UrbanPods

Dr. Ruchika Kashyap
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Urban Pods is the podcast series that takes research and innovation out of the lab and into the hands of urban and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) communities. Hosted by Dr. Ruchika Kashyap (Dr. R), Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist of Urban and Controlled Environment Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia, this series educates, inspires, and engages listeners across the dynamic world of sustainable food and flower production. Urban Pods is the space where growers, researchers, students, and curious minds find practical advice, success stories, and the latest scientific insights for a more resilient and sustainable food future.

Episodes

  1. Fab Five: The CEA Team at UGA

    1H AGO

    Fab Five: The CEA Team at UGA

    Welcome back to Urban Pods! In this episode, your host, Dr. Ruchika Kashyap, dives deep into the dynamic world of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), addressing common questions like: “What exactly is CEA?” and “Can a backyard hoop house be considered CEA?” Dr. R. is joined by the UGA CEA Fab Five, a powerhouse team of experts from the University of Georgia, who are leading the charge in CEA research, extension, and innovation. They discuss the broad spectrum of CEA—from simple high tunnels to advanced indoor vertical farms—and how it’s revolutionizing food production, resource utilization, and even space exploration. The discussion explores the diverse backgrounds of CEA growers, the differences between breeding for the field versus CEA, and the critical importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and disease management in these closed systems. Our experts also share how their individual research pillars—Crop Physiology, Plant Breeding, Entomology (IPM), and Phenomics—are converging to create predictable, profitable, and sustainable recipes for the future of urban and controlled agriculture.This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the science, technology, and business of growing fresh, local food in a controlled environment

    43 min
  2. What the Center for Urban Agriculture Brings to the Community

    MAR 18

    What the Center for Urban Agriculture Brings to the Community

    The Center for Urban Agriculture (CUA), at the University of Georgia’s Griffin campus, bridges the gap between city living and sustainable agriculture. Through research-based education and resources, the center empowers Georgians to cultivate thriving urban spaces—from backyard gardens to commercial landscapes, community farms to city forests. Whether you’re growing food, managing pests, developing green spaces, or seeking sustainable solutions, the center’s expertise spans the full spectrum of urban agricultural challenges. Urban agriculture offers multiple benefits, including improved food security, enhanced nutrition, increased physical activity, community building, and environmental stewardship and conservation. Urban agriculture addresses challenges within urban communities, including noise abatement, soil erosion and runoff, and preservation of wildlife habitats. It can also provide economic opportunities through production and distribution. In this first episode of the science communication venture “Urban Pods,” we meet the drivers of the Center for Urban Agriculture. Join us in this episode to learn more about CUA and help build greener, more resilient communities through innovative growing practices, environmental stewardship, and sustainable production in urban spaces. The core team of the University of Georgia's Center for Urban Agriculture featured in this episode hosted by podcast host and Plant Pathologist, Dr. Ruchika Kashyap (Dr. R);  includes Dr. Bethany Harris, the Center's Director, who oversees program expansion and strategic connections; Rolando Orellana, the Urban Water Management Agent, who focuses on irrigation and water conservation innovations; and Whitney Ottinger, the Sustainable Urban Agriculture Educator, who supports small-scale farmer education and sustainable practices.  We would also like to acknowledge other members of Center for Urban Agriculture (CUA), Becky Griffin, the Community Garden Coordinator, who is best known for organizing the successful Great Southeast Pollinator Censusand leading outreach programs for school and community gardens.  Additional team members support the Center for Urban Agriculture in advancing its research, education, and outreach mission. Kimberly Allen serves as Administrative Associate, providing vital administrative coordination. G. Rich Braman oversees the Center’s digital infrastructure as Systems Administrator and Developer. Beth Horne manages event planning and program logistics, and Melba Ruth Salazar Gutierrez serves as Program Coordinator for GCLP and GCPP, supporting leadership and professional development initiatives within the Center.

    28 min
  • 2 Episodes

About

Urban Pods is the podcast series that takes research and innovation out of the lab and into the hands of urban and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) communities. Hosted by Dr. Ruchika Kashyap (Dr. R), Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist of Urban and Controlled Environment Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia, this series educates, inspires, and engages listeners across the dynamic world of sustainable food and flower production. Urban Pods is the space where growers, researchers, students, and curious minds find practical advice, success stories, and the latest scientific insights for a more resilient and sustainable food future.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Ruchika Kashyap
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 UrbanPods
  • Show Website
    UrbanPods