ILVO & University of Ghent

In preparation for my work in Belgium, I spent the week researching the Institute for Agriculture & Fisheries Research (ILVO) as well as the University of Ghent.

Now I'm even more excited to go because their main focus is scientific-based research! I was especially impressed with the Plant Science department for their use of technology in DNA identification of bacteria specimens.

The most interesting part to read about for me was the Food Science Unit. I work in the Microbiology section of Tyson Foods, Inc. Food Safety Laboratory Services, so this section was especially relevant to me. In their portion of the annual report, From Field to Fork, I read about some awesome research that they did with many of the bacterium that I work with at the lab. One topic that they reported on was the possibility of Campylobacter jejuni in the ceca of colonized broiler chickens protecting against the bactericidal effects of some fatty-acids. Not only did this article apply to my job, but it also applied to my studies at the University of Arkansas because I am a Poultry Science major. If I do an honors thesis, I may consider further developing this subject. What's really cool is that I'll be working with these people this summer, so I could discuss their research with them personally!

I also took note of the mission of the Social Sciences Unit because we will be working with them closely during our stay. The goal is "to present and clarify, on a scientific basis, the social choices with respect to sustainable and competitive Flemish agriculture and fisheries." Since it is their mission, I will also make it my personal goal so that I can assist them to the best of my ability.

In addition to my research on ILVO, I looked into the University of Ghent and the tips it had for international students. Here are some interesting things I found out about the university and the city itself:

• Ghent is the flower city of Belgium
• affordable healthcare, good job security
• daycares are less expensive, women work full-time
• Belgian food has the finesse of French with German-sized portions
• Belgium is the cultural & economic heart of Europe
• citizens are very professional, will have high expectations
• revealing clothing is perfectly acceptable, no conclusions should be drawn about a person's morals
• Jean Claude van Damme was Belgian!!!