Cultivating Curiosity

What do hoop houses, vertical farms and DIY hydroponic systems all have in common? They are all part of controlled environment agriculture, or CEA — a rapidly growing field that lets farmers, researchers and even home gardeners produce crops year-round by shaping the growing environment. 

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we sit down with Rhuanito Ferrarezi, associate professor of horticulture in the University of Georgia Co...

Did you know your septic system is basically a mini wastewater treatment plant in your own backyard? In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension water resource expert Gary Hawkins shares the science of septic systems and offers simple steps homeowners can take to keep them working properly. From what not to flush and how to avoid “commode overload” to protecting your drain field and schedul...

June marks the start of hurricane season in Georgia — and there’s no better time to prepare than on a sunny day. In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we’re joined by Pam Knox, agricultural climatologist and director of the UGA Weather Network, to unpack what hurricane season means for Georgia residents. Pam breaks down the terms residents often hear but may not fully grasp, explaining the difference between weather and climate...

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we dive into the science behind composting with two University of Georgia Cooperative Extension experts — what composting is, why it matters and how you can start doing it right at home. Whether you’re new to composting or looking to improve your bin game, this episode breaks down the basics, offers beginner-friendly tips and shares the real-life benefits of turning your food scraps into nu...

As temperatures rise and Georgians head outdoors, the battle against bloodsucking pests begins in earnest. In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we are joined by CAES entomologist Nancy Hinkle and public health Extension specialist Elmer Gray for a practical, no-nonsense look at two of the South’s most irritating pests: ticks and mosquitoes. In the first half of the episode, we learn essential advice on tick prevention and simp...

Happy New Year, listeners! In this episode, we dive into one of the toughest New Year’s resolutions: improving time management. Joined by Travis Mountain, UGA Cooperative Extension specialist in financial planning, we break down 10 practical strategies from the popular UGA Extension publication 10 Strategies for Better Time Management. From tracking how you spend your time to delegating tasks and conquering procrastination, this ep...

Managing a hub of innovation is no small feat, but for Eric Elsner, superintendent of the J. Phil Campbell Research and Education Center, it’s a daily opportunity to make an impact. In this episode, Eric shares how he oversees multidisciplinary research projects designed to tackle real-world challenges Georgia farmers face. From managing collaborative studies to supporting student workers in unique hands-on learning experiences, Er...

In this episode, we’re joined by Bethany Harris, director of the Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture, to discuss her vision for the center as it works to meet the growing needs of urban agriculture in Georgia. As cities across the state expand, so does the need for innovative agricultural practices that support sustainable growth and resilient communities. Harris shares how the center is driving collaboration and research across v...

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, Kaitlyn Casulli, assistant professor and UGA Cooperative Extension process specialist in the CAES Department of Food Science and Technology, shares her journey into food science and her fascinating work with food safety, thermal processing and her efforts to support the craft beverage industry in rural Georgia. She also introduces the new Value-addition Institute for Business Expansion (VIB...

Do you know where your T-shirt got its start? In this episode, we travel to Tifton, Georgia, to speak with Camp Hand, assistant professor in the CAES Department of Crop and Soil Sciences and a key member of the UGA Cotton Team. Join us as we dive into the intricacies of cotton agronomy, the importance of UGA's experiment stations and the collaborative nature of the cotton industry in Georgia. Camp shares insights into the sust...

In this episode, we sit down with Ty Brooks, farm director at UGArden, UGA's student community farm. Join us as Ty shares his journey and insights into the daily operations of UGArden, a unique space dedicated to research, teaching and outreach. Discover how UGArden engages students through internships, volunteer opportunities and hands-on learning experiences while giving back to the community by combating food insecurity. Ty...

In this quick episode, co-host Jordan Powers pops in ahead of the holiday weekend to share a Cultivating Curiosity hosting update. It's a tale of two Emilys listeners won't want to miss!

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Produced by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera
Edited by Jordan Powers
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller who creates innovative soul-pop music that transc...

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we explore the long, illustrious career of Larry Beuchat, professor emeritus at UGA's Center for Food Safety. Larry shares his journey from Penn State to Quaker Oats, where he worked on iconic projects like candies for the film "Willy Wonka," and then to UGA, where he spent over 50 years in food safety research. Larry discusses the evolution of research funding, his passion f...

Join us as we delve into the world of urban entomology with two of the field's leading experts: Dan Suiter, Orkin Professor of Urban Entomology and UGA Cooperative Extension entomologist, and Glen Ramsey, director of Rollins Entomology Department Technical Services. 

Discover the nuances of urban entomology and its impact on our daily lives, from homes to hospitals. Learn about the unique partnership between CAES and Orkin, exp...

In this episode, we sit down with Angelos Deltsidis, assistant professor and postharvest Extension specialist at the University of Georgia Tifton campus, to explore the important role postharvest physiology has in preserving the quality and safety of our food supply and its broader implications for agriculture and global food security. 

From the moment fruits and vegetables are harvested to the time they reach our tables, a complex ...

In this episode, we dive into the world of peach production with Dario Chavez, associate professor in the CAES Department of Horticulture. Join us as we explore the intricate relationship between science, agriculture and climate change, uncovering how chill hours impact peach production and discuss the future of peach breeding in the face of shifting climate trends. From innovative breeding techniques to evolving production managem...

Join us for an exclusive peek behind the curtain of one of the University of Georgia's most beloved events – the Flavor of Georgia food contest. In this episode, we sit down with Laurel Dunn, assistant professor and Extension coordinator in the Department of Food Science and Technology. From the initial product submission to the final judging round, Laurel explains the contest process to listeners, highlighting the categories ...

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we sit down with Nick Place, Dean and Director of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia. Follow along as we learn about his journey from a Pennsylvania dairy farm to leading the forefront of agricultural and environmental science research, education and outreach. Hear about the dean's experiences in Extension work, international collaborati...

Carla Schwan, CAES assistant professor and UGA Cooperative Extension food safety specialist joins us for a food safety-themed holiday episode! Carla shares how to safely prepare and share food during the holiday season, including gifting homemade food items like infused oils, canned produce and baked goods. Listen in to learn easy ways to prevent foodborne illnesses during the holidays – and every day!

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