DIVISION OF RESEARCH * OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOOTE-HILYER ADMINISTRATION CENTER, SUITE 410 WWW.FAMU.EDU (CLICK ON CURRENT RESEARCH) OR CALL 850.412.5102

RESEARCH REVELATIONS™ February (Black History Month) 2016

RESEARCH REVELATIONS™ is designed to highlight the research community at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). Please submit your information to: [email protected].

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT The role of informal trade in the modern agri-food chain system. The goal of income. This study was funded by the production efficiency of small scale this study was to analyze technical efficiency Chilean Ministry of Agriculture. raspberry producers in Chile (TE) levels for small-scale raspberry farmers Provided by Cynthia M. Lamb Portalatín in the Maule region of Chile, the main Coordinator Research Programs/Services production area for this crop in the country. College of Agriculture and Food Sciences “One focus of this study was to evaluate the Agribusiness Program association between TE -understood as an Leader and assistant indicator of managerial performance and professor Daniel farmers’ decisions to sell their production Solís, Ph.D., recently directly to the agri-industry or indirectly collaborated with an through an informal middleman,” said Solis economist from the who is part of the faculty at Florida A&M University of University’s College of Agriculture and Food Connecticut and the Sciences. “Using a stochastic production University of Talca in Chile to study the role of frontier model, the researchers found that the informal trade in the efficiency of small-scale commercialization decision plays an raspberry producers in Central Chile. important role in the productivity and revenue of small-scale raspberry producers.” Raspberry production has become a significant cash crop that supports the The analysis also revealed a positive Daniel Solis, Ph.D., Agribusiness Program livelihood of many small-scale growers in relationship between TE levels and income Leader and Assistant Professor for Central Chile. Almost 100 percent of among experienced and trained farmers. The Agribusiness in the College of Agriculture and raspberry production is exported, and the study also analyzed the role of implementing Food Sciences cultivation of this crop has put pressure on food quality and safety standards on farm smallholder farmers to integrate into the FAMU’s aggressive research strategy FAMU can compete against other larger Climate Change in Paris, France recently. As prompts big prize universities with double the faculty and an FCI representative, Mbuya was able to continue to produce cutting million edge showcase climate change milestones research at ever increasing levels.” confirming the commitment to address issues Posted by: Carma Henry In: Local News | related to climate at national and global levels. While FAMU scientist participates in historic In the late ‘90’s there was an effort to restrict Paris Climate Change Conference FAMU’s academic focus to undergraduate studies only. Then President Frederick Mbuya, program leader of Agronomy, Soil Humphries successfully stopped that effort and Water Sciences at the College of and kept the university on the re-search path. Agriculture and Food Sciences and faculty “Our current position is directly linked to the director of the Sustainability Institute met with efforts of previous leaders and faculty former Vice President Al Gore and US scholars. We can stand on their shoulders Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell. He gave and move this university forward and solve them the FCI statement commitment to some of the nation’s most vexing scientific climate change. Excerpts of the statement are problems,” Moore said. as follows;

Meanwhile, Moore attributes the new status “We recognize the urgent need to act now to to the dramatic increase in research awards. avoid irreversible costs to our global com- FAMU research began the new fiscal year munity’s economic prosperity and public Above: Professor Mbuya (c) and Vice with a marked increase in research awards of health and are optimistic that world leaders President Al Gore (r). $27.9 million in the first quarter of the fiscal will reach an agreement to secure a transition year 2015 – 2016 more than doubling awards to a low carbon future. Today our school Florida A&M University was awarded from the same period in the previous pledges to accelerate the transition to low- advanced research status earlier this year. year. The total research awards in fiscal year carbon energy while enhancing sustainable The university is now a Carnegie Level II High 2014-2015 were $47 million. and resilient practices across our campus.” Activity Research University. The designation places FAMU among the nation’s larger Florida A&M University Professor Odemari Mbuya also met with high ranking officials predominantly white institutions and that Mbuya, Ph.D., was the FAMU representative from the Government of India. India is willing distinction is significant, according to FAMU for the Florida Climate Change Institute at the to establish a recruitment center for FAMU for Vice President for Research Timothy Moore, United Nations Framework Convention on students interested in advanced degrees. Ph.D., “Our faculty are demonstrating that Page 2

FAMU Promotes Climate Action Conference of the Parties 21st (COP21) she pledged that FAMU will develop a Initiatives convening, where he gave a presentation. Climate Action Plan by May 2016, make carbon neutrality and climate resilience a part As part of the Historically Black Colleges and By Domonique Davis Community Feature, of the curriculum, expand research in climate Universities (HBCU) Climate Change News, Research, STEM, Students science, and establish community Initiative, political science professor John partnerships to implement strategies for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Warford, Ph.D., accompanied FAMU reducing carbon dependency on campus and (FAMU) President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D., environmental and political science students in the surrounding community. recently sent a letter to U.S. President Barack who traveled to Paris to participate in COP21. Obama pledging to solidify FAMU as a In addition to encouraging University leading university in climate action. participation in climate action on a global scale, Mangum is also dedicated to making all FAMU campuses more environmentally conscious. Her efforts include signing the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in January 2014; FAMU’s participation in the Better Buildings Challenge, committing to ensure all buildings on campus are 20 percent more energy efficient within 10 years; and the establishment of the FAMU Sustainability Institute (FAMU-SI), which is tasked with coordinating the implementation of broad Odemari Mbuya, Ph.D. and Simone English, social, environmental, and economic doctoral student sustainability programs. “Although we are In her letter, Mangum applauded President optimistic that world leaders will reach an Obama for the progress made to promote agreement to secure a transition to a low- Political science professor John Warford, clean energy and climate action before the carbon future, we recognize the urgent need Ph.D., (center) accompanied FAMU United Nations Climate Negotiations that took to act now to avoid irreversible costs to our environmental and political science students place in Paris in November. To ensure global community’s economic prosperity and who traveled to Paris to participate in COP21. FAMU’s active participation in climate change public health,” Mangum said in the letter. discourse, FAMU Sustainability Institute Mangum is among 600 college and university (FAMU-SI) Faculty Director Odemari Mbuya presidents and chancellors who have travelled to Paris to attend the United Nations committed their institutions to take bold and Framework Climate Change Convention catalytic climate actions. As part of Mangum’s climate leadership commitment, Page 3

the application packet and determine Other Important if this program is right for you. If any questions come up, please email

Dates to Remember Executive Director Ron Miller.

February 16, 2016: TechGrant Download the 2016 Innovation Park Application Orientation, 4 p.m., TechGrant Application Packet

Knight Administrative Centre,

1736 W. Paul Dirac Drive TechGrant A March 14, 2016: Applications due (Note: Only complete Visit Our Website

applications will be considered. Application must include: Application Form, Company 850.575.0343 | [email protected] | Profile, signed Applicant www.lcrda.org

Agreement, Business and

Commercialization Plan and, if appropriate, Prior Grant Application Orientation Recipient Form.) Scheduled for February STAY CONNECTED: April 11, 2016: Finalists announced

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Mark your calendars! The application May 19, 2016: Elevator Pitch orientation session is scheduled for Night event, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., February 16 at 4 p.m. at the Knight Goodwood Museum & Administrative Centre, 1736 W. Paul Gardens' Carriage House

Dirac Drive. During this session, you can expect to meet Innovation Park staff and other potential applicants, review the competition timeline, and ask questions about the competition. We highly recommend first-time Apply for the 2016 applicants attend. Innovation Park TechGrant

Anyone in Leon County who has an original idea for technology commercialization is encouraged to apply for the 2016 TechGrant program. Take a moment to review

Page 4 The Art of Making Science Howard University, and the strategy is to make FAMU a regional player among all institutions. http://www.famunews.com/?p=6500 by Gayle Andrews Faculty Feature Alsberry said FAMU is a treasure-trove of patents, research, and technologies that are ripe for commercialization, that in turn fuels the continued search for answers. “I am excited about cancer research, viticulture, engineering, material science and a host of other areas that dramatically impact our world. And I want to create a culture of change,” he said. The plans are already in play. He’s helping to engage students in competitions like the App Challenge at Domi Station. Alsberry is also evaluating invention disclosures, research projects, and ensuring proper intellectual property protection is implemented. He has extensive experience in managing intellectual property. “Our commitment is to do things that no one else can do,” said vice president of Research Timothy Moore, Ph.D. Moore has detailed a host of incentives and initiatives to stimulate sponsored programs, contracts, grants, technology transfers, Above: Reis Alsberry (right hand extended) admits to being an patents and intellectual property that are self-sustaining and aggressive salesman; he’s proud of that status. Alsberry said selling revenue generating. Reis Alsberry will clearly play a major role in science is the ultimate game-changer in a global economy that is that effort. constantly evolving. As the new director of the Office of Technology Reis D. Alsberry, J.D., is a patent agent, who most recently served Transfer at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Division of Research, Alsberry is responsible for getting laboratory as intellectual property (IP) and export control (EC) manager in the science into a competitive marketplace. And he says he’s in the perfect Office of Innovations Commercialization at Old Dominion place. University in Norfolk, Virginia.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) reports that Florida A&M University ranks No.1 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the expenditure of research dollars. FAMU research captured more than $51 million in the most recent NSF survey done in 2013. This past spring, FAMU researchers won the NSF Innovation Corps Atlanta Competition outpacing 21 top national institutions in the region. When it comes to research dollars, FAMU holds a nearly $9 million lead over its closest competitor, Page 5 DoR WYNK What You Need to Know FOR YOUR INFORMATION AND COLLABORATION http://okbio.org/summer-2016-research-experience-for-undergraduate- students/

SUMMER 2016 OPPORTUNITIES http://scholarship-positions.com/internships/university-kansas-medical- The HBCU/MEI Faculty Student Research Initiative (SRI) with Oak center-summer-undergraduate-research-fellowship-program/ Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has extended its application deadline to February 12th. For more information please see the information Student Opportunities at the University of Florida, Gainesville below: http://cur.aa.ufl.edu/summer-research-experiences-for- http://www.orau.org/ornl/faculty/hbcu-mei-summer-program.htm#a undergraduates.aspx

http://reu.chem.ufl.edu/index.php HBCU/MEI Faculty Summer Research Program at ORNL http://www.phys.ufl.edu/reu/index.shtml www.orau.org http://www.collegescholarships.org/grants/ 2016 HBCU/MEI Faculty Summer Research Program. Program Description | Eligibility and Benefits | Duration and FAMU School of Graduate Location Research Areas | Application Process | ... Studies and Research

Summer 2016 Research Experiences for 2015-2016 Calendar (March 2016 Undergraduate (REU) Programs Events) http://gradsense.org/gradsense http://mrsec.columbia.edu/reu When: March 28, 2016 – March 30, 2016 all-day Cost: Free http://spur.uoregon.edu/ Contact: School of Graduate Studies and Research (850) 599-3505 http://undergrad.rpi.edu/update.do?artcenterkey=481 Graduate Student Appreciation Week (March 28 – April 1, 2016) http://my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch/posts/57056 March 30 – 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Graduate Research Poster Competition – Grand Ballroom http://www.pathwaystoscience.org/programs.aspx?descriptorhub=Summ 3MT Competition – Lee Hall Auditorium 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. erResearch_Summer%20Research%20Opportunity Awards Reception – Graduate Faculty Excellence in Mentoring Award –Grand Ballroom 7:35 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. For more information, call (850) 599-3505 Page 6

Page 7 http://www.lsampsymposium.org/ Conference Agenda Student Poster Session

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM - Student Poster Session 6:00 PM – Reception 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM - Executive Board 6:30 PM – Seating Meeting 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM 6:00 PM - Welcome Reception 25 Years of Excellence Banquet TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Recognizing the Contributions of the Honorable Louis Stokes- A True Game 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM – Breakfast Changer (not supported by federal funds) 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM – Opening Ceremony 9:45 AM – 10:00 AM – Break WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Concurrent "What Works” Sessions 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM Continental Breakfast

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Student-Centered Panels 10:00 AM - Student poster Set-up 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Undergraduates 12 PM – 1:30 PM - Luncheon Key 10:00 AM – 11:00AM Graduates Concurrent “What Works” Sessions Closing Wrap up 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Page 8 Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM

 Career preparation workshops focused on employment searches and retention; and

 Understanding STEM careers in a global context and identifying The Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in Science, international research and education opportunities for Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is hosted by the undergraduate and graduate students and faculty. American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Exhibitors will include representatives from academic, government, Education and Human Resources Programs (EHR) and the National business, and the non-profit sector with information about graduate Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Human Resource Development school admissions, fellowships, summer research opportunities, (HRD), within the Directorate for Education and Human Resources professional development activities, and employment opportunities. (EHR). The conference is aimed at college and university undergraduate Visit: http://www.emerging-researchers.org/# and graduate students who participate in programs funded by the NSF HRD Unit, including underrepresented minorities and persons with disabilities.

The objectives of the conference are to help undergraduate and graduate students to enhance their science communication skills and to better understand how to prepare for science careers in a global workforce. Towards this end, the general format for the 2-1/2 day conference will include

 Student poster and oral presentations.

Other conference activities include workshops focused on:

 Strategies for applying for and succeeding in graduate programs and finding funding for graduate school; Page 9

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Workplace registration. Travel costs will be help in getting the content so we can the full responsibility of the author. communicate it to the masses!! Please contact [email protected] with any Please submit your Abstract online here: captioned photos, videos or news/story http://bit.ly/ifma-2016-abstract ideas you would like to send along. THEME: Advancement of research in CONTACTS FOR THE DIVISION OF facility management is the focus of Academic & Research Track RESEARCH “Call for Papers” the Academic & Research track World Workplace 2016 Office of the Vice President for San Diego, California October 5 – 7, 2016 Research Photos, Research | 850-412-5102

CALL FOR CONFERENCE PAPERS Videos, News/Story Office of Sponsored Programs | 850- The IFMA Foundation’s fourth annual 599-3531 Academic and Research (A&R) Track Ideas Needed “Papers and Presentations” is open for Office of Animal Welfare and Research paper (abstract) submissions. The A&R Integrity | 850-412-5246 track is a blind peer review initiative that Do you take pictures of your runs within a separate venue at the World research? Capture videos of experiments, Office of Contracts and Grants | 850- Workplace. Accepted papers will be creative endeavors, etc.? Do you blog or 412-5067 published in the IFMA Academic & have a refereed paper just published, a Research Conference Proceedings. book authored/co-authored/edited? Just Office of Technology Transfer | 850-412- made or making a fresh conference The call for papers is open to all academics 7232 and researchers in the Facility presentation? Traveling to conduct global Management, Build Environment and research explorations or received a new Office of Title III Programs | 850-599- related fields of study. All abstracts and grant? Are you engaged in a research 3527 final papers must be written in collaboration impacting the community right English. Authors will be contacted via e- now? If any of these even slightly apply, we Office of the Sustainability Institute| 850- mail regarding invitation to submit full need to hear from you please! 412-5413 papers and further information will be provided regarding full paper formatting and RESEARCH REVELATIONS™, a monthly submission. Accepted papers will newspiece; Captiveyes’ monitors (anchored participate in the Academic & Research track presentation track at IFMA’s World campus wide); our walls or display cases Workplace in San Diego, California, U.S.A., featuring research accomplishments of October 5 – 7, 2016 (exact dates and times FAMU’s Finest (fourth floor, Foote-Hilyer www.famu.edu (CURRENT RESEARCH) will be verified). Authors of accepted Administration Center) or press releases in papers will receive a one-day registration or general, we have many ways to help the equivalent discount to a full World promote your research! But we need your