Virtual lecture and live Q&A featuring Dr. Fay Hansen
School and community gardens are sprouting up across the country. Many people don’t realize that incorporating gardens into the curriculum and into the community grows more than vegetables, it grows people in surprising ways. Learn how the Oakland University Student Organic Farm’s ten years has impacted students and the community as a case study in the tangible and intangible benefits of student gardening. Learn also how communities and organizations can foster and support more programs like these.
This event has ended, but you can view a recording online.
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About Dr. Fay Hansen
After more than 18 years of externally funded research on cardiovascular disease, Dr. Hansen elected to close her biomedical research laboratory and “re-tool” in organic farming. She received her Certificate in Organic Farming from Michigan State University in 2008, returning to campus to establish the Campus Student Organic Farming Program, which she now directs. Her goal is to help prevent cardiovascular disease and associated pathologies by increasing awareness of linkages between disease and the food system, including how sustainable food is produced and how farming and food production practices affect both environmental and human health. In addition to basic research on plant-soil interactions in organic farming, her scholarly activities currently include using “food” as an overarching theme for academic innovation to enhance community engagement and applied problem-solving in the STEM disciplines. Her work also involves fostering interdisciplinary and experiential approaches to 21st Century learning, using the Campus Student Organic Farm as a “living laboratory.” Many of her students have presented their research projects at national and international meetings and/or have been co-authors on her publications.
About Oakland University
Oakland University is recognized as a student-centered, doctoral research institution with a global perspective. A public institution, we engage nearly 20,000 graduate and undergraduate students in distinctive educational experiences that connect to the unique and diverse opportunities within and beyond our region.
The university was established in 1957 through a generous donation from founders Alfred and Matilda Dodge Wilson. They contributed their historic estate and $2 million to Michigan State University to establish a satellite school, named Michigan State University – Oakland.
Oakland provides a distinct educational experience with flexible class schedules and state-of-the-art facilities, student services, classroom technologies, research labs, internships and research opportunities with corporate partners. Located in the heart of Oakland County's Automation Alley, the university has forged hundreds of partnerships with hospitals, Fortune 500 companies, cities, government agencies and educational institutions.