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.
This episode of Urban Pods features Dr. Peter Konjoian, a veteran horticulturist and researcher who discusses the evolution of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) through the lens of both academia and commercial industry. The conversation centers on the "Lab to Land" philosophy—translating complex scientific research into practical solutions for growers
15 Jun 2026
Moon to Mars: Exploring Food Production in Space
In this out-of-this-world episode of Urban Pods, we take a giant leap into the future of food systems by exploring the fascinating world of Space Agriculture. Host Dr. R welcomes Dr. Matthew Mickens, a distinguished NASA scientist specializing in plant growth research in controlled environments. We dive into the extreme challenges of growing plants in space, including managing microgravity’s effects on air and fluid dynamics , the necessity of LED lighting systems, and overcoming limited reso...
20 Apr 2026
Planting Future in the City: Georgia's Youngest Urban Grower
This episode shines a light on Kendall’s AgrowKulture urban farm, a beacon of sustainability and community engagement in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. Amidst a local food desert, nine-year-old Kendall, Georgia’s youngest and the nation’s youngest certified grower, along with her parents, Ursula and Quentin Johnson, are cultivating not just fresh, nutritious food, but also a movement. Join us as we talk to the Johnson family about the deeply personal roots of their farm—starting with a family...
8 Apr 2026
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 tun...
18 Mar 2026
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 ...
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