Friday, June 26, 2015

Dr. Gerrit Hoogenboom seminar July 7 @ 1:30pm G001 MCCD

Dr. Gerrit Hoogenboom
Director of AgWeatherNet and Professor of Agrometeorology
Washington State University 

Tuesday, July 7 @ 1:30pm in G001 McCarty D
Crop Modeling: A Tool for Improving Food Systems under a Changing Climate
During the past 10 years crop simulation models have become an integral part of agricultural systems research, outreach, and education. Crop models have been used for many different applications, ranging from gene-based modeling to climate change impact and adaptation studies. When integrated with decision support systems, the socio-economic components are also very important. In this presentation I will use examples from the AgWeatherNet Program in the state of Washington and the international crop modeling platform the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT). I will also discuss both the strengths and weaknesses of these models and recommendations for improving this technology. Together, the advances in computer technology and the increased interest by industry, funding agencies, and donors provide new opportunities for crop modeling to address the challenges of food systems to feed the globe in 2050 and beyond.
Dr. Hoogenboom has over 25 years of experience in research, education and outreach in agricultural and environmental engineering. He has specialized in the development and application of crop simulation models and decision support systems and he currently coordinates the development of the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT), one of the most widely used crop modeling systems across the world. He frequently organizes and facilitates international training workshops on crop modeling and decision support systems. He has published over 280 scientific papers in refereed journals as well as numerous book chapters and proceedings (h-index 47; i10-index 196; Google Scholar). He is an Editor for Agricultural Systems, Journal of Agricultural Science (Cambridge), Climate Research, the Brazilian Journal of Agrometeorology, and Scientia Agricola.

Watch live or recorded talk at:
http://mediasite.video.ufl.edu/Mediasite/Play/d9fce96e019d46b3b5673e802f91647a1d

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Bioprocess Engineer-Captozyme

Captozyme, an established local startup that develops enzymes to treat metabolic diseases, is hiring for a Bioprocess Engineer. They are interested in an undergraduate or graduate student with a Biological Engineering background. They are advertising the position as full-time, but might be able to start a student part-time and transition them upon graduation.
This position requires the Bioprocess Engineer to perform work with minimal supervision, after receiving proper training and instructions for the projects assigned. The Engineer is responsible for microbial fermentation process development, optimization, and scale-up for recombinant protein
production. He/She needs to analyze accumulated data, identify parameters for optimization, design and run experiments to optimize fermentation process, and troubleshoot problems. He/She will be involved in process/technical transfer to a CRO/CMO for process scale-up and commercial manufacturing.

The requirements for being considered for the position are listed below; however, personal fit and character will be given particular consideration and weight.

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in chemical engineering, biological engineering, chemistry,
biochemistry or biology.
• Strong background/interest in chemical/biochemical processing.
• Experience with microbial culture, fermentation, and recombinant protein expression is needed.
• Experience with process simulation, design of experiments (DOE), process development, process optimization and scale-up, is desired.
• Ability to plan assigned projects in a way that ensures efficient, thorough and organized execution, in a timely manner, is required.
• Ability to follow written procedures, collect and document data while keeping a high attention to detail is necessary
• Capable to interact and work with other team members to ensure high team productivity.
• Good verbal and written communication skills are needed; good computer skills are highly desired.
•  Strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, and a polite and respectful manner are absolute requirements.
For a complete job description visit the Gator CareerLink website. Job posting #771668.

To apply for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@captozyme.com. Include "Bioprocess Engineer" in the subject heading.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

FLERA 2015 Symposium in Alachua County June 25-26

Students who might be interested in managing floodplains, land conservation, wetland protection, and waste management should attend the FLERA 2015 Symposium in Alachua County.

FLERA is the umbrella professional association of county and municipal EPD-like agencies. It’s Board also includes environmental consultants. This year FLERA is holding their annual meeting here in Alachua Co. (June 25-26) and is an opportunity to network with public and private practitioners, hear about best practices and get legislative updates.

FLERA has put together a really good agenda (http://www.flera.org/conferences-education/#Agenda ) Steve Martin from Florida Dept. of Emergency Management (FDEM) will be speaking about managing floodplains outside of wetlands and John Humphreys from FDEP is speaking about UMAM and the new worksheets (and a lot more). There are also roundtables devoted to land conservation, wetland protection, waste management, and other specific focus areas.

The cost is $60.00; $63.75 if you want to offset your carbon footprint.
http://www.flera.org/flera-2015-summer-symposium-june-25th-26th/

and the link to all the info is here: http://www.flera.org/conferences-education/