative on WITY's Down on the Farm.
Emily Heaton, professor of regenerative agriculture in ACES Department of Crop Sciences and PI/director of the Illinois Regenerative Agriculture Initiative (IRAI), and Anya Knecht, project manager/associate director of IRAI with the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE), discuss the initiative on WITY's Down on the Farm.
Metropolitan Food & Environmental Systems (MFST) is a new major in the College of ACES focused on feeding the world’s future population and sustainably promoting environmental and human health by understanding and improving local food systems in major metropolitan areas. Hear more from MFST director, Megan Dailey, as she discusses the major and issues related to food systems. Learn more and apply at: https://mfst.illinois.edu
Hosted by: Carolina Garibay Produced by: Stephanie Henry
On this episode of the #askACES podcast, student Carolina Garibay talks with Mark Layng, a counselor with the university Counseling Center, serving as ACES' embedded counselor for ACES students. Layng discusses the importance of mental health during the college years, and how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting students' mental health.
Hosted and produced by Carolina Garibay.
Hosted by: Angie Boesche Produced by: Stephanie Henry
Mental health is a concern in rural areas, as farmers cope with stress and uncertainty due to economic and environmental conditions. Often, there are no mental health providers in the local community. On this episode, we talk with Josie Rudolphi, an assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering in the College of ACES and University of Illinois Extension about what some of the risk factors for depression and anxiety among farmers are, and what resources are available to help.
Since the Illinois hemp bill passed, allowing growers to grow, process, and distribute hemp for fiber, grain, and CBD, many farmers have questions on how this versatile cash crop can work for them. On this episode of #askACES we are joined by Phillip Alberti, a University of Illinois Extension educator in commercial agriculture, answering your questions about industrial hemp.
Hosted by: Angie Boesche Produced by: Stephanie Henry
Producers in 2019 were forced to deal with substantial delays in planting due to heavy rainfall. How has this affected insect pest populations and plant diseases in corn and soybean crops, and what can producers do to manage these challenges? Learn more from ACES experts Dr. Nick Seiter and Dr. Nathan Kleczewski during a new episode of the #askACES podcast.
How can farmers keep themselves and their employees safe while working on the farm, especially during harvest season? We talk with Dr. Bob Aherin, professor in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, who works to reduce the number of agricultural work-related injuries and deaths by advancing understanding of agricultural injury causation and effective injury and illness risk reduction measures.
Dean Kim Kidwell joins Brian Barnhart on the Coach Lovie Smith Show. She talks about how academics and athletics are an important partnership as well as her travels with Illinois Extension, the new major coming to ACES, and a preview of Celebrate Food and Ag Day.
School nutrition has been featured in many news stories lately, but how do all the recent policy changes impact your local schools? What can you do to improve the school food environment at your child’s school? Listen to what our experts have to say!
A long tradition of food production in urban areas dates back to the start of the 20th century and the advent of the modern city. Is urban food production still relevant? How much food can be grown in urban areas? Follow along to discover urban agriculture’s potential to address issues of food insecurity and create entrepreneurial opportunities.
Feed cost is the number one determinant of profitability in cow-calf operations. Nutrition impacts reproductive success, longevity, and future calf performance. How do beef cattle producers best manage pastures and feed resources to ensure sustainable beef production? Join us to find out the latest in beef cow nutrition strategies.
Diseases and insect pests can severely impact yield and quality of field crops in Illinois, including corn, soybean, and small grains. What are the major disease and insect issues that producers should have on their radar? What is the best way to control them? Learn about how to manage potentially damaging diseases and insect pests in field crops with ACES experts Dr. Nick Seiter, Extension Entomologist, and Dr. Nathan Kleczewski, Extension Plant Pathologist, both of the Department of Crop Sciences.
A financial plan guides and empowers people to reach their goals. Financial planning includes setting goals, managing your money wisely, establishing a solid financial foundation, and investing for the future. Create a financial plan and allow time to be on your side!
Dogs may be known as "man's best friend," yet we still have issues understanding our four-legged family members at times. Knowing how to communicate with one another can help dispel myths and solve issues that may lead to companion animals ending up in shelters. With an estimated 6.5 million dogs and cats entering shelters each year, and 1.5 million of these being euthanized, it is imperative that we help owners understand their pets better while strengthening the human-animal bond between them. Department of Animal Sciences experts Laura Davis, companion animal behavior specialist; Dr. Amy Fischer-Brown, teaching associate and Extension specialist; and Sarah Albert, teaching associate; answer questions about your own dogs at home!
The New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, eat healthier, and hit the gym are in full swing now but how long will they last? What can be done to create a healthier lifestyle that can continue all year and beyond? Join us for a Twitter chat with two ACES Registered Dietitians, Justine Karduck, Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics and Beth Peralta, Media Communications Specialist with Extension and Dr. Nicholas Burd, Assistant Professor in Kinesiology and Community Health and the Division of Nutritional Sciences on January 25 from noon to 1 p.m. CT to discover what truly works in diet and exercise for lasting weight loss.
What do you wish you had known before applying to college? Learning how and what to focus on in the application process may lessen the stress of preparing for college. ACES experts Brianna Gregg and Debra Korte answer questions about application essays, scholarships, campus visits, and more!
Many people enjoy watching and feeding birds. However, in some cases, birds can become a pest, and in rare cases, pose a threat to human health and safety. Many bird species are also becoming more common in urban areas which could contribute to more conflicts between birds and humans. Join us for a Twitter Chat with ACES experts from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences on Nov. 16 from noon to 1 p.m. CT. Jeff Brawn and Mike Ward will answer your questions about Canada geese, hunting season, and their research findings.
World Food Day celebrates the researchers, producers, and humanitarians who dedicate their careers to solving one of the most pressing issues facing our world: feeding 9 billion people by 2050. The College of ACES imagines a world with abundant food, healthy options, empowered communities, and financial security – all keys to tackling the challenges of world hunger. ACES experts Prasanta Kalita, associate dean for academic programs, and Matthew Stasiewicz, assistant professor of applied food safety, talk about what ACES is doing to reduce food waste and food loss - and what you can do - to meet the global food challenge.
Believe it or not, the Farm Bill impacts many areas of our lives, regardless of our connection to the farm. With sections including commodity programs, disaster assistance, conservation programs, and nutrition programs, the Farm Bill’s reach extends to many unexpected spaces. With scheduled 2018 expiration, the debate is heating up. Listen as Jonathan Coppess and Gary Schnitkey of the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics share their perspectives on the Farm Bill.
Stress is a part of life – but it doesn’t have to rule your life! Recent research into how we react to stressful situations has allowed experts to develop and prescribe strategies to increase resilience in the face of stressors. ACES experts Dr. Erica Thieman, Assistant Professor in Agricultural Education, and Chelsey Byers Gerstenecker of University of Illinois Extension chat about stress and recovery with us on #askACES.
Once used as toys, unmanned robotic vehicles are quickly becoming a valuable tool for agriculturalists. Both unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), commonly known as drones, and unmanned ground vehicles, or small agricultural robots, are capturing the attention of hobbyists and agribusinesses alike. How are these tools used and why? Join ACES experts Dr. Girish Chowdhary of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Dennis Bowman of University of Illinois Extension to learn about the roles of unmanned aerial and ground vehicles in the future of agriculture.
Milk has long been called “nature’s most nearly perfect food,” but in recent years there has been growing uncertainty among consumers about milk and dairy products for humans. What are the facts about milk, and what claims are based on faulty information or misunderstanding? ACES expert Dr. Jim Drackley of the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois helps us discern truth from myth.
Food insecurity is a leading healthcare crisis in the United States. Central to our efforts to reduce food insecurity is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program). ACES expert Dr. Craig Gundersen of the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics in the College of ACES at the University of Illinois shares his thoughts on food insecurity, the benefits of SNAP, and the threats that are currently being posed to this program.
Invasive species are found throughout Illinois, but are these exotic invaders actually damaging? What can be done about them? Chris Evans, forestry extension and research specialist, and Dr. Eric Larson, assistant professor, both of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, discuss if invasive species are cause for concern or just hype!
Nutrition labels are designed to help consumers make the best food choices for their dietary needs, yet many consumers find these labels confusing and difficult to use. Experts Brenna Ellison, assistant professor in agricultural and consumer economics; Anna Arthur, assistant professor of food science and human nutrition; and Jennifer McCaffrey, Assistant Dean of Family and Consumer Science with U of I Extension, discover how to make nutrition labels work for you on the #askACES podcast!
Dr. Brian Ogolsky from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Illinois College of ACES discusses the science behind why romantic relationships improve or deteriorate.
Department of Crop Sciences researchers Dr. Patrick Tranel and Dr. Aaron Hager discuss the science behind herbicide-resistant weeds and the challenges they pose to food production. They answer questions about why this problem arises and what farmers and the agriculture industry are doing about it.
Dr. Carena J. van Riper, an assistant professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, discusses the psychology of behavior change in park and protected areas during a one-hour chat on Twitter. She answers questions about why people do or do not engage in environmentally responsible behaviors, how resource management agencies can encourage stewardship activities, and more!
The University of Illinois College of ACES Water Team – Dr. Laura Christianson, Department of Crop Sciences; Jonathan Coppess, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics; and Dr. Paul Davidson, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering – discuss your questions about the impacts farming has on water quality and the efforts to reduce this impact by reducing nutrient losses from fields. The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy provides guidance for achieving a 45% reduction in both nitrate-nitrogen and phosphorus by 2035. Contribution from all stakeholders involved is required to achieve this goal. No one practice will work on every acre, but every acre needs at least one new practice.
University of Illinois Professor of Plant Functional Genomics discusses Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and answers your questions about food safety, environmental impacts, food labeling, patents, and more.
Dr. Barbara Fiese, Director of the Family Resiliency Center and Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Illinois, discusses your questions about childhood obesity and answers your questions about the factors that contribute to childhood obesity from how much sleep children should get to screen time limits and more!
Dr. Hannah Holscher, Director of the Nutrition and Human Microbiome Laboratory and assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois, discusses your questions about diet and the trillions of microbes that live inside of you.
Dr. Anna Dilger, University of Illinois Professor of Meat Science, discusses the science behind processed meats and answers your questions about the link between processed meat and cancer, nitrates and nitrites, uncured meats, and more!