A University of Georgia degree is closer than you think.

The World Health Organization estimates that there are 600 million cases of foodborne illness every year. One way harmful pathogens can enter the food supply is through irrigation water, but researchers are using precision agriculture to create a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to combat the bacteria that makes us sick. And the tool they are using is available to everyone — the sun.

In recent years, researchers have begun to examine the effects of light on microorganisms. Antimicrobial blue light is used in hospital settings to reduce pathogens, and current research is underway at the University of Georgia to determine the viability of its use in food production.

UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Professor Govindaraj Dev Kumar, who has been involved with those studies, is also the lead researcher on a recent study to determine sunlight’s ability to affect the survival of certain bacteria in water.

On December 15, the University of Georgia Griffin campus held its’ Fall Graduation Celebration and Brick Ceremony for the 19 members of the Class of 2022. These students join nearly 700 other graduates who have completed their degrees at UGA Griffin since 2005.

Each student graduating from UGA Griffin is honored with a lasting mark on campus-a brick featuring their name and class year. The bricks are placed in the walkways around the Student Learning Center and will mark their time on the UGA Griffin campus for generations to come. This aspect is unique to the local campus and the brick laying ceremony is held directly after the graduation celebration in both the Fall and Spring semesters.

David Buntin, Interim Assistant Provost and Campus Director for UGA Griffin, opened up the commencement ceremony in the Stuckey Auditorium by praising the students for their perseverance the last two years throughout all the changes brough on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The last few semesters have been challenging with restrictions on our instruction and events, but you all persevered and were able to graduate,” said Buntin. “We are very pleased to celebrate your graduation with you and hold this Griffin campus ceremony today.”