CSU Spur of the Moment

George Sparks believes that cultural institutions have the power to bring people together. Not just literally in a collective space but by making a display of the inherent understanding that we are all a part of nature. George is the CEO of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and has been with the museum for 20 years. Before that, he spent 24 years in the electronics measurement business at Hewlett Packard and Agilent Technologies. His career included marketing, sales, and general management of global businesses and software systems and services.George joined the podcast to discuss his work connecting humans and nature, his path to his current role, and the importance of building relationships and staying curious throughout your career. Denver Museum of Nature and Science WebsiteReferenced in the episode: Laws of Notion Podcast with Kristan Uhlenbrock

The Water in the West Symposium, hosted at CSU Spur, brings in speakers from different disciplines from around the world every year to discuss global and local water challenges. The 2023 symposium was centered around “Next Gen Water: From AI to Gen Z,” and in this special episode of CSU Spur of the Moment you will hear a panel discussion that focuses on Indigenous and Tribal water challenges and solutions. It featured Mike Preston of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Water Resources Committee and Kathryn Redhorse from the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs. The panel was moderated by Ernest House Jr of the Keystone Policy Center and also a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Their discussion touched on a range of topics, including tribal engagement and decision-making, the impact of drought and climate change on water rights and access, and the needs of the younger generation of Indigenous youth.

Mike Gabel laughs anytime he sees food scientists depicted as wearing lab coats and looking through microscopes. It's not how he sees himself and the work that he does. In fact, he claims that in his 20-year career as a food scientist, he's never even used a microscope. Instead, Mike helps food entrepreneurs develop products and bring them to market. Mike is the Director of the Food Innovation Center here at CSU Spur, which has the goal of supporting food innovators through various services and by creating a place for their ideas to be fostered and grow. He has led innovation teams at Windsor Foods, ConAgra Foods, and recently at Barilla where he spent five years at their headquarters in Parma, Italy.He sat down to talk about his passion for food sciences, his career journey, and the secret behind how Jelly Belly makes their jellybeans taste exactly like the foods they intend to replicate.Sign up to be a CSU Spur Taste Bud here

If you talk to George Franklin he'll be the first to tell you that lobbyists have a bad rap. Ask him and he will emphasize that integrity and building trust with those around you is what make a good lobbyist, and those things are not often the image that's depicted on screen and online. In this special episode of Spur of the Moment, you will hear a conversation between Kristin Kirkpatrick, Managing Director of CSU Spur Partnerships and Advancement, and George Franklin, author, speaker, long-time lawyer, lobbyist, and former Vice President of Government Relations for the Kellogg Company. George has written numerous books, both fiction and non-fiction, that draw on his experience working in Washington, including “Raisin Bran and Other Cereal Wars” and “So You Think You Want to Run for Congress.”Hear some colorful stories from George's illustrious career, including big antitrust lawsuits and traveling with Mohammed Ali, and get an inside look at what the life of a lobbyist actually looks like — it's not quite what you remember from “Thank You for Smoking.” George Franklin's WebsiteConnect with George on LinkedIn

April Giles gets to see things every day that most people don't — people trying to change the world. Whether it's predicting lung cancer, molecular wound care, or groundbreaking arthritis treatment, she works closely with organizations from startups to commercial enterprises that are focused on healthcare and life science innovation. April Giles is the Vice President of Business Development for the Fitzsimons Innovation Community at the University of Colorado. The Fitzsimons Innovation Community is a place where health and life sciences companies are co-located on a collaborative campus and are close to the University of Colorado Medical School. Prior to this role, April was the president and CEO of the Colorado Bioscience Association and worked in the office of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colorado Denver.April joined the podcast to talk about her day-to-day work with innovative organizations, the unique pathway that brought her to the Fitzsimons Innovation Community, and why Portugal is the one place she's been to more than anywhere — it's probably not the reason you would think! Fitzsimons Innovation Community WebsiteConnect on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 Website Colorado Water Center Website Connect with the Colorado Water Center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Kevin Samuelson

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 Website AgNext on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Kevin Samuelson

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 Website Atelier Ten on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Kevin Samuelson

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 Website Dept. of Environmental and Radiological Sciences Website  Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Kevin Samuelson

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 Website Colorado State University Website CSU Pueblo Website CSU Global Website CSU Spur Website Follow the CSU System on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram Connect with the CSU System on LinkedIn Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Kevin Samuelson

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 Website Follow Denver Water on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram Connect with Denver Water on LinkedIn Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Kevin Samuelson

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 Website Follow Kate on Instagram Connect with the Department of Ag. on LinkedIn Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Kevin Samuelson

Water Foundry's Website ICI Fund's Website Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Kevin Samuelson

Wall Lab Website School of Global Environmental Sustainability Website Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Kevin Samuelson

DUG Website Follow DUG on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Connect with DUG on LinkedIn Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Kevin Samuelson

IBE Website Follow the IBE on Facebook and Twitter Connect with the IBE on LinkedIn Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Kevin Samuelson  

CDC One Health Website CDC Website Follow the CDC  on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Connect with the CDC on LinkedIn Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Kevin Samuelson

W.A.S.H Website UNICEF Website Follow UNICEF on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Connect with UNICEF on LinkedIn Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Kevin Samuelson

Colorado State University School of Agricultural Sciences Website Follow @csuagsci on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Connect with The College of Agricultural Sciences on LinkedIn Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Kevin Samuelson

Water for People website Follow @waterforpeople on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Connect with Water for People on LinkedIn Theme Music: “Work” by Ketsa Production: Peachislander.com

Street drugs are changing rapidly in the United States and pose great risk to individuals and to public health overall. Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta is an epidemiologist at the University of North Carolina, who believes that involving people who use drugs in his research is critical to a holistic understanding of the issue. Dr. Dasgupta and his team study how street drugs are changing, share lifesaving information with the public, and inspire future research in the space. Twitter: @nabarund Lab Website: Opioiddata.org CSU Spur: CSUSpur.org Production: Peachislander.com

Anthony Garcia Sr. is Executive Director of The Birdseed Collective, a Denver organization serving the Globeville neighborhood – where Anthony grew up – as well as surrounding north Denver communities. The organization connects community members with art, music, and civic projects and fills a variety of other needs, including regular food distribution. A mural and graffiti artist, Anthony will create a water-themed mural as part of the Hydro building at CSU Spur. Instagram: @birdseedanthony / @thebirdseedcollective / @altogallery / @zarapestudios Facebook: @birdseedcollective / @altogallery / @birdseedanthony Twitter: @birdseeddenver / @birdseedanthony https://csuspur.org/artwork/whirlpool/ Production: Peachislander.com

Dr. Mark Stetter's career has revolved around working with animals – from beluga whales to gorillas to dogs. While working at Disney, he pioneered the first on-show veterinary hospital, allowing visitors to watch live procedures happen at Animal Kingdom. During his tenure as Dean of CSU's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, he brought forward the concept of an on-show clinic for companion animal veterinary medicine – now that first-of-its-kind clinic will open at CSU Spur in January 2022. Twitter: @ucdavisvetmed / @CSUvetmedbiosci Instagram: @ucdavisvetmed / @CSUvetmedbiosci Facebook: @UCDavisVetMed / @CSUvetmedbiosci CSU Spur: CSUSpur.org Production: Peachislander.com

Denver hasn't stopped growing since 1850. Two people who know the city will only keep growing are Grace Rink, executive director of the Office of Climate Action, and Laura Aldrete, executive director of Denver Community Planning and Development. While the two individuals work in separate offices for the City of Denver, they talk about how they often work together – at the intersection of city planning and sustainability – to find solutions on issues like energy and water conservation. Grace Rink: https://tinyurl.com/mt5phth6 Grace Rink Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkKRUIPLjt4 Laura Aldrete: https://tinyurl.com/yc5uz4u5 Twitter: @CityofDenver Instagram: @therealcityofdenver Facebook: @CityandCountyofDenver CSU Spur: CSUSpur.org Production: Peachislander.com

Helping graduates navigate a rapidly changing world: it's a lofty mission and CSU Pueblo President Tim Mottet is showing up every day to achieve it. Dr. Mottet leads a student population from largely under-resourced communities to graduate and achieve their career dreams. Located 100 miles north of Denver, Pueblo is a diverse community merging many different southwestern cultures and traditions. Hear why Mottet pursued a presidency at CSU Pueblo as his number one career goal when he started in 2017. CSU Pueblo: CSUPueblo.edu Twitter: @timothypmottet Instagram: @timothypmtt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoStateUniversityPueblo Twitter: @CSUPueblo Instagram: csupueblo CSU Spur: CSUspur.org Theme Music: "Work" by Ketsa Production: Peachislander.com

Soil, Water, and Plant Testing Laboratory: SoilTestingLab.Colostate.eduCSU Spur: CSUspur.orgTheme Music: "Work" by KetsaProduction: Peachislander.com

Known as the headwaters states, the health of United States water supply starts in Colorado. While many people think of Colorado as a snowy place, skiers are actually recreating on the state's largest reservoir. Becky Mitchell, director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board, works to preserve and improve this natural resource that serves more than 40-million people.CSU Spur: CSUspur.orgTheme Music: "Work" by KetsaProduction: Peachislander.comWebsite: cwcb.colorado.govColorado Water PlanColorado River Frequently Asked Questions Twitter: @CWCB_DNR and @cwcbbeckyInstagram: @coloradowaterconservation_dnrYouTube

Agriculture brings wealth and sustainability to every society, yet all cultures approach it differently. Agriculture extension programs offered by universities are unique to the US. In many counties, a farmer's gender determines which crop they will produce. Kerri Wright Platais, special advisor to the Chancellor and director of International Agriculture at CSU Spur, studies the nuances of agriculture to help feed the world's growing population. CSU Spur: CSUspur.orgTheme Music: "Work" by KetsaProduction: Peachislander.comNAAAN websiteGFRAS website NAAAN side event at the World Food PrizeConnect with Kerri Wright Platais:

Colorado State University Fort Collins President Joyce McConnell tells all about her busy daily routine, and how CSU Fort Collins managed the Covid-19 pandemic. From hosting the governor at the new Temple Grandin Equine Center, to attending the Larimer County Farmers market for CSU Extension, President McConnell shows us what it takes to lead the Fort Collins campus.CSU Spur: CSUspur.orgTheme Music: "Work" by KetsaProduction: Peachislander.comConnect With President Joyce McConnell Here:InstagramTwitter

The work of Jason Bruges sits at the intersection of art, architecture and technology. Bruges designs art pieces at an architectural scale that respond to the movements of people around them. His work will soon be featured on a glass bridge connecting two buildings at CSU Spur campus! His hope is conversation and even urban myths will be spurred by this new piece of art that lives and breathes using technology.CSU Spur: CSUspur.orgTheme Music: "Work" by KetsaProduction: Peachislander.comConnect With Jason Bruges Here:Jason's WebsiteInstagramTwitterFacebook

Former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has taken up the position again for President Biden. Equity for people of color in agriculture, nutrition security for all Americans, and using land wisely to combat climate change are among his top priorities. More about Secretary Vilsack: USGA.govCSU Spur: CSUspur.orgTheme Music: "Work" by KetsaProduction: Peachislander.comUs Department of Aghttps://www.facebook.com/USDAhttps://www.instagram.com/usdagov/https://twitter.com/USDAhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/usda/TOM - https://twitter.com/SecVilsack

Dr. Apryl Steele, serves as CEO and president of the Dumb Friends League, which will open a community-centric veterinary hospital to care for sick pets at CSU Spur. The hospital will be available to families who face financial barriers to veterinary care for their companion animals; Dr. Steele shares her belief that all should have access to the joy of pet ownership. Dumb Friends League: DDFL.orgCSU Spur: CSUspur.orgTheme Music: "Work" by KetsaProduction: Peachislander.comDumb Friends League https://twitter.com/DDFLhttps://www.instagram.com/dumbfriendsleague/https://www.facebook.com/dumbfriendsleaguehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dumb-friends-league/ 

Together We Grow, a nonprofit consortium of universities, nonprofits, and agribusinesses focused on increasing diversity in the agriculture workforce pipeline, will be headquartered at CSU Spur. Together We Grow's Executive Director Kristin Kirkpatrick discusses innovative solutions to growing food sustainably to feed the planet, and making sure all voices and cultures are at the table to get the job done.Check out Kirkpatrick's Ted Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GuYc5G5VcQ.CSU Spur: CSUspur.orgTheme Music: "Work" by KetsaProduction: Peachislander.comTogether We Growhttps://www.facebook.com/2GTHRWEGROWhttps://www.instagram.com/2gthrwegrow/https://twitter.com/2GTHRWEGROW

Hear how "Spur of the Moment" aims to understand the forces shifting our global trajectory around food, water, and health. Host Jocelyn Hittle talks with leaders who are already changing the game in these fields. Brought to you by Colorado State University's Spur Campus in Denver.10 billion mouths to feed by 2050. A diminishing water supply. Climate change. These are big challenges, and they require big solutions.When the #CSUSpur campus opens in Denver in 2022, we'll take on these big world challenges through research and education that inspires the next generation. But we're not waiting until the buildings are built—the time to understand and innovate is now. This is the Spur of the Moment Podcast, hosted by Jocelyn Hittle, where we aim to understand the forces shifting our global trajectory around food, water, and health. Where we talk with people who are already changing the game in these fields and get an inside look into their work.CSU Spur: CSUspur.orgTheme Music: "Work" by KetsaProduction: Peachislander.com