Image Credit: Edwin Remsberg
Cover crops, compost, container gardens, and cattle. For over two dozen new AGNR faculty, these farm fixtures ignited lively debate and discussion among the colleagues as they traveled by bus, touring distinguished Maryland research facilities and breathtaking landscapes. The group united for a three-day AGNR new faculty orientation, which took place at the end of August and offered individuals the opportunity to talk about research interests and best teaching practices as well as get to know each other.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know colleagues in other departments and in extension that I may not have met otherwise--folks in economics, nutrition, and areas that are so closely integrated in agriculture,” said Meredith Epstein, a Sustainable Agriculture Lecturer in the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA). “I am excited to collaborate with them!”
There was no shortage of discussion topics. At the orientation’s beginning, a multitude of directors, deans, and department chairs gathered at the 4-H Center to talk about various programs and initiatives, which acquainted the crowd with the rich resources that AGNR has to offer. Afterward, the crew boarded the bus tours such sites as the Baltimore Community Garden, the Center of Marine Biotechnology, and the Western Research and Education Center.
“I think the trip helped me to see that even in this seemingly urban state, there is a well-developed and vibrant agriculture sector which is a strong economic driver,” said Charlie Apter, Livestock Lecturer in the Department of Animal and Avian Sciences. “The breadth of the agriculture industry in Maryland is impressive!”
At the end of each day, the bunch kicked back at dinner, enjoying each other’s company, good stories, and authentic Baltimore cuisine. “I’d never had a crab cake before,” said Nina LaTassa, IAA Oral Communication Lecturer. “I definitely love the seafood here in Maryland!”
The trip couldn’t have been as enjoyable as it was without the assistance of Adel Shirmohammadi, AGNR Associate Dean for Research. Shirmohammadi led the tour and ensured that everything stayed on schedule.
“It was a pleasure to share some of the wonders of our college and the state of Maryland with our outstanding new faculty,” said Shirmohammadi. “I also enjoyed the interaction and fellowship with each of them. It was a good time!”
