CAUSES In Action | June 2025 Edition | | |
Transformative News in Agriculture and Sustainability | | | |
Home Depot Awards UDC-CAUSES | Retool Your School Grant
The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) was recently awarded a Retool Your School: Campus Improvement Grant from Home Depot. The award will allow UDC-CAUSES to complete several projects at UDC’s Firebird Research Farm, including upgrading boardwalks to improve access to our ag-tech classrooms, updating climate control systems in key buildings, and expanding irrigation and plumbing capacity across the farm. The College will also use the grant to add tool storage and electric mowers, and to make safety upgrades that will enhance operations and student learning year-round.
At UDC’s Van Ness campus, the grant will support upgrades to the aquaponics greenhouse – including new LED grow lights, UV water sterilizers, ventilation fans and signage – to help connect the public to our work. The grant funds serve as a pillar of project innovation that encompasses the College's goals and objectives.
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45th Annual Senior Volunteer Recognition Day
May 21, 2025: The Institute of Gerontology and UDC President Maurice D. Edington expressed their deepest appreciation to every volunteer in the Respite Aide and Senior Campaign Programs. The participating seniors were honored at the UDC Student Center on the Van Ness campus for their unwavering dedication to making an impact on their communities. Our volunteers deliver vital contributions. The Respite Aide and Senior Companion programs offer friendship, companionship, and a helping hand to those in need.
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Did you know UDC has been designated as a Research College & University (RCU) in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications?
Yes, that is correct! “This designation is a testament to the vision outlined in our new strategic plan, Delivering on the Promise,” said UDC President Maurice D. Edington. “As the District’s only public university, we are committed to serving as its economic and workforce development engine—graduating students with the education, practical experience and expertise to thrive in high-demand fields. Our RCU classification affirms that commitment and strengthens our ability to drive research and innovation that benefits the District and beyond.”
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UDC-CAUSES Expands Its Innovative Programs
Transform your future with our hybrid Bachelor of Science in Community Health Sciences. This innovative program combines flexible online learning with hands-on experiences powered by immersive technology.
The 12-month M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics program is multidisciplinary and uses competency-based assessment to prepare work-ready registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). The courses and supervised experiential learning activities (practice) are modern and innovative and are designed to meet the challenges of a dynamic and evolving field.
UDC-CAUSES offers bachelor’s, master’s, professional science master's and doctoral degree programs.
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UDC Offers Farmers Markets in Washington, D.C.
UDC's Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education and the Center for Urban Resilience, Innovation, and Infrastructure connect local farmers and small businesses to communities in the district. This connection fosters engagement and helps communities grow. Vendors are carefully selected with the initiative focused to deliver fresh, in-season produce, international foods and products to enjoy. UDC-CAUSES continues its mission and vision to diligently fight food injustice, one market at a time, and proudly educates residents about healthy eating.
Farmers markets offer communities a chance to explore memorable international cuisine, healthier food options and a diverse plethora of cultural experiences. Each location delivers unique offerings and something for the entire family to enjoy. Fresh produce, world-class cuisine, art, live performances, horseback riding, certified farmer demonstrations and educational field days are just a few of the fantastic experiences available at the markets. Activities vary per location.
Farmers Market Locations:
Van Ness
Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW (in front of the Student Center building).
Days/Hours of Operation: The market opened on April 19 and will continue through December 6. The market is open 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
East Capitol Urban Farm
Location: 5929 E Capitol St SE
Days/Hours of Operation: Market is open year-round, every other Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (weather dependent). The market opened on April 12.
*Interested in becoming a vendor or performing at one of our markets, contact Andrew.Blunk@udc.edu.
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Ph.D. in Urban Leadership and Entrepreneurship Student Presents...
Mohammad Hashim Jaleel Shujath's "Beyond Traditional Publishing: Social Media as a Catalyst for Biomedical Research Dissemination and Collaboration" has been published in the Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research. The publication explores the expansion of social media and how it has fundamentally transformed biomedical research dissemination and collaboration, particularly within the interferon and cytokine research community. In addition, the publication cites recent trends that have amplified the role of platforms such as Twitter (now “X”), LinkedIn, Mastodon, Threads, and Bluesky.
| | The UDC-CAUSES summer camps help students enjoy their summer while learning about sustainable urban living. Parents can feel confident that their children will be in a positive environment, connecting with others who want to learn about the environment, stay healthy, and explore exciting careers. Registration is still open for the camps below. | | | |
Hydroponic and Microgreens Better Nutrition Camp (Updated)
Students will learn the fundamentals of urban food production, focusing on how to grow microgreens and sprouts in small spaces, making urban agriculture accessible even in apartments or homes without land access. The camp will cover the full process from seed germination to harvest, demonstrating how small-scale production can contribute to household or community food security. Once completed, students will have a better understanding of hydroponic systems, the nutritional value of fresh produce, and explore potential entrepreneurial opportunities. Additionally, the camp will introduce students to UDC’s urban agriculture programs, potentially inspiring them to explore academic and career paths in agriculture, food systems, or sustainability.
Location: Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times:
Session I: 7/7- 7/12, M-Sa, 10 AM – 3 PM
Session II: 7/21 - 7/26, M-Sa, 10 AM - 3 PM
Architecture Summer Camp
The two-week summer camp focuses on design excellence, sustainability, and community engagement, equipping campers with the skills to tackle global challenges. D.C. high school students will explore cutting-edge tools like virtual reality in our advanced immersive lab, enhance their technical expertise with state-of-the-art model-making facilities, and gain practical knowledge through collaborative, real-world projects.
Location: Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times:
Session: 7/21 - 8/01, M-F, 10 AM – 12:30 PM
| | Click the video below to experience our past summer camp adventures. | | |
Seniors Do Work Out
The BODYWISE Program is specifically designed and operated to promote health, wellness, and fitness for people 60 or older in the District of Columbia. Participants can achieve increased cardiovascular efficiency, muscular strength, flexibility, and overall life satisfaction. They also can access health and preventive knowledge.
The BODYWISE Program consists of water aerobics (swimming is not required), yoga, low-impact aerobics, and chair exercise classes. Classes are conducted by certified instructors. Participants are encouraged to exercise at their personal level of fitness. The program also provides great opportunities for socializing.
If interested, check out the upcoming schedule for BODYWISE classes throughout Washington, D.C., and apply to the program here.
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Your participation is essential to UDC-CAUSES' mission. You can help us continue developing innovative solutions for the world's future through support of our urban food hubs, research efforts, urban farming and youth development activities, community events, and more.
Your contribution supports the college's research-based and community outreach programs that improve the quality of life and economic opportunity of people and communities in DC, and beyond.
If you have questions or would like to schedule a volunteer day for your organization, contact Michele Bassler at michele.bassler@udc.edu.
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UDC's Foundation is committed to supporting future generations. We strive to give students the resources necessary to achieve success, and your contributions help UDC-CAUSES arm its students with the skills and knowledge to face global challenges, create solutions to community and global issues, and meet industries' talent demands.
Your support is needed to advance the University's research and continue our academic excellence and innovation legacy.
Create a legacy of giving and leave a positive and enduring impact on the lives of these deserving students. Your generosity will open doors to education and empower the next generation to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
| | | | Stay Informed! Check out our upcoming community-based programs. | | | | |
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Welcome to the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, & Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). UDC-CAUSES was formed in 2010 as the University’s land-grant college.
We engage in applied teaching and research that helps to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for residents of the District of Columbia and others around the world through traditional academic degrees and through non-degree, non-credit bearing, skills-building programs, such as green infrastructure and urban agriculture.
UDC-CAUSES is unique in its organizational structure and its mission: an interdisciplinary college where academic programs such as architecture, urban sustainability, health education, nutrition and dietetics, and nursing train a forward-thinking generation of professionals who will ensure that the world has “Healthy Cities–Healthy People.” The College houses the only doctoral-level program in the nation that focuses on urban leadership and entrepreneurship.
For more information or inquiries, feel free to contact us at causes@udc.edu.
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About the University of the District of Columbia
As an HBCU, an urban land-grant institution, and the only public university in the nation’s capital, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is committed to a broad mission of education, research, and community service. With foundational history established by abolitionist Myrtilla Miner in 1851, the University offers Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctor of Law (JD), and Doctorate degrees, along with a host of workforce development and continuing education, certifications for student success, professional growth, and economic advancement. The University is comprised of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences; College of Arts and Sciences; School of Business and Public Administration; School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; UDC Community College; and the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law. To learn more, visit www.udc.edu.
The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University prohibits discrimination or harassment against any person on the basis of the actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: http://www.udc.edu/equal_opportunity.The University of the District of Columbia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801, 267-284-5011.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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