The Tri-Ag Volume 1, No. 7 October 2015

College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

October 2015 Vol.1 No.7

Prairie View, TX

PVamu has healing powers Medicinal Plants of the CAHS

A Talk with Aruna Weesooriya

Medicinal Plants

Chasteberry Vitex agnus-castus L. uses & benefits Used for acne, nervousness, dementia, joint conditions, colds, upset stomach, spleen disorders, headaches, migraine, eye pain, body inflammation & swelling See page 8 for full article

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The CAHS at a Glance Mission Statement The CAHS is the primary advocate in the state of Texas for underserved student populations and limited resource clientele with a dedication to foster academic excellence, increase health and wellbeing and enhance economic opportunities through research, education and service in agriculture and the human sciences.

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The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences has…

One Mission encompassing a 4-Prong Vision with 20 Goals and 48 Objectives leading 3 units in one direction for the next 5 years.

is published

by Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, Department of Marketing Communications & Information Technology Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs Dr. Alton B. Johnson Director of Marketing, Communications & iT LaRachelle Smith

INTERNATIONAL GOAT RESEARCH CENTER

We will be a…

Student Magnet known

that is Second to None.

Photographer/Graphic Designer Michael Thomas Contributing Photographers Maurice Perkins Paris Kincaid

around the nation as a

Gateway to Opportunity operating under a One College Concept delivering Community Outreach

Editor and Media and Publications Coordinator Maurice Perkins

FARM MANAGER OFFICE

Contributing Writers Maurice Perkins Danielle Hairston-Green Gail Long Eliza Azarm Aruna Weerasooriya, PhD Ricky Mahaley Taylor Roberson Bobby T. Williams Contributing Proofreaders Kelley Redmon Wash Jones, PhD Danielle Hairston-Green Eliza Azarm Joaquina Kankam

SWINE COMPLEX

POULTRY COMPLEX

This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the EvansAllen 1890 Research Formula Program and the 1890 Extension Formula Program project under Section 1444 and Section 1445. The contents are solely the responsibility of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA or NIFA.

GREENHOUSE

Send news, story ideas and comments to:

250 E.M. Norris St. | P.O. Box 519, MS 2001 Prairie View, Tx 77446 cahscomm@pvamu.edu

PVAMU WEATHER STATION

This publication available electronically www.pvamu.edu/cahs/e-publications

www.pvamu.edu/cahs

COL LE G E OF AG R ICULT URE AND HUMAN SC I E NCE S

PROPO RODEO A

The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences does not discriminate against anyone regardless of their 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, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity.

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Current Locations Prospective Locations

What’s on Your Plate?

by Danielle Y. Hairston Green, MA, Program Specialist, dyhairstongreen@pvamu.edu

I spent a few years debating if I wanted to allow my hair to go natural or not. My daughter has always been natural and my mother wore her hair natural for several years. I’ve always been completely fascinated by those who were brave enough to take that leap. Just recently I decided to give it a try. After a year of not chemically processing my hair it has turned out beautiful. There are a few reasons why I decided to experience my natural look:

1 2 3 4 5

It is easier to maintain: I don’t spend hours blow-drying, curling, and setting my hair in the morning. I shampoo and condition my hair (not every day) and let nature do the rest.

I save lots of MONEY: There is one thing I’ve learned from our Community and Economic Development department is, “save” your money and invest wisely. No more costly salon visits. Instead I have been able to save an additional $200 a month.

Natural hair is healthier: Chemicals from relaxers and alcohol based products strips your hair of its natural oil causing it to become brittle and break off; especially around the hairline.

I sing in the rain: I can take on any thunderstorm without running for cover. In fact my hair loves the Texas rain and humidity.

Natural hair is beautiful: I use to get lots of compliments about my hair when it was chemically treated and I get even more compliments now. My natural hair is beautiful and unique. My curls and texture are different and have been conversation starters. Our Family and Consumer Science Extension Agents teach families about living healthier lives and they also empower families to love themselves and take charge of their health. Wearing the hair I was born with is not only empowering… it’s freeing. However, finding the best products for your unique natural coif can be challenging…

Natural Hair, Nutrition and

Coconut Oil? I’ve been on the Internet for weeks trying to find the best product for my “new” natural hair. At the same time my daughter was looking for ingredients to make homemade lipsticks. How ironic that we stumbled across the same product that works for both; coconut oil, and it was in the food section of Wal-Mart. Really?

Of course my curiosity has been peaked and I wanted to find out if there were any significant health benefits of coconut oil. This is what I have discovered. According to some websites including ‘Organic Facts’, there are several health benefits of organic coconut oil and those benefits include “hair care, skin care, stress relief (now that is interesting), cholesterol level maintenance, weight loss, boosted immune system, proper digestion and regulated metabolism”. What’s really interesting is that in the 70’s coconut oil was considered pretty harmful for the human body due to its high saturated fat content until about ten years ago when those claims were questioned.

According to research conducted by Dr. Lita Lee, coconut oil was used as cooking oil for thousands of years until the anti-saturated fat campaign. The Wall Street Journal published an article that quoted Dr. Glen D. Lawrence, chemistry and biochemistry professor, stating that coconut oils appeal to consumer is because it has “medium chain fatty acids,” which is a designation that relates to the number of carbon atoms in the fat. According to Dr. Lawrence most of the foods Americans consume have long-chain fatty acids.

The USDA has indicated that for nutritional purposes coconut oil should be considered a solid fat since it is high in saturated or trans fatty acids. Although there are opposing views about the nutritional health benefits of coconut oil many sites have supported that coconut oil (filled with antioxidant benefits and vitamin E) is GREAT for the hair; nourishment, shine, and overall health.

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College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

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Health& beauty Benefits

 The Lauric Acid in Coconut Oil Can Kill Bacteria, Viruses and Fungi, Helping to Stave Off Infections  Coconut Oil Can Kill Your Hunger, Making You Eat Less Without Even Trying  The Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil Are Turned into Ketones, Which Can Reduce Seizures  Coconut Oil Can Improve Blood Cholesterol Levels and May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

 Coconut Oil Contains a Unique

 Coconut Oil Can Protect Hair

Combination of Fatty Acids With

Against Damage, Moisturize Skin

Powerful Medicinal Properties

and Function as Sunscreen

 Populations That Eat a LOT of

 The Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil

Coconut Are Among The Healthiest

Can Boost Brain Function in

People on The Planet

Alzheimer’s Patients

 Coconut Oil Can Increase Your

 Coconut Oil Can Help You Lose

Energy Expenditure, Helping You

Fat, Especially The Dangerous Fat

Burn More Fat

in Your Abdominal Cavity

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College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

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Kings Cooking for the CAHS

Bigger in Texas Maurice Perkins

In 2013, Houston and surrounding areas were dubbed ‘America’s New Food Capital’ by Food & Wine magazine. There is little surprise that Texas has great eateries to tantalize your taste buds, and the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) has welcomed some of the finest cooks the state has to offer to its 2nd Annual Kings Cooking for the CAHS event.

The Kings Cooking for the CAHS event first was hosted on PVAMU’s campus during the 2014 Lindsey Weatherspoon Agriculture Breakfast. The CAHS hosted the event similar to an annual food extravaganza, ‘Kings Who Cook,’ hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated in New York and Pennsylvania.

The event encourages men (“Kings”) to cook their favorite dish for bragging rights and publicity of their great food.

At the inaugural event, although the competition was strong, CAHS Alumnus Lorenza Gooch took the crown with his ‘Gooch’s Good Baby Back Ribs and Pork Tenderloin,’ which were the crowd’s favorite. Representing Missouri City, Texas, Mr. Gooch also was very instrumental in petitioning the naming of the annual Ag Breakfast the Lindsey Weatherspoon Agriculture Breakfast.

Kings Cooking for the CAHS is an awesome opportunity for MEN to dive into the kitchen and show off their culinary skills and participate in a fun and friendly competition among our alumni, current students, past staff/faculty, and friends of the CAHS, while helping the College of Agriculture provide much needed scholarships and programming for our current and future students as it’s signature fundraiser for homecoming.

SIGN-UP YOUR KING TODAY! for the Kings Cooking for the CAHS and the Lindsey Weatherspoon Agriculture Breakfast, visit www.pvamu.edu/cahsagbreakfast or use QR Code 

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Agri-Botics Teaching Youth the ‘Other Side’ of Agriculture

BY Ricky Mahaley, C ounty Agent, RLMahaley@ag.tamu.edu

of the Expanded Food and Nutritional Education Program (EFNEP). As a result from efforts of this program 13 new 4-H Agri-Botics AfterSchool programs began in Houston Independent and the Alief School Districts in Harris County Texas. This group of youth represent a very diverse group of the Houston underserved communities. The recent Agri-Botics after school programs and competitions composed of 167 participants, with 20 robotics teams and 25 new volunteers.

The participants of the 4-H Agri-Botics educational programs met the objective of increasing knowledge in science, technology, math and agriculture among limited resource youth in Harris County.

Research demonstrates that youth who participated in the 4-H AgriBotics Program were exposed to have a different perspective about science careers in STEM and the desire to attend college.

The nation is facing declining proficiencies in science, engineering and technology, as well as significant workforce shortages in these critical fields. Longitudinal data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study reveal achievement scores for United States (US) 4th and 8th grade students have been stagnant or declining over the past 12 years. Additionally, the Nation's Report Card revealed that only 18% of US high school seniors were deemed proficient in science in 2005, representing a 0% proficiency growth since 2000. Statistics for minority students show an even more dramatic disparity. Simply stated, too many of our nation's young people do not have the science, engineering and technology skills needed for careers in the 21st century. Informal community based education programs, like 4-H are important resources that can be utilized to address the emerging issues of youth science literacy crisis. Youth engagement in hands-on activities using science experiments, robotics, and learner-centered strategies will enhance their critical thinking skills and problem solving.

The Cooperative Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University, with the sponsorship of Cognizant Technology Solution celebrated their 2nd Annual Agri-Botics Challenge event on May 3rd 2015. The robotics/nutrition program was created to fulfill the Land-Grant mission, to focus on the emerging issue of food deserts in the inner city, which has a major impact on childhood obesity and physical activity among youth. The program was implemented as a teaching tool to teach nutrition education, science, math principles, and problem solving which would enhance cooperative learning and student engagement while using technology. These youth also were asked to participate in the Food Challenge 4-H competition at county and district levels, in which they prepared a meal using the information learned in the nutritional science program.

The educators who taught the nutrition lessons are a component

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BY Dr. Aruna Weerasooriya, Research Scientist, adweerasooriya@pvamu.edu

he world is endowed with a wealth of Medicinal plants. The variety and sheer number of plants with therapeutic properties is astonishing. It is estimated that around 70,000 plant species have been used at one time or another for medicinal purposes. The curative or preventive properties in medicinal plants are due to the presence of various complex chemical substances of different composition, which are found as secondary plant metabolites (a term usually used to describe small molecules) in one or more parts of these plants. These plant metabolites, according to their composition, are grouped as alkaloids, glycosides, corticosteroids and essential oils.

Medicinal Plants The Importance of All-Natural

Medicinal plants have been used in traditional

The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

medicinal systems in various ancient cultures, having

at PVAMU holds memberships to the Botanic Garden

more prevalence in China, India and Middle East.

Conservation International and International Plant

According to the WHO report, at least 80% of the world

Exchange Network. This enables us to work closer with

population relies on traditional systems of medicine for

many international institutes, especially to acquire

their primary health needs. These systems are mostly

valuable germplasm from various countries. We employ

plant based. Due to the growing awareness of side

students to help us maintain the living plant collection.

effects and complications of chemical and synthetic

Working with the medicinal plant research, provides an

medicines, cosmetics and health supplements, the usage of herbal products

invaluable experience for PVAMU students as a learning

has gained importance in developed countries. Medicinal plants have a global

and practical way for hands on learning. The research

market worth of about 62 billion US dollars per year. Due to the high demand

results are shared and distributed to the CEP extension

of medicinal plants, uncontrolled collections from the wild have depleted their

agents and their perspective counties, solidifying the

natural populations. Therefore, cultivation of high value medicinal plants has

tripartite of the college.

created a new dimension in the field of Agriculture.

The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) has initiated a new medicinal plant research program to study propagation, cultivation, biology, chemistry, and genomics. The CAHS maintains a large collection of living medicinal plants, growing in both indoor and outdoor facilities. Further, the CAHS is establishing of a reference medicinal garden and seed bank. Agronomists in the CAHS are conducting scientific cropping of industrially important medicinal plants and medicinally important exotic vegetables as well. In like manner, our Botanists, Chemists and Biochemists are working together on isolation and commercialization of a natural sweetener from a South American plant, Lippia dulcis. Selected medicinal plants have been added to items such as goat cheese and meat product trials, to increase the quality, nutritional value and health benefits. This study was conducted by the food system research group working closely with the Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) to promote healthy living.

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An Interview with the Medicinal Master: Aruna Weerasooriya

by Maurice Perkins

What is your title and responsibility at the CAHS? I am a Research Scientist responsible for developing our medicinal plant research program and I work collaboratively with other scientists in CARC.

Where were you born?

I was born in my mother’s hometown, Gampaha, in Sri Lanka, one of the most beautiful tropical islands in the Indian Ocean.

Who was the most influential person to you as a child?

My father was the most influential person in my life. He guided me throughout my education.

What was your favorite subject to study in high school?

Well, I liked biology, chemistry and Physics but I studied music as a hobby.

What sort of extracurricular activities did you participate in as a teen?

I did sports, mountain climbing and botanical explorations.

What college(s) did you attend? Why did you choose them?

I attended The University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, the biggest and most popular university in Sri Lanka. In my country, we do not have many choices in selecting universities, as our education system is free and the students who obtain the best results on university entrance exams get the best university.

Medicinal Plants

sunflower Helianthus Annuus

What was your first job?

My first job was Teaching Assistant in the Department of Botany at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

uses & benefits What plant has been the most interesting to you?

Seeds eaten raw, roasted, cooked, dried

I love all plants but I especially like the genus I have studied for the last 17 years. That is a tropical plant genus called Mitrephora and so far I have discovered and published 24 new species. There are 2 more new species identified from Thailand and I am currently completing their manuscript.

and ground, and used as a source of oil; roasted seeds have been used as a coffee substitute; treat kidneys; chest pains and pulmonary troubles

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

My name is on a Thailand postage stamp! One of the plant species I discovered from Thailand was named after their Queen and her government issued a postage stamp of a flower of it with my name on it.

See page 8 for full article

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College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

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CAHS Employee Yolanda Jones Administrative Assistant, CAHS What was your first job? Early morning stocker.

Where did you grow up? Prairie View, Texas.

Tell us something others would be surprised to know about you?

I can drive a tractor and a corn combine.

What words best describe you?

Warm hearted, vivacious, charismatic, lively, cheerful, and fun loving to name few, lol.

Were you always interested in administrative support work?

No, I wanted to become a doctor.

What’s the best advice you have ever received? Don’t burn your bridges because you never know when you have to cross back over that bridge.

What are you responsible for in your role as an Administrative Assistant?

I am responsible for providing administrative support to the Department Head of the CAHS, perform clerical and administrative duties, assist students, faculty, staff, potential students and guest. I also supervise graduate student assistants.

What keeps you busy when you are not at work? My two daughters.

What do you do for stress relief? Exercise.

What’s your favorite book? Unwind.

What do you like about living in Waller County?

Living around family.

From “It’s Happening Here” E-Newsletter “

By Gail Long, Assistant Director for Staff Development and Special Projects, gglong@pvamu.edu

To be featured in

Employee Spotlight contact Joaquina Scott Kankam jokankam@pvamu.edu

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Spotlights Rozenia Toney

aka “Too Sweet”

Administrative Assistant (CED and AGNR) Cooperative Extension Headquarters CAHS EMPLOYEE SINCE February 2015 Where are you from? Hempstead, Texas What is your favorite part of working at the CAHS? I am inspired by the different programs that Extension is doing to impact the community to help the lives of others through various resources.

Who has been your biggest inspiration in your life?

My mother. No matter the circumstance, my mother has always been my backbone.

List 3 top highlights of your life.

1. Finishing college with a B.S. in Technical Management 2. Getting this job within the Cooperative Extension Program 3. Working in Health and Human Services for 21 years

What is your favorite genre of music and comedian?

R & B Love Songs and Chris Tucker

What is on your “Bucket List?” To own a soul food restaurant.

If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why? Wonder Woman because she can fix anyone’s problems.

Medicinal Plants

Blood Flower Asclepias Curassavica L. uses & benefits

Treat tuberculosis infection; ringworm and stop bleeding

See page 8 for full article

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The Effects of CAHS Partnerships in Houston’s Sunnyside Grow For 3 years Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences has partnered with Storybook Academy to conduct a Kids Safety Day Health Fair, through the Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) and 4-H & Youth Development (4-H) components.

FCS Agent Ashley Moore and 4-H Agent Marcus Glenn engage Houston’s Sunnyside community with various education topics including Consumer Decision Making: Healthy Eating on a Budget, Healthy Living: Making Healthy Food Choices, and Physical Fitness and Heart Health. Sunnyside is low socioeconomic community in the state of Texas, composed of residents, of which 93% are of Black and 4% Hispanic ethnicities.

Over 200 lives are impacted annually in health education activities provided by Houston Metropolitan Top Teens of America 4-H Club Health Ambassadors, as a means to increase awareness of health. Health Ambassadors prepare healthy snacks such as smoothies, and educate participants on purchasing healthful foods on a limited in-come. Storybook Academy provided Bounce Houses, lunch for vendors and entertainment.

In alignment with the Cooperative Extension Program mission of Prairie View A&M University, the Kids Safety Day Health Fair is an event that serves the underserved communities in efforts to increase health and enhance economic opportunities through research, education and service.

Medicinal Plants

African Milkweed Asclepias Fruticosa uses & benefits

Hypoallergenic filling for pillows; a source of sweetener; used to clean up oil spills

See page 8 for full article

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Ag Breakfast Awarding Excellence

October 11, 2014 marked the inception of the Alfred N. Poindexter Lifetime Professional Achievement Award and the Lindsey Weatherspoon Progressive Young Professional Award. Prairie View A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Human Sciences created these annual recognitions to not only honor the namesakes, but to acknowledge our alumni who exude what Dr. Alfred N. Poindexter and Mr. Lindsey Weatherspoon instilled in the college, agriculture as well the students they influenced and lead.

Nominations are being received for the 2016 Alfred N. Poindexter Lifetime Professional Achievement Award and the 2016 Lindsey Weatherspoon Progressive Young Professional Award.

The following criteria is considered in selecting award recipients:

Alfred N. Poindexter Lifetime Professional Achievement Award      

Graduate of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Completed at least ten years of professional work experience Involvement in community service/professional organizations Participation in philanthropic activities Engagement in mentorship and professional development of others Fulfillment of leadership roles

Lindsey Weatherspoon Progressive Young Professional Award      

Graduate of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Completed less than 10 years of professional work experience Involvement in community service/professional organizations Participation in philanthropic activities Engagement in mentorship and professional development of others Engagement in progressive, professional activities or roles

Submit your nominees for 2016 now. Write in 200 words or less the accomplishments of the nominee, including a biography and any other documentation to verify credentials. Ensure to note the criteria when composing submissions. Submissions can be uploaded to www.pvamu.edu/CAHSagBreakfast or emailed to cahsinfo@pvamu.edu or mailed to PO Box 519; MS 2001, Attn: LWAB Coordinator, Prairie View, TX 77446.

The Lindsey Weatherspoon Agriculture Breakfast (LWAB) awards committee will review nominations and the recipients will be announced at the 2016 Lindsey Weatherspoon Agriculture Breakfast.

The LWAB is held annually Saturday morning, the week of Prairie View A&M University’s homecoming. The ceremony and breakfast takes place at the Alfred N. Poindexter building and tented field next to the building.

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Fear of Public Speaking Can Help You

Public speaking instills fear in even the most confident people, writes Dianna Booher, CEO of Booher Research.

The key to con­­quer­­i­ng public speaking is using your fear to motivate you. Here are some of Booher’s suggestions to help you use your fear to give a great performance.

 Make sure you fact-check. Thanks to the ubiquity of smartphones, everyone in your audience can factcheck you in under 20 seconds. If they find something incorrect in your speech, they’re sure to tune you out.  Connect with your audience. Sharing information that is relevant to them will keep your audience engaged.

Medicinal Plants

Cone Flower

 Prepare. The fear you feel, can help you make sure to prepare adequately and master your content. Don’t wait until the night before to try and learn what you need to say.

Echinacea Purpurea

 Practice. Do a practice run to ensure that what you plan to say doesn’t have awkward spots or strange transitions. You can also practice different methods of delivery.

uses & benefits Fight common cold and other upper respiratory infections; flu, urinary tract

 Be ready for questions. Anticipate the questions you’ll receive, and prepare your answers ahead of time so that you won’t be taken by surprise. Allow for pauses during your talk where the audience can ask questions, as well.

infections, vaginal yeast infections, genital herpes, bloodstream infections (septicemia), gum disease, tonsillitis, streptococcus infections, syphilis, typhoid, malaria, and diphtheria

— Adapted from “10 Ways Leaders Use Fear in Public Speaking,” Dianna Booher, The Huffington Post.

See page 8 for full article

Administrative Assistant's Area

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Donating to the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences will not just help the college’s student organizations, but is also tax-deductible and you will give knowing that your donation increases CAHS students’ ability to compete in collegiate competitions as well as support their community involvement. These agriculture and human sciences organizations also help them build soft skills they don’t always get in the classroom.

You may also be encouraged to know that your donations will aid in the education of deserving students who are pursing careers in the agriculture and human sciences industry. Keep in mind that you can donate a small amount each month, or just a one-time donation if you’d rather just give a lump sum.

Make your donation to the CAHS today.

You are the CAHS of Change!

Easy donation Options Mail a check Carden-Waller Cooperative Extension Building 250 E.M. Norris Street P.O. Box 519; MS 2001 Attn: LWAB Coordinator Prairie View, TX 77446

Visit us online

www.pvamu.edu/cahs Click on ‘Opportunities’ Go to ‘Ways to Give’

Access us directly Using this QR Code

Thank you!

College of Agriculture and Human Sciences

www.pvamu.edu/cahs

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COL LE GE OF AGR ICULTURE AND HUMAN SC I E NCE S