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CALS Magazine Spring 2017

How is CALS present in our state, nation and world — and why does it matter?

From The Dean

Dean Richard Linton

As I read through this issue of CALS Magazine, I have a song by great North Carolina musician James Taylor stuck in my head: You’ve Got A Friend.

When we say “CALS Is Here,” we mean a lot of things, but the most important is this: We’re here when you need us — and in a multitude of ways. Just scroll down or check out the print spread for some of our favorite recent examples.

Together, we have put CALS on a path to be present in grand challenges for generations.

Go Pack and Go CALS!

I Am CALS: Harry Palmer

Using only machetes, hoes and their bare hands, Harry Palmer and his squad of volunteers created a working farm in under two months for a Ghana school serving low-income students.

Male student helping build a farm for a school in Africa.

You’ve Got A Friend

Experts from industry, faculty, Extension, international programs and the student body gathered at Talley Student Union to hash out a complex question: How is CALS here and why does it matter?

Dean Richard Linton gathers experts for a CALS Is Here roundtable discussion.

Soldiers In The Field

Partnering with the College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State Extension helps provide hands-on farm animal training before U.S. soldiers deploy to countries with agricultural economies.

U.S. Army soldiers being trained in animal handling thanks to a partnership between CALS and CVM.

Houston, We Have Tomatoes

For more than two decades, CALS researchers have been working with NASA to develop food solutions for astronauts. The findings have implications not only for long-term space missions, but also for Earth-bound agriculture.

Satellite in space, with view of Earth

Law And Order: Ag Unit

When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the most sweeping reform of food safety laws in nearly a century, North Carolina fruit and vegetable growers needed a hand adapting their operations. CALS faculty have been working with partners statewide to meet those needs.

CALS faculty and staff worked with legislators and growers to shape and implement policy.

Economic Oracle

Governors and growers, city councils and small businesses have sought the insights of Extension economist Mike Walden since he started his radio show in the late 1970s. And now he’s looking farther ahead than ever to the year 2050.

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences professor Dr. Mike Walden working in a recording studio.

Bright Lights, Big City For Extension

Kristin Feierabend is NC State Extension’s first statewide urban area agent. What does that mean? She’s working with communities to decide.

Kristin Feierabend is NC State Extensionu2019s first statewide urban area agent. What does that mean? Sheu2019s working with communities to decide.

Top Of The Local Food Chain

It’s getting easier for North Carolinians to find fresh food from local farmers in grocery stores, restaurants, schools and farmers markets, thanks in part to CALS’ Center for Environmental Farming Systems.

A woman and her daughter peruse produce at the Farmers Market.

Digging In

Beneath your feet is a hidden world, vital for human survival. CALS scientists are digging deep to find solutions for everything from water quality to food security.

Ken Pecota in a sweet potato field.

Executive Decisions

The Executive Farm Management Program gives farmers business training from experts, thanks in part to Johnny Barnes, a 1987 CALS graduate in agricultural economics.

Johnny Barnes and Bryan Salmons in a facility where sweet potatoes are packaged for sale.

#AgPackStrong — Sepideh Saidi

CALS alum and engineer Sepideh Saidi
Founder of top civil engineering firm SEPI, CALS grad Sepideh Saidi has been named one of the top 20 CEOs in the Triangle – and a 2016 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year for the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.
SEPI has worked with NC State since 2008, most recently on the Center for Technology and Innovation, completed in January 2017.

“When I first came to the United States, when my family sent me here to get my education, the intention was for me to go back to Iran. I was very passionate about doing anything that would help the underprivileged … and biological and agricultural engineering sounded like it could do much for the fabric of society.

“I learned a lot, but when I graduated, Iran had gone through its major revolution. … Everyone had left, it was chaos. … So the first job I got was at the North Carolina Department of Transportation. I went back and finished coursework at NC State to get a civil engineering degree as well.

“When I decided to start my business, it was partly because I felt I had to challenge myself. I say that to my staff and to my children — you always have opportunities to grow and evolve, and because of that, if you don’t want to stay stagnated, you will face many challenges.

“Depending on what phase you’re in, those challenges change…Right now, my biggest challenge is to make sure we recruit the right candidates for the right positions and create a healthy, supportive and positive work environment for our employees.”