Rooftop Agriculture
College of Agricultural Sciences
Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Denver
County
- Food and Agriculture
- In the field
Primary Topic:
Food and Agriculture
Other Topics:
Natural Resources and Sustainability
Internship Overview:
Rooftop agriculture is a pioneering field in the emerging area of urban food production. While rooftop agricultural production has been successful in other cities across the world, it is still theoretical in our high elevation, sunny, semiarid environment. Ideal horticultural crop selection and optimal irrigation regimes require testing. The intensive green roof system on top of the CSU Spur Terra Building is the ideal location for research like this.
Goals, Scope and Objectives:
Therefore, the intern on this project will assist the faculty mentor and a post-doctoral employee in screening horticultural crops and irrigation regimes in rooftop agriculture systems. The intern will help collect data, answer visitors’ questions, and participate in events and activities associated with rooftop agriculture research and engagement. Additionally, the Extension aspect will include a project that describes the subject, identifies applications, addresses costs and benefits, and reports current data.
With which stakeholder group(s) will the intern work?
Extension, horticulture, and green roof industries.
What student learning outcomes do you anticipate and what are the opportunities for professional development?
The intern will gain hands-on experience in the horticultural aspects of rooftop agriculture. Additionally, the intern will interact with professionals and gain experience in the areas of Extension, horticulture, and green roofs. The intern will also assist with outreach and community events refining their public speaking and engaged scholarship skills. Therefore, the intern will not only learn about the scientific aspects of these areas but also network with professionals.
