Florida A&M University News August 19, 2016 FAMU's Sustainability Institute Introduces Fellowship to Advance Faculty Research Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) continues to place an emphasis on addressing the world's problems with lasting solutions through its Sustainability Institute. Adding to its efforts, the Institute announced today the inaugural Sustainability Fellowship to support faculty who are making outstanding research, teaching or service contributions to the University and beyond in the area of sustainability. The 2016-17 Sustainability Fellowship Award cohort of professors includes: * Randall S. Abate, College of Law, professor of international and environmental law * Olivier Chamel, School of Architecture, assistant professor of architecture * Roscoe Hightower, School of Business and Industry, professor of marketing * Ramesh Katam, College of Science and Technology, professor of biology * Ashvini Chauhan, School of the Environment, associate professor of biotechnology These accomplished faculty fellows will receive a $5,000 award to initiate or advance a sustainability-related research or extension project, as a result of submitting unique, feasible solutions to advance the research and application of innovations that support the long-term health and viability of people and the planet. Institute Executive Director Abena Ojetayo praised the multidisciplinary pool of candidates for their intellectual prowess. "We are excited about the ability of sustainability research to touch on social, economic and environmental issues across every discipline," Ojetayo said. "We were thrilled to see applicants from a very diverse mix of backgrounds in this inaugural year. From architecture and real estate to law, and bio-genetics, this cohort of fellows certainly showcases that intellectual diversity." Abate put forth plans for a publication titled: "Climate Justice: Case Studies in Global and Regional Governance Challenges;" Chamel proposed the development and prototyping of a solar dock/tiny house that minimizes the economic impact and energy consumption associated with architecture; Hightower expressed the need to develop an International Facility Management Association accredited sustainable facility professional online certification; Katam will expand his current research efforts on drought tolerant plants for food security; and Chauhan hopes to obtain sustainable production of algae-based products. "Climate change is the greatest environmental, social, legal, and political challenge that the world has ever faced. And embracing the essence of what sustainability means may provide us with an effective response to this daunting challenge," said Abate, when discussing his project. In addition to the monetary award, the Institute will provide a platform for the professors to share their work with diverse audiences, as well as negotiate teaching release time with deans. This will enable the professors to devote more time to impactful research. Katam says his previous research helped to identify potential biomarkers of breast cancer in humans. According to Odemari Mbuya, Ph.D., director of the Center for Water and Air Quality and faculty director for the Institute, the fellowship is the perfect way to reward professors who are going above and beyond the call of duty to create new knowledge. "Excellence in academia is why we are here. By endorsing and providing the monetary award, President Mangum is allowing us to incentivize and reward faculty for their hard work in the areas of teaching, research, and outreach." Vice President for Research Timothy Moore, Ph.D., said research initiatives like this one would play a major role in research programs going forward. "These funds are intended to further the awareness of the principles of sustainability throughout the University. We are proud of faculty members for submitting ideas and excited that sustainability is gaining traction throughout FAMU." The Sustainability Institute is Florida A&M University's premier interdisciplinary center that brings together the strengths and capabilities across the full spectrum of the University to discover and apply solutions for a healthier, more resilient global community. Learn more at http://sustainability.famu.edu. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) 404-577-5158 (fax) Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/ 7th Biennial Membership Meeting: Register here http://hbculibraries.org/2016meeting-form.html for the October 10,11 Membership Meeting in Atlanta. Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314-4207 www.auctr.edu<http://www.auctr.edu/> [cid:image003.jpg@01D1FDD5.C5B06C30] We will always provide service that exceeds the customer's expectation...Because We Care!