Event Title
A Unique Service Learning Initiative from “Cultivation-to-Cup”
Location
DSB, Room 110
Start Date
30-5-2013 1:00 PM
End Date
30-5-2013 2:15 PM
Session Type
Interactive Session
Description
At Widener University, much of our mission is based upon engaging students in service projects as part of an integrative undergraduate learning experience. Within the sciences, we are especially receptive to having students work on international service projects that are linked to conservation and/or sustainable development initiatives. The current project outlines a unique relationship between Widener University, Golden Valley Farms Coffee Roasters (GVF), Las Lajas, a coffee farm in Costa Rica, and a food service provider. Collectively we are assisting farmers in Costa Rica convert their conventional coffee farms to a more environmentally friendly operation that employs the use of organic cultivation practices. We are attempting to change one of the most environmentally exploitative agricultural industries to one that favors a species-rich pesticide/herbicid-free environment. Since critical reflection and research are essential components of an exemplary undergraduate service learning experience, our students will document this cultivation-to-cup transition, while learning about the impact of their purchasing decisions in a global context. This proposal will outline the development of this innovative venture and describe how other institutions can become involved. We are looking for partners to help augment this unique service-oriented sustainable development initiative.
Topic Designation
Community-engaged teaching and scholarship
Presenter Bio(s)
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Stephen R. Madigosky, 2013
Dr. Madigosky received his undergraduate degree in Natural Resources Conservation from the University of Connecticut. He received both Masters and Doctorate degrees from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana in Natural Resource Conservation/Urban Environmental Planning and Biology, respectively. While in Indiana, Professor Madigosky conducted research at Indiana University in the Department of Paleobotany, studying the ecological habitats of ancient environments using plant spore systematics. Dr. Madigosky currently holds a joint appointment in the Departments of Biology/Environmental Science at Widener University. He has served as the department chair for the Department of Environmental Science since the early 1990’s. His educational efforts have focused on promoting and improving science education at all levels (locally-internationally). As a researcher, he has been investigating long term changes in tropical microclimate as well as the behavioral/biochemical dynamics of select organisms in tropical plants and animals. Professor Madigosky has been involved in promoting conservation and sustainable development projects throughout Latin America and has spoken before the Peruvian Congress in an attempt to call attention to the disappearance of some of Peru’s most endangered and unique environments. In his current position as Director of Research at the Amazon Conservatory of Tropical Studies (ACTS) he has the responsibility of coordinating research efforts of scientists conducting tropical research in northeast Peru. He also is actively involved in supporting and directing sustainable development efforts throughout Costa Rica. He has obtained well over one million dollars in grants over the past decade to support his research efforts along with educational programs to increase science literacy among K-16 teachers and students. Additionally, Professor Madigosky serves as the principle investigator of Widener University’s Math Science Partnership which has the mission of recruiting exceptional science and career change students into the teaching profession.
A Unique Service Learning Initiative from “Cultivation-to-Cup”
DSB, Room 110
At Widener University, much of our mission is based upon engaging students in service projects as part of an integrative undergraduate learning experience. Within the sciences, we are especially receptive to having students work on international service projects that are linked to conservation and/or sustainable development initiatives. The current project outlines a unique relationship between Widener University, Golden Valley Farms Coffee Roasters (GVF), Las Lajas, a coffee farm in Costa Rica, and a food service provider. Collectively we are assisting farmers in Costa Rica convert their conventional coffee farms to a more environmentally friendly operation that employs the use of organic cultivation practices. We are attempting to change one of the most environmentally exploitative agricultural industries to one that favors a species-rich pesticide/herbicid-free environment. Since critical reflection and research are essential components of an exemplary undergraduate service learning experience, our students will document this cultivation-to-cup transition, while learning about the impact of their purchasing decisions in a global context. This proposal will outline the development of this innovative venture and describe how other institutions can become involved. We are looking for partners to help augment this unique service-oriented sustainable development initiative.