A scientific symposium aimed at innovations in agricultural science, and led by an internationally-recognized slate of research scientists and agricultural experts, will be held Oct. 6 to7 at several locations on the Texas Tech University campus in Lubbock. Known as the '5th Symposium of Zamoranos in USA,' the event focuses on professional development and networking for agricultural professionals.

The symposium is of particular interest to alumni of Zamorano Pan-American Agricultural School, a private university located in Honduras, some 21 miles northwest of the nation's capital of Tegucigalpa. The academic facility primarily focuses on four areas of agricultural science. 

"At this symposium you'll find perspectives of how Zamorano alumni are contributing to the United States, and how, as Zamoranos, and agricultural professionals we can contribute back to Latin America," said Carlos Carpio, associate professor in Tech's Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and Zamorano alumnus. "By registering in this event, you will get to interact with agricultural professionals across the United State in the industry and academia. You'll also have the West Texas and Cotton experience as we approach harvest season."

Zamorano is one of the most prestigious and selective agricultural universities in Latin America, Carpio said. Currently, there are 11 Zamorano alumni working or pursuing graduate studies at Texas Tech and several others working for various agribusiness companies in West Texas.

Program leaders note that registration for the event is free, but donations are welcome to sponsor student participation. Event registration runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday (Oct. 6) at Tech's Animal and Food Science Building. The afternoon will be highlighted by a tour of Tech's Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute, a group that serves the research needs of manufacturers, cotton breeders and public agencies.

David Weindorf, CASNR's Associate Dean for Research and Tech's B.L. Allen Endowed Chair of Pedology, will serve as luncheon speaker. Later in the afternoon, participants will receive a welcome from Steve Fraze, interim dean of Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, followed by seminar on the university by Zamorano President Jeffrey Lansdale.

Saturday (Oct. 7) begins at Tech's International Cultural Center in the Hall of Nations with a series of high-profile agriculture science professionals. Schedule speakers include:

• Sukant Misra, associate vice provost for international programs, and professor in Texas Tech's Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics
• Johnson Zeledon, head of Breeding and Trait Development Operations for North America, Bayer CropScience (Zamorano '94)
• Luis Cañas, associate professor, The Ohio State University, and president of AGEAP International (Zamorano '90)
• Mindy Brashears, director, International Center for Food Industry Excellence at Texas Tech
• Marvin Moncada, research and development food scientist and plant manager, Louisiana State University's AgCenter Food Incubator (Zamorano '05)
• Ivan Borja, professor and graduate studies director, Health Economics Program, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (Zamorano '96)
• Marcos Sanchez, associate professor, Texas Tech Department of Animal and Food Sciences
• Jeffrey Lansdale, President, EAP Zamorano

The day also features a graduate student poster session; a photography competition titled: Zamorano Through the Lens; and an alumni banquet held at Ranching Heritage Center, a museum of ranching history located on the Texas Tech campus.

CONTACT: Carlos Carpio, associate professor, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-8244 or carlos.carpio@ttu.edu

0922NM17 / Editor's Note: Zamo Raiders, The Zamorano Alumni Student Association at Texas Tech, is organizing the event. Event registration can be done electronically here