George Brooks, Jr., Ph.D.
MESA, Arizona — March 26, 2021 — George Brooks, Jr., Ph.D., Mesa Community College Sustainable Agriculture faculty member, is nominated by the Aquaponics Association to serve on the new USDA Advisory Committee on Urban & Innovative Agriculture.
Brooks is one of five nominated by the association to serve on the 12-person committee. If selected, Brooks will advise the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor and other emerging agricultural production practices, as well as to identify any barriers to urban agriculture.
Of the nominations, Aquaponics Association Chairman Brian Filipowich stated, “It’s important that individuals with extensive knowledge of aquaponics serve on the Advisory Committee. The expansion of aquaponics is vital for our health, our environment and our economy, so that the USDA does not miss opportunities to support this ultra-efficient growing method.”
Brooks said, “It would be a tremendous honor to share my passion to help reimagine our food system.”
Brooks holds a doctoral degree in Fisheries Conservation and Management from the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Arizona, a Master of Science in Marine Biology from San Diego State University and a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Arizona State University.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses, additional locations and a combination of online formats. Through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, MCC is transforming how it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment and advancement. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution and nearly 50% of its students are the first in their families to attend college. Its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized tribes of Arizona as well as out-of- state tribes. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The diverse student body includes more than 300 international students from 55 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to successfully transfer to a university or compete in the workforce. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
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