Nine Barry University students participated in a 12-day immersive ASCEND (Advancing Skills and Competency through Experience, Networking, and Dialogue) program, exploring the intersection of climate change, agriculture, and food systems across Florida during summer of 2024. Supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, NEXTGEN Program, this unique experience was led by Barry faculty Dr. Christoph Hengartner and Dr. Leticia Vega, alongside mentors from the University of Florida Dr. Rosalie Koenig & Paola Jaramillo Sullivan, a doctoral student in Dept. of Family, Youth and Community Sciences University of Florida
From July 21 to August 1, students visited a range of sites from the UF campus in Gainesville to the Kennedy Space Center and working ranches where they engaged with experts and gained hands-on knowledge in key areas.
The students explored a wide range of agricultural environments from university research labs to working farms and ranches. They began by visiting community organizations such as Grow Hub, Working Food Kitchen, and Bread of the Mighty, learning about local food security efforts and community-driven sustainability initiatives. At each stop, students not only observed but actively participated, whether it was packaging food for families in need or engaging with local advocates promoting regional food systems.
Students also had the opportunity to learn about and engage with scientific research, visiting UF’s Space Plants Lab, the USDA’s Horticultural Research Laboratory, and Syngenta’s AgTech Crop Protection labs. They explored innovations in plant biotechnology, citrus greening solutions, invasive species management, and space-based plant studies and took part in activities at the Kennedy Space Center. In addition, they gained insights into water resource management, veterinary sciences, meat processing, and sustainable cattle ranching through site visits and interactions with industry experts.
Toward the end of the program, students stayed at Archbold Research Station and toured the 10,500-acre Buck Island Ranch near Lake Placid, FL to learn about agroecology. The experience helped plant seeds of inspiration, encouraging students to think critically about the role of land management in sustainable food systems.
What made the ASCEND experience truly impactful was the mentorship students received throughout the program. Faculty, researchers, and professionals shared their career paths and insights, providing a deeper understanding of the many opportunities within the food and agriculture sectors.
Experiential learning opportunities like ASCEND are central to the Barry University student experience, helping to ensure that graduates are not only well-prepared academically, but also equipped with the real-world skills, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in today’s dynamic professional landscape.
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