Draft:Merle Jensen

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Dr. Merle Jensen is the founder of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) and Professor Emeritus of Plant Life Sciences at the University of Arizona, USA. Dr. Jensen has supported agricultural programs in over 60 countries around the world[1]

Early Life and Education

Dr. Merle Jensen was born and raised in California. He pursued his higher education at the University of California, Davis, where he earned his bachelor's degree in plant science. He later received his master's degree and Ph.D. in plant physiology from the same institution.[2]

Background and Career

Dr. Jensen is a prominent figure in the field of intensive agriculture and food support systems, with a particular focus on developing agricultural communities and aerospace applications. His career has spanned several decades, during which he has made significant contributions to the advancement of greenhouse vegetable production and protected agriculture.[3]

Dr. Jensen has had a distinguished career in horticulture and agriculture. He served as a professor at the University of Arizona's Department of Plant Sciences. During his tenure, he was involved in numerous research projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. He has also been a keynote speaker at numerous conferences and events, sharing his insights and knowledge on sustainable agriculture and horticulture.[2]

Pioneering Biosaline Agriculture

Merle Jensen pioneered biosaline agriculture in the UAE deserts in the 1960s. He worked on the Saadiyat Island project in Abu Dhabi, which gained tremendous respect for furthering scientific knowledge in producing food crops in one of the most barren deserts in the world. This project was supported by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.[1]

Research Interests

Dr. Jensen's research interests are primarily centered around protected agriculture. This involves the cultivation of horticultural crops out of season through the use of agricultural plastics to modify the microclimate. His work has been instrumental in the development and implementation of new systems of protected agriculture, which have been applied to agricultural programs worldwide.[3]

NASA Collaboration

One of Dr. Jensen's notable research endeavors includes his collaboration with NASA. This project aimed to compare plant growth and reproduction in hydroponic liquid culture versus solid media food production techniques. The research was part of NASA's "Closed Ecological Life Support System" (CELSS) program, which seeks to develop sustainable food production systems for long-duration space missions.[3]

Consultancy

In addition to his research and academic work, Dr. Jensen has served as a consultant to numerous major corporations and organizations. His expertise in greenhouse vegetable production has been sought after by various entities looking to optimize their agricultural practices and improve food production efficiency.[3]

Contributions to Developing Agricultural Programs

His efforts have focused on improving food security and agricultural sustainability in regions that face challenges such as adverse climate conditions and limited resources.[3]

Involvement with Walt Disney's EPCOT

Dr. Jensen Merle was the project leader in the design and development of the agricultural systems for 'The Land' pavilion at Walt Disney's EPCOT Center.[4] His expertise in plant science and horticulture was instrumental in designing and implementing the innovative agricultural displays and attractions that educate visitors about sustainable farming practices.[2]

Integrated Aqua-Vegeculture System

Jensen conducted innovative research on utilizing sand as an effective substrate for growing plants. His findings showed that sand could provide an optimal medium for plant growth and nutrition. This research paved the way for new models of sustainable agriculture.[5]

Dr. Jensen formed an association with Dr. Mark McMurtry in 1983,[6] and was one of the principle consultants in the iAVs research group. Jensen was a professor at the University of Arizona focused on greenhouse crop production and hydroponics. His research demonstrated sand to be an effective substrate for growing plants, and that it could effectively filter and purify water in recirculating hydroponic systems. These findings were essential building blocks that enabled the development of iAVs.[5]

Publications and Recognition

Throughout his career, Dr. Jensen has published numerous papers and articles on his research findings. His work has been widely recognized in the scientific community, and he has received several awards for his contributions to the field of agriculture.[3]

Honored Alumni

The Honored Alumni Award is the highest recognition given to California Polytechnic State University alumni by the Associated Alumni. Established over 50 years ago, this prestigious award honors exceptional achievements of distinguished graduates. Annually, one recipient is chosen from the six colleges and celebrated at the Homecoming Honored Alumni Banquet. In the year 1986, Dr. Jensen was the recipient of this esteemed accolade.[7]

References

  1. ^ a b ICBA. "International Center for Biosaline Agriculture". www.biosaline.org. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  2. ^ a b c Matthewson, Matt. "Lunch - With Dr. Merle Jensen, Prof. Ret., U of A Agri. Dept. (Walt Disney's EPCOT: The Making of the Land)". Catalina Rotary Club. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Merle Jensen | Controlled Environment Agriculture Center". ceac.arizona.edu. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  4. ^ "The Doctor Is In with Merle Jensen". Dr. Greenhouse, Inc. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  5. ^ a b "Celebrating Merle Jensen: A Pioneer in Sand Culture – iAVs (Sandponics)". Retrieved 2024-07-27.
  6. ^ "Aquaponics' Biggest Mistake – iAVs (Sandponics)". Retrieved 2024-07-27.
  7. ^ "Honored Alumni". College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Retrieved 2024-07-25.


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