CSU Spur of the Moment

Nature conservation can mean a lot of things in different contexts — it’s not just working in wetlands and forests, but it also has a role to play in the ways our cities function, too. Additionally, nature doesn’t recognize boundaries or borders, and it requires cooperation between the different countries and states that many natural areas cover. This is the kind of work Leslie Harroun focuses on every day as Executive Director of the Salazar Center for North American Conservation. The Salazar Center works to build conservation, leadership, thinking, and practice across North America to restore and sustain our natural world for future generations. Before joining the Salazar Center, Leslie led the Next System Project at the Democracy Collaborative where she worked to design and articulate a common sense next economic system that is equitable, democratic, and ecological. Previously, Leslie was a founding director of the Partners for a New Economy and International Donor Collaborative focused on conservation in the economy and senior program officer at the Oak FoundationLeslie joined Jocelyn to talk about where her passion for nature conservation came from, her day-to-day work and the path that brought her to the Salazar Center, and her favorite pair of shoes that get her through a long day of meetings. Salazar Center for North American Conservation WebsiteSalazar Center on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter

06-04

45:02

Coca-Cola is one of the most recognized brands on the planet, but how much do you know about their efforts towards a more sustainable planet? For instance their global goal of replenishing 100% of water used during beverage production? Or collecting and recycling a bottle or can for every one sold by 2030? They’re big-time ambitions, and Bruce Karas and his team were tasked with making that happen. Bruce Karas is the Principal Consultant at Circular Futures. He has over 30 years of experience as an environmental safety professional and worked with various companies on health stewardship. Notably, he led Coca-Cola North America's environmental efforts focused on water stewardship, climate protection, energy efficiency, packaging and recycling, and sustainable agriculture. Bruce joined Jocelyn to talk about his passion for water conservation and recycling, his unique career journey that brought him to where he is today, and one surprise dish he’s well-known for cooking. You can find Bruce Karas on LinkedInCircular Futures Website

05-21

43:37

Dan Dye thinks a lot about food. More specifically, Dan thinks a lot about how we can improve our food systems to make for a healthier and more holistic future for both the employees within those sectors and the communities that rely on them.  Dan is the CEO of Ardent Mills, a flour and milling company based here in Denver, CO, and the sponsor of the Ardent Mills Teaching and Culinary Center here in the Terra building at CSU Spur. He currently serves on the executive committee of the North American Millers’ Association; on the boards of directors of the American Bakers’ Association, Partners in Food Solutions and the CEO Forum; on the board of trustees of Bethel University; and as a board member at the Craig Hospital Foundation.In this episode, Dan talks with Jocelyn about his passion for the agricultural industry and the unique journey that brought him to his current role. **On May 2nd it was announced that Dan would be retiring from his role at Ardent Mills later this summer. Congratulations, Dan! Ardent Mills WebsiteArdent Mills on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

05-07

46:36

If you have ever been to one of Adam Schlegel’s restaurant ventures here in Denver, you probably understand his ethos: food is fun! From cozy brunch spots that aim to make breakfast a party, to a chicken joint inspired by his time in Australia, Adam is on a mission to make healthy food exciting!Adam is CEO of Cumulus Etc, a consulting company focused on food, beverage, agriculture, and sustainability. Some of the restaurants he’s had a hand in creating include Chook Charcoal Chicken, Sun Valley Public Market, and Snooze an AM Eatery. In this episode of Spur of the Moment, Adam sat down with Jocelyn to talk about his passion for healthy food, the journey that has brought him to his current role, and how the industry has not only moving towards a more sustainable future but it’s been doing so with gusto.Snooze WebsiteChook Chicken Website

04-23

43:48

Throughout her career, Dr. Sybil Sharvelle has been focused on the notion of fit-for-purpose water. That is, “How can we take various forms of wastewater (i.e. greywater, stormwater, etc..) and treat it to make it safe for human and agricultural consumption?”  A professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Colorado State University, Dr. Sharvelle also serves as the technical director for the Water TAP lab here at CSU Spur — a groundbreaking facility focused on answering that very same question: “How do we reuse water for the right purposes?” In this episode of the CSU Spur of the Moment Podcast, Sybil talks about some of the exciting research she is currently working on, the unique pathway that brought her to her current role (think space travel) , and tap water! Water TAP Lab website

04-09

45:04

Dr. Lakisha Odom, Scientific Program Director at the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), firmly believes in the inclusivity of agriculture. She actively puts that to work by leveraging innovative science and interdisciplinary thinking to address the complex challenges in food and agriculture. Her work at FFAR bridges research and policy, aiming to tackle complex issues while inspiring future generations of diverse and multi-cultural food and ag scientists. She is unapologetically herself — bubbly and energetic, even as a scientist — and wants you to believe that you can be, too. Dr. Odom received her bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Tuskegee University, her master’s degree in environmental resource policy from The George Washington University, and her doctorate in integrative biosciences from Tuskegee University.Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) WebsiteFFAR on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube

03-26

34:35

The nature of work is evolving rapidly, posing both challenges and opportunities for companies. How do organizations adapt to this shifting landscape to attract and retain talent? That moving target is exactly what Joe Fuller is trying to hit. A Professor of Management Practice in General Management at the Harvard School of Business and co-lead of the school’s initiative, Managing the Future of Work, Joe Fuller spent nearly three decades in consulting, working with senior executives and policymakers on a wide variety of issues related to corporate strategy and national competitiveness. Currently, he is researching the evolution of the role of the CEOs and the C-suite in public companies, and the things leaders can put into action to navigate this complex landscape. Managing the Future of Work WebsiteManaging the Future of Work PodcastFollow Joe on Twitter and LinkedIn

03-12

51:54

Brad Udall is a senior water and climate research scientist at Colorado State University’s Colorado Water Center. Though focused on the Colorado River Basin, he is an expert in hydrology and policy-related concerns of the American West, where his work often weaves together science, policy, and communication about these complicated issues. Brad holds an engineering degree from Stanford and an MBA from Colorado State University. Colorado River Science WebsiteColorado Water Center WebsiteConnect with the Colorado Water Center on Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramTheme Music: “Work” by KetsaProduction: Kevin Samuelson

05-30

44:06

Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson is a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University and the Director of AgNext — a program at CSU tasked with finding solutions to feeding 12.3 billion people by the end of this century. That might seem like a seriously wicked problem, but it is one that requires addressing, and Dr. Stackhouse-Lawson and her team at AgNext are working diligently to find answers. AgNext WebsiteAgNext on Facebook, LinkedIn, and TwitterTheme Music: “Work” by KetsaProduction: Kevin Samuelson

05-16

40:16

Ben Shepherd is the director and planning practice leader at Atelier Ten, an environmental design consulting firm based in New York City. Ben has extensive experience with urban ecology, renewable energy, and green development. He's worked on plans including commercial, university, government, and transportation projects, and has consulted on more than 100 high-performance building projects. Ben also teaches environmental design courses at the Yale School of Architecture.Atelier Ten WebsiteAtelier Ten on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TwitterTheme Music: “Work” by KetsaProduction: Kevin Samuelson

05-02

35:51

What is influencing the health and well-being of populations? Why do people in some neighborhoods develop diseases when those in other neighborhoods don’t? These kinds of questions are often at the forefront of Dr. Sheryl Magzamen’s day-to-to life. Sheryl is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental and Radiological Sciences at Colorado State University and her work is primarily focused on understanding the relative contribution of social factors and environmental exposures on childhood chronic disease.Magzamen Labs WebsiteDept. of Environmental and Radiological Sciences Website Theme Music: “Work” by KetsaProduction: Kevin Samuelson

04-11

42:01

What does it mean to be the Chancellor of a state university system? Dr. Tony Frank joined CSU in 1993 and served in a variety of capacities before becoming university President in 2008. In 2015 he moved into a dual role as president and chancellor of the CSU System — a network of three degree-granting campuses, as well as the CSU Spur campus in Denver, and the CSU Todos Santos Center in Baja California Sur, Mexico. CSU System WebsiteColorado State University WebsiteCSU Pueblo WebsiteCSU Global WebsiteCSU Spur WebsiteFollow the CSU System on Twitter, Facebook, and InstagramConnect with the CSU System on LinkedInTheme Music: “Work” by KetsaProduction: Kevin Samuelson

03-28

42:13

Jim Lochhead was appointed as the CEO of Denver Water in 2010, where he oversees the management of the drinking water for Denver and the surrounding suburbs. Prior to his tenure at Denver Water, Jim held a variety of positions including working in private law practice on natural resource issues in the US and around the world. Jim will be leaving Denver Water this spring but will leave behind a lasting legacy on the biggest water utility in the mountain region. Denver Water WebsiteFollow Denver Water on Twitter, Facebook, and InstagramConnect with Denver Water on LinkedInTheme Music: “Work” by KetsaProduction: Kevin Samuelson

03-14

41:11

In December 2018, Governor Jared Polis appointed Kate Greenberg as Colorado’s Commissioner of Agriculture. Kate brings more than 12 years of working in agriculture that spans from legislative advocacy to working directly in the field. In her current role, Kate provides leadership and direction serving producers operating more than 38,700 farms and ranches in the state.Department of Agriculture WebsiteFollow Kate on InstagramConnect with the Department of Ag. on LinkedInTheme Music: “Work” by KetsaProduction: Kevin Samuelson

02-14

44:43

Water Foundry's WebsiteICI Fund's WebsiteTheme Music: “Work” by KetsaProduction: Kevin Samuelson