KANNAPOLIS ó N.C. State University will host free weekly classes at the N.C. Research Campus next month.
Dubbed “Discovering Nature’s Possibilities,” the free seminar series will introduce the N.C. State scientists working at the $1.5 billion biotechnology complex in Kannapolis.
Scientists will discuss their research and provide attendees with everyday health, nutrition and produce safety information.
Classes run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday in May in the David H. Murdock Core Laboratory Building.
Registration is required. E-mail to PHHI_info@ncsu.edu or call 704-250-5400.
– May 5, “Making Sure You Get Your Piece of the PHHI!” by Dr. Mary Ann Lila.
Meet N.C. State’s Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) and its director. Lila will outline the focus of the groundbreaking research taking place on campus.
– May 5, “Dissecting the Blueberry” by Dr. Jeremy Pattison.
Learn the essentials of growing blueberries whether you’re a professional producer or backyard grower.
– May 12, “From Farm to Fork: Understanding Food Safety Today” by Diane Ducharme.
Food safety is a major topic today and the importance of producer and consumer education is a critical component of the Program for Value-Added & Alternative Agriculture’s work. Gain a better understanding of how to minimize risks with the foods we eat.
– May 19, “North Carolina’s Changing Agriculture” by Dr. Blake Brown.
This presentation identifies the diverse components that make up agriculture in our state and the trends that continue to shape the industry. Blake’s goal is to answer the question, “Why is agriculture important to you?”
– May 26, “Apples to Zucchinis: How Postharvest Studies Affect Your Food Choices” by Dr. Penelope Perkins-Veazie.
If you’re wondering what processes fruits and vegetables go through before they make it to your farmers market or store shelf, this seminar is for you. Postharvest treatment, including the cleaning, sorting and packing of a crop, largely determines final quality and safety.
– May 26, “Building a Better Broccoli” by Dr. Allan Brown.
Broccoli is nutritious, tasty and possesses anti-cancer properties. However, this cool-weather crop does not grow well in North Carolina’s warm climate. Learn how we hope to extend the broccoli growing season in N.C and increase its nutritional value.
To learn more, visit www.ncsu.edu/fvsi/phhi.