Lecture on "Aquaponics" Wednesday, Febuary 26 at Tennessee Williams Theatre

Florida Keys Community College invites the community to the final session of its V.I.P. Lecture Series, “Aquaponics: Sustainable Agriculture Begins at Home” led by FKCC Biology Professor Dr. Bill Irwin on Wednesday, February 26 at 6:30p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West Campus. The free event, sponsored by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, closes the 2014 season of FKCC’s new series. Refreshments will be provided and there will be a cash bar.

Dr. Irwin will trace the history of global food production, discuss changes in economic and nutritional values of our food, and examine the sustainability of our current agriculture methods in light of growing world population and increasing demands. Then, using an actual functional aquaponic system along with images and descriptions of a wide range of successful designs (and samples from his own gardens!), he will demonstrate how nearly anyone can produce a significant amount of healthy, organic vegetables and fish with very little effort or expense in an eco-friendly, sustainable and enjoyable way here in the Florida Keys.

Dr. Bill Irwin has been a Professor of Biology at FKCC since 2011 and is currently the Chair of the Department of Mathematics, Biological and Physical Sciences. His experience, earned through a career leading educational, environmental and service organizations and businesses, has led him to become a pioneer in sustainable living and an advocate for environmental responsibility. He volunteers his time and services locally and globally to organizations that work toward preserving biodiversity, protecting animal welfare and promoting sustainability.

“Aquaponics and other ‘green’ projects led by Dr. Irwin provide practical ways to engage our students’ interest in science. They learn how to be responsible citizens,” said College President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra. “We are proud to provide a wider platform for one of our own professors to share his expertise beyond the classroom and with the community at large.”

Added Gueverra: “We are grateful to the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority for sponsoring this eco-minded event that could reduce our water consumption and overall carbon footprint in the Keys.”

In January, FKCC launched the V.I.P. Lecture Series with overwhelming success. Dr. Michael Francis, History Professor at the University of South Florida- St. Petersburg, delighted a standing-room only theater with “After Ponce: Rethinking the Early History of La Florida and the Keys.” The Embassy of Spain’s Anabel Sanchez Salmerón followed with a colorful presentation, “Get to Know Spain,” which was highlighted with flamenco music and food. Each year, with the support of sponsoring businesses like the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate and Pirate Radio, FKCC will feature speakers of local, regional and national prominence who will share their expert views, insights and perspectives on an array of topics.