Nutrition and Food Science (NFSC)

Are you an admitted -or- prospective student interested in studying environmental science, animal science, plant science, landscape architecture, nutritional science or another agriculture and natural resources field? Join us to explore what the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) has to offer.

This information session introduces AGNR, including our nine undergraduate degree programs (BS & BLA), minors, hands-on learning approach, beyond-the-classroom experiences, and life as an AGNR Terp.

Please note that each visit date offers a unique experience. During the April 17, 2026 session, guests will attend a general presentation, hear from current AGNR students, and tour the nearby Campus Farm! Please dress for the weather - the second half of this session will be held outdoors.

Are you an admitted UMD student interested in studying environmental science, animal science, plant science, landscape architecture, nutritional science or another agriculture and natural resources field? Join us to explore what the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) has to offer.

This information session introduces AGNR, including our nine undergraduate degree programs (BS & BLA), minors, hands-on learning approach, beyond-the-classroom experiences, and life as an AGNR Terp.

Please note that each visit date offers a unique experience. During the April 3, 2026 session, guests will attend a general presentation, hear from current AGNR students, and then interact personally with AGNR students in your intended field of study. Student representatives from each AGNR major will lead breakout sessions to provide focused, supplemental programming. This very personalized visit allows you to get a real feel for being an AGNR Terp!

Are you an admitted -OR- prospective UMD student interested in studying environmental science, animal science, plant science, landscape architecture, nutritional science or another agriculture and natural resources field? Join us to explore what the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) has to offer.

This information session introduces AGNR, including our nine undergraduate degree programs (BS & BLA), minors, hands-on learning approach, beyond-the-classroom experiences, and life as an AGNR Terp.

Please note that each visit date offers a unique experience. During the March 28, 2026 session, guests will attend a general presentation, hear from current AGNR students, and tour the nearby Campus Farm!

Please dress for the weather - the second half of this session will be held outdoors. This special Saturday session allows you the convenience of a weekend visit, however, no general campus tours will be available. We encourage you to plan to take the virtual general campus tour after your AGNR visit!

Are you an admitted UMD student interested in studying environmental science, animal science, plant science, landscape architecture, nutritional science or another agriculture and natural resources field? Join us to explore what the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) has to offer.

This information session introduces AGNR, including our nine undergraduate degree programs (BS & BLA), minors, hands-on learning approach, beyond-the-classroom experiences, and life as an AGNR Terp.

Please note that each visit date offers a unique experience. During the March 27, 2026 session, guests will attend a general presentation, hear from current AGNR students, and then Meet Your Major! Representative from each AGNR major will lead breakout sessions to provide focused, supplemental programming.

Learn about AGNR and your intended major -- all in one visit!

Will you be at the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) in January? Join us for a tour of the show floor and happy hour on Thursday, January 8! Please RSVP for the tour and/or happy hour by emailing us at umdagnralumni@gmail.com.

Join us on April 9, 2026, at 5 PM for the annual AGNR Discovery and Innovation Night! This signature event unites AGNR students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry leaders for an evening of enriching connections. For a look at previous years' programs, check out this site.

The highlight of the evening is the Student Experience Showcase, where students will proudly present and celebrate their transformative experiences beyond the classroom, including internships, study abroad programs, research projects, and more.

This is a free event open to the UMD community and its constituents. 

Student Attendee Registration: https://go.umd.edu/DIN26 

Student Presenter Interest Form: https://go.umd.edu/DINpresenter26

Employer, Alumni, and Faculty/Staff Sign Up: https://go.umd.edu/DINguest26 

Pick up your spirits and a pumpkin at AGNR’s annual Pick & Treat! 🎃

Take a break from UMD Spooky Season (aka Midterms) on Thursday, October 30 from 2:30-4:30pm to enjoy some festive fall fun as we turn the Animal Sciences courtyard into a pumpkin patch.

Mark your calendars to come pick a pumpkin grown at our very own Wye Research & Education Center and discover what treats await! Costumes and furry companions are welcome!

Join us for the 2025 Mary Shorb Lecture in Nutrition given by Dr. Leena Hilakivi-Clarke. The lecture will be on gut dysbiosis as a mediator of increased breast cancer in female offspring born to obese mothers.

The Mary Shorb Lecture in Nutrition is a jointly hosted event by the Department of Nutrition and Food Science and the Department of Animal and Avian Sciences. Over 47 esteemed speakers have presented since its start in 1970.

The 2025 Mary Shorb Lecturer is Dr. Leena Hilakivi-Clarke. She is a professor and assistant director for Faculty Affairs at the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota. Hilakivi-Clarke's current research interests focus on women's health, including studying interactions among exosome, gut microbiome, and breast cancer. She has published over 180 scientific papers and trained nearly 90 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty in her laboratory.

There will be a reception from 1:45 to 2:45 following the lecture.

You're invited to join us for AGNR’s 7th annual Cornerstone event on Thursday, October 23 at The Adele H. Stamp Student Union—Center for Campus Life. 

We're excited to welcome keynote speaker, Sanjay K. Rai, secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). 

In his role, Rai is responsible for statewide policies for Maryland's 14 public 4-year institutions, 16 community colleges, 32 private institutions, and more than 140 private career schools. His programming and partnerships have expanded educational access, improved student success, and reduced achievement gaps for all learners. He will deliver a talk on the use of hashtagAI to improve instruction and engagement with students. 

The event will also feature a free lunch and a student poster competition featuring the excellent work of our students. Guests may also register on-site the day of the event. 

Join the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni Network on Saturday, October 4 before the Washington vs. Maryland football game for food & fun on Family Weekend. Reconnect with fellow alums, enjoy tailgate eats, and get game-day ready AGNR-style. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate with your UMD family—see you there!