NSAC Student Presents Research in Energy Crops at 10th Annual Graduate Research Day

Adam Wile works hard to minimize his impact on the environment. This first year grad student at NSAC has taken his beliefs to the next level while studying the economic and environmental impacts of tall grass crops. Wile shared his findings on Grad Research Day, Friday, March 27 in NSAC’s Alumni Theatre.

Wile’s actions ensure his food consumption has minimal negative impact on the environment. Growing many of his own vegetables on his two acre property in Earltown, he buys from local producers what vegetables and fruits he doesn’t grow himself or gets them from his involvement with a community farm.

“I follow sustainable farming practices with my garden including rotations of green manures, cover crops and low inputs,” says Wile. “To eat local year-round, I preserve many summer fruits and vegetables through drying, freezing or canning.”

When Wile enrolled in NSAC’s Master’s program last spring, he chose to study alternative energy crops. He hopes to determine which tall grass crop, Switchgrass or Red Canary Grass, has the largest economic potential for Nova Scotia farmers with the least negative impact on the environment.

“Globally, some of the largest issues affecting our environment are agricultural,” says Dr. Leslie MacLaren, Co-President, Vice-President Academic. “Adam is just one example of how our students are working to combat these issues.”

Wile and fellow students of the Graduate Communication Skills and Seminar Methods class presented their projects at NSAC’s 10th annual Grad Research Day. Posters were on display and students gave oral presentations. This year the university has seen its highest enrollment to date in the communications class with 33 students.

“The caliber of work being conducted by these students will have an impact on agriculture in our region,” says Dr. MacLaren. For the second year in a row, NSAC has been ranked first in research intensity amongst all 16 Atlantic Canada Universities.

Following the student’s presentations, Grad Research Day culminated with a public presentation by Canadian Scientist and Food Safety Advocate, Dr. Shiv Chopra. In his book, Corrupt to the Core, Dr. Chopra proposes Five Pillars of Safety for the food industry: to not employ hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, slaughterhouse/rendered animal wastes, and genetically modified organisms.