Agroecology Program At Florida International University: An Interdisciplinary and Integrated Approach.

Our new Agroecology Program at Florida International University aims to recruit and train outstanding undergraduate students from large Hispanic, Afro-American and Native Indian communities with a two-pronged objective of (a) preparing young undergraduates for pursuing career in scientifically challenging and globally competitive US agriculture industry, and (b) enhancing multicultural diversity in skilled agricultural workforce. These Scholars are completing a four years bachelor degree in a chosen science field and an 18-credit Certificate Program in Agroecology, and undergo rigorous mentoring/training program to help themselves with landing a career or graduate program in agricultural sciences.  The academic program focuses on agricultural problems including: (a) on-farm/range land practices and pollution loadings, (b) bio-geo-chemical processes and nutrient cycling; (c) on-farm and off-farm remediation measures, (d) surface and ground water management (e) loss of agriculture land and water to urban sprawl, (f) promotion of a community-supported agriculture. The courses and activities in Agroecology Certificate program train students in cutting-edge lab and field techniques: geospatial mapping and analysis, soil and ecosystem nutrient cycle analysis, bioremediation techniques, organic farming and economic cost-benefit analysis. Students get opportunities to work closely with USDA and other local and state agencies.  These students have competitive edge in pursuing agriculture careers that require multi-disciplinary skills and perspectives. With this similar interdisciplinary and integrated approach, we have developed a strong graduate concentration in Agroecology under the broader Environmental Studies discipline.