2017: Big Data

Strategic Discussions for Nebraska is a program in the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). The mission of the annual publication is to communicate research-based science so it can be understood by the general public.

A Strategic Discussions for Nebraska publication has been produced annually since 2008, each focusing on a different overall topic. This year’s publication has been produced by a team of university students in the spring semester of 2017 during the capstone course for their major in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication, in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication. The course provides a learning experience similar to those they may encounter in the workplace, emphasizing the accurate, clear and objective communication of science-based information.

During the course, students learn about scientific research being conducted at the university and the diverse funding sources required to support that research. They interview scientists from many disciplines and write stories based on those interviews.

The stories in this publication were reviewed by the sources and approved for publication. Media specialists from IANR Media provided videography and video editing expertise, which may be accessed online at sdn.unl.edu. University Communication provided photography, graphic design and website expertise. IANR provided funding, business and liaison services for the production of this publication.

As coordinator and editor of this publication, I express sincere appreciation for the original vision and financial support of the Robert and Ardis James Family Foundation, which founded Strategic Discussions for Nebraska in 2007.

Please visit our website, sdn.unl.edu, where you will find this complete publication and a video montage of scientists explaining the research that is changing the world.

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Mary Garbacz

SDN Editor and Coordinator