N.C. State University Spring Seminar Series Introduces Team, Nutrition Research to Community
Free Informational Sessions will be Hosted at New N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis

KANNAPOLIS, N.C., April 16, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- "What does N.C. State do on the new N.C. Research Campus?" N.C. State University will answer this popular question with "Discovering Nature's Possibilities," a free seminar series taking place this spring. The informational sessions will introduce the renowned scientists and groundbreaking research from N.C. State's facility in Kannapolis, as well as provide attendees with everyday health, nutrition and produce safety information. Presentations are open to the public and will take place each Tuesday in May from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the David H. Murdock Core Laboratory Event Room on the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis. The seminars are free but registration is required due to limited seating.

"There has been so much interest from the community in the university's presence in Kannapolis; we wanted to develop these seminars as a platform to introduce our team and work," says Tara Vogelien, director for business and research administration. Researchers will offer presentations and an opportunity for questions from the audience.

Upcoming N.C. State University Seminar Series

Tuesday, May 5

Making Sure You Get Your Piece of the PHHI! - Mary Ann Lila, Ph.D.

Ø Meet N.C. State's Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) and its director, Dr. Mary Ann Lila. She will outline the focus of the groundbreaking research taking place on our campus, including the institute's current research.

Dissecting the Blueberry - Jeremy Pattison, Ph.D.

Ø Attendees of this informational session will no longer have to work until they are blue in the face to grow blueberries! Learn the essentials of growing blueberries whether you're a professional producer or backyard grower.

Tuesday, May 12

From Farm to Fork: Understanding Food Safety Today - Diane Ducharme

Ø Food safety is a major topic today and the importance of producer and consumer education is a critical component of the Program for Value-Added and Alternative Agriculture's work. Gain a better understanding of how to minimize risks with the foods we eat.

Tuesday, May 19

North Carolina's Changing Agriculture - Blake Brown, Ph.D.

Ø This presentation identifies the diverse components that make up agriculture in our state and the trends that continue to shape the industry. Blake's goal is to answer the question: "Why is agriculture important to you?"

Tuesday, May 26

Apples to Zucchinis: How Postharvest Studies Affect Your Food Choices - Penelope Perkins-Veazie, Ph.D.

Ø If you're wondering what processes fruits and vegetables go through before they make it to your farmers market or store shelf, this seminar is for you. Postharvest treatment, including the cleaning, sorting and packing of a crop, largely determines final quality and safety.

Building a Better Broccoli - Allan Brown, Ph.D.

Ø Broccoli is nutritious, tasty and possesses anti-cancer properties. However, this cool-weather crop does not grow well in North Carolina's warm climate. Learn how we hope to extend the broccoli growing season in N.C and increase its nutritional value.

"The seminars will be targeted toward a general audience," adds Vogelien. "We encourage the entire community, producers and consumers alike, to register and attend."

Attendees can register for individual seminar sessions or the entire series. Attendees can register by email at PHHI_info@ncsu.edu or can call N.C. State University at the Research Campus at (704) 250-5400. For more information please visit the Plants for Human Health Institute.

Media Contacts: Leah Chester-Davis, N.C. State University Program for Value-Added & Alternative Agriculture, 704-250-5406 or leah_chester-davis@ncsu.edu; Tara Vogelien, N.C. State University Plants for Human Health Institute, 704-250-5400 or tara_vogelien@ncsu.edu

Press Release Contact Information:

Justin Moore
N.C. State University
Extension Communication
600 Laureate Way
Kannapolis, NC
USA 28092
Voice: 704-250-5433
Website: Visit Our Website