[APR-29-21 11:13 PM Anonymous] Please use previous UF South Florida event invitation template with one speaker
Event Date & Time: Thursday, May 27 at 12:00 – 12:45pm
Event Name and Description still TBD from the campus partner - deadline to provide by tomorrow (Friday, April 30)
Speaker: Dr. Alan Chambers, Assistant Professor, Genetics and Breeding of Tropical Fruits
Speaker Bio: I am a tropical fruits breeder focused on identifying economically viable crops for southern Florida and creating novel cultivars through deep genomic/genetic insights and advanced molecular methods. The primary objective of my program is to increase value to growers and enhance the consumer experience. I am passionately interested in superior agronomic performance, enhanced sensory and nutritional quality, optimized sustainable production, and gaining fundamental insights enabling future genetic gains in target species. Finally, I am interested in developing domestic and international collaborations towards deploying genetic solutions that will improve access to nutritious, affordable, and abundant food irrespective of geography.
RSVP Link:
https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUvc-CvrjsjH9wsEql6W7gJNYbwrq3MMLDL
[APR-30-21 9:02 AM Anonymous] Event name: Vanilla’s TREC through UF/IFAS research.
Updated Bio: Dr. Alan H Chambers is a tropical fruits breeder creating new cultivars through traditional plant breeding
and genomics-assisted plant breeding. The primary objective of his program is to increase grower
profitability, consumer excitement for fresh produce, and deliver genetic solutions that protect the
environment. Current focus species include vanilla, mango, papaya, banana, passionfruit, miracle fruit,
and others.
Dr. Chambers has degrees from Brigham Young University (Genetics and Biotechnology, BS), Cornell
University (Plant Pathology, MS), and the University of Florida (Horticultural Sciences, PhD). His PhD work
focused on candidate gene discovery for superior strawberry flavor. He was recruited by PepsiCo Agro
Discovery after the completion of his PhD in February 2014 to support raw material innovation research.
In August 2016 he joined the faculty at the University of Florida Tropical Research and Education Center
to conduct tropical fruit genetics and breeding research in Homestead, Florida.
Event Description:
Vanilla has potential to be the highest grossing agricultural commodity per acre available to growers in Florida, but foundational strategies for cultivation are lacking. Vanilla is the vining orchid species that produces vanilla “beans” (seed capsules) from which natural vanilla extract is produced. Management practices of domestic vanilla production have not yet been developed. Since there is a near insatiable demand for natural vanilla extract, the USA being the largest importer, domestic growers located in favorable growing climates could greatly benefit diversifying their agribusiness with this alternative crop. Therefore, responding to and supporting the rising interest in the crop, we seek to develop guidelines for vanilla production in the subtropical United States. This presentation will cover vanilla cultivation from its global spread as part of the Spanish spice trade to overcoming today’s obstacles for establishing a new vanilla industry in southern Florida.
[APR-30-21 9:07 AM Anonymous] Sorry for my typo, the event title is:
Vanilla’s TREC to Florida and beyond, through UF/IFAS research
[APR-30-21 9:09 AM Anonymous] That should be all necessary invite details needed for production - and thank you! Just let me know if you need anything else
[MAY-07-21 2:15 PM Tonya Gibbs] Since we only have 1 speaker, Can we use his image in the Header?
[MAY-07-21 2:17 PM Anonymous] Hi Tonya, yes that sounds great to use as the header. I'm sure you will but please still include the "UF South Florida Virtual Leadership Series" name as the usual branding. Great idea since that way we can include the vanilla picture
[MAY-12-21 2:50 PM Jason Phenicie] New file added
[MAY-13-21 10:15 AM Jason Phenicie] New file added
Multiple values found. 
