Dr. E. T. and Vam C. York Art and Agriculture Competition
The winning project from the last competition, developed by Team Oyster Mushroom, explores whether invasive plant material can be used as a low-cost medium for growing oyster mushrooms. Team members Emelia Kern of the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Natalie Forton of the UF College of the Arts and Jenzen Fernan of the UF College of Engineering are testing a cultivation approach that pairs plant biomass with cardboard, recycled containers and minimal equipment. By connecting recycling, invasive species management and food production, the students’ work exemplifies how science and art can work together to reimagine challenges and expand what’s possible.
Students are encouraged to create a submission for this year’s competition. Visit the York Art & Agriculture Collaboration Microsoft Teams channel to find the call for proposals, learn about brainstorming opportunities and be a part of this next wave of creativity weaving together the arts and sciences. For more information about the contest, contact UF/IFAS plant science program director Dina Liebowitz at dinalieb@ufl.edu.