Some forty-five universities from around the world will interact and study together complex environmental issues via international video conferencing and online chats. This spring will mark the second year that Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources offers The Global Seminar. Partners from around the world include universities in Peru, China, Germany, Italy, Mexico and the Philippines.

Several other participating American universities include Alabama A&M, Clemson, Cornell, Florida A&M, North Carolina State, University of Florida, and Penn State. Virginia Tech instructors for this year's Global Seminar include Jim McKenna, professor of crop soils environment science, and Tom Hammett, associate professor of forest products. Brian Murphy, professor of fisheries and wildlife science will participate from a partnering Mexican university.

"Students will use case studies to focus on a variety of topics that demonstrate the dynamic interrelationships among population demographics, natural resource management, and food production. The course will feature guest experts in several of the issue areas and includes six videoconferences with the overseas partners, weekly participation in online chats, discussion boards, and short written assignments," Hammett said.

Additional information about the Global Seminar is available by contacting Tom Hammett at himal@vt.edu, or Jim McKenna at jamckenn@vt.edu.

Written by Hilary Fussell, Public Affairs Assistant

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