News

Brian Little (ADA ’67, B.Sc.Agr. ’72, M.Sc. ’78) retired 10 years ago from his role of National Manager, Agricultural and Agricultural Business with RBC. Brian had a 30-year career in agricultural banking and finance and an extensive volunteer resume. He’s dedicated countless hours to serve his alma mater, industry and community. We recently chatted with him on the phone to see how he is doing during these uncertain times. In his typical fashion, he also had some thoughtful advice to share.

*** Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing a series of Q&As featuring OAC community members to showcase how people are coping with our uncertain - but collective - state. We’re hoping these will help connect and support our community (in a small way) during these isolating and challenging times. Look after yourself and those around you. ***

Alyssa Gingras is a two-time OAC alumna (BSc. ENVB 2017, MES 2018) and a sales agronomist with Sharpe Farm Supplies. Although her day-to-day work is not significantly affected by the changes brought by COVID-19, she still adjusting to a new routine. We recently connected with her to find out how she’s doing.

*** Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing a series of Q&As featuring OAC community members to showcase how people are coping with our uncertain - but collective - state. We’re hoping these will help connect and support our community (in a small way) during these isolating and challenging times. Look after yourself and those around you. ***

Prof. Jim Squires has been re-appointed as chair of the Department of Animal Biosciences for a three-year-term beginning May 2020.

The Department of Animal Biosciences is pleased to welcome Dr. David Huyben to the department as an Assistant Professor in aquaculture. Huyben will begin his role in July 2020.

The Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE) is pleased to welcome Dr. Jose Nuno-Ledesma as an assistant professor in Food Industry Economics and Management. He began in his role on January 2, 2020.

Prof. Amar Mohanty, an internationally renowned researcher, has been appointed as the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) Distinguished Research Chair in Sustainable Biomaterials effective February 1, 2020.

Mohanty, director of the Bio-Products Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC), focuses on engineering new sustainable materials and innovations in bioproducts to reduce society’s use of fossil fuels for mitigating climate change.

Meagan Griffiths
Precision Agronomist CCA-ON, 4R NMS, FS PARTNERS
B.Sc. (Agr.) Crop, Horticultural and Turfgrass Sciences, 2012; M.Sc. Plant Agriculture, 2014

Meagan Griffiths works in precision agriculture. It’s not a career she planned on pursuing, but she’s found a fit for her interests and skillset in this dynamic part of the sector. She shares more about her current role and tips for current students who are staring off their careers.  

A new director has been appointed to the University of Guelph Arboretum. Justine Richardson, an experienced manager focused on facilitating interdisciplinary research and community engagement, will step into the position effective February 3.