Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment

Senior Extension agent Adam Downing shares his reflections on more than 20 years of service connecting forestry knowledge to communities and citizens in Virginia, as well as the experiences that brought him to the field and what drives him forward. There are so many different aspects of extension work that I enjoy, but I particularly enjoy being a part of both the forestry community and the academic community," said Downing. "Having built – and continuing the build – so many relationships with other natural resource professionals, volunteers, landowners, loggers, and more is the joy of my work." #VCE Read Adam's story here: https://lnkd.in/eYEa9izm

The John F. Hosner Distinguished Lecture Endowment will bring leading voices to CNRE while celebrating the legacy of the college's honorary founding dean. “The camaraderie in the college is priceless, and it’s something that John would celebrate,” said Tenna Hosner, John Hosner's wife of more than forty years, and the donor who is funding the lectureship. “I remember the pride he took in bringing to the campus speakers who could speak not only to the academic community, but to the citizens in Blacksburg as well. I look forward to hearing the first speaker.” Read about Professor Emeritus John Hosner's commitment to the field of natural resources, the the role he played in founding the college, and how the new lectureship will elevate the college while carrying his legacy forward to a new generation: https://lnkd.in/es-d99g6

Professor Kevin McGuire is taking over from Professor Emeritus Stephen Schoenholtz as director of the Virginia Water Resources Research Center, while Associate Professor Daniel McLaughlin will take over as the new associate director. The center, which serves as a focal point for water education, outreach, and research throughout the commonwealth, is recognized as a national leader in educational collaboration and outreach efforts. "Our goal is to facilitate and strengthen partnerships,” said McGuire. "We have tremendous expertise in this university and throughout the commonwealth, and our aim is to connect our knowledge and expertise with others looking to tackle the water challenges of today and tomorrow." Read the story at: https://lnkd.in/eHGUdQss

Throwing it back 17 years… NASCAR driver Ward Burton mistook the Drillfield for a racetrack as part of 2007's Wood Week, a series of events highlighting the role of wood and renewable materials hosted by the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials (SBIO @ Virginia Tech), at the time known as Wood Science and Forest Products. Students and fans got to meet Burton—a native of South Boston, VA—and take a look inside the No. 4 car. #TBT

Congratulations to four members of the CNRE faculty for receiving promotions from the Board of Visitors. Quinn Thomas and Maren Roman have been elevated to the position of professor. Quinn is in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation. Roman is in the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials. Stephanie Zick of the Department of Geography and Luis Escobar from the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation are now associate professors with tenure. Additionally, Michelle Prysby and Jennifer Gagnon are now senior extension specialists.

Researchers from the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials are part of a multi-disciplinary project exploring cutting edge research that looks at food waste and the process of converting it into bioplastics. Associate Professor Young Kim, SBIO student Chloe Taylor, and packaging major Chenxi Cao feature in this video explaining the process that reduces food waste in landfills and makes plastics more eco-friendly. #SBIO, Packaging Program at Virginia Tech

Carrie Fearer has been awarded one of six interdisciplinary research awards from the Academy of Data Science's Discovery Fund. An assistant professor in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Fearer and fellow CNRE professors P. Corey Green, David Carter, and W. Mark Ford will utilize near-infrared technology to determine Fraser fir trees that are resistant to the balsam woolly adelgid, an invasive forest pest that is negatively impacting southern Appalachian forests. Read the story here: https://lnkd.in/e6VzbnYY

University Distinguished Professor Harold Burkhart, shown here teaching a course in 2007, is remembered as a pillar of modern forestry research, advancing the fields of biometrics and sustainable forest management over a career that spanned 50 years of research and teaching excellence. #TBT

A new paper co-authored by CNRE Assistant Professor Elizabeth Nyboer, explores the role that inland fisheries play in providing nutrition to communities around the world. Using a global data set of catch quotes of 192 species from 81 countries, the research group was able to quantify the nutritional and economic impacts of inland fishing worldwide. The group also developed a vulnerability score to determine countries where inland fisheries will be impacted by climate change. “There is an important social justice angle to all of this research,” said Nyboer. “Globally, most of the populations who engage in what we are calling ‘provisioning fisheries’ are those in lower income brackets who tend to be excluded from any kind of decision-making or data collection processes. However, their reliance on this resource, the potential risks and benefits of their engagement, and the non-negligible number of fish being caught and consumed, are all important reasons why they shouldn’t be overlooked.”

Are you looking for an immersive cultural and unique educational experience set against the backdrop of one of Central America’s most dynamic countries? Do you enjoy spending time outside, exploring new environments, and roughing it? If so, then a 12-day education abroad program in Panama is calling you. You will venture from the bustling economic engine of Panama City to going off-grid in the rainforest of the Cocobolo Nature Reserve and the semi-autonomous region of Guna Yala, San Blas Islands. Join program leader John McGee as you explore local and global issues related to natural resource conservation. Learn more about the program at https://lnkd.in/epAS3Nir