CALS Student Helps NASA Cultivate Crops for Space

NC State student Sawyer Exum with NASA astronauts

Aug 11, 2026

CALS Student Helps NASA Cultivate Crops for Space

As a NASA space crop production intern, biological and agricultural engineering technology major Sawyer Exum has spent the summer researching how hydroponic systems function under simulated International Space Station conditions.

Aug 7, 2026

You Decide: How Will Social Security Be Fixed?

NC State Economist Mike Walden explores potential solutions for funding Social Security in the countdown to 2032, the year experts say changes will have to be made to prevent cuts in payments to U.S. retirees.

Aug 6, 2026

Department of Applied Ecology to Transition Academic Structure

The Department of Applied Ecology will transition its administrative structure over the fall 2026 semester, with faculty, staff and programs integrating into aligned academic homes across CALS by the end of the year.

a man in a dark pullover and a black and white checked shirt stands in front of a screen projector with graphics in Spanish

Aug 5, 2026

Upskilling Frontline Food Animal Workers

With support from NC State's Food Animal Initiative and the National Pork Board, Eduardo Beltranena, assistant professor of animal science, has created a workshop geared toward professional development for Spanish-speaking workers in the swine industry, offering leadership training and improving retention in the field.

two people riding bikes along a wooded trail

Jul 31, 2026

Study: Rural Communities Face Serious Obstacles in Promoting Physical Activity

People in rural communities have long experienced disproportionate levels of chronic disease, driven in part by systemic barriers to physical activity. A new study by NC State researchers highlights ways some rural communities use strategic investment and community collaboration to address some of these challenges.

a person's hand in a blue latex gloves sorts plantains next to an image of a bag and bottle of plantain products

Jul 27, 2026

From Peel to Pantry

In collaboration with Peruvian agricultural partners, Procesadora Tropical and Inka Crops, Marvin Moncada, an associate professor with NC State's Plants for Human Health Institute, has helped develop a new bioprocessing platform to create two food ingredients derived from plantain peels — a syrup and a flour — for use in commercial food production.

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences professor Dr. Mike Walden working in a recording studio.

Jul 24, 2026

You Decide: What are the Benefits and Costs of Immigration?

NC State economist Mike Walden breaks down a new report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas that sheds light on the economic impact of unauthorized immigration.

two boys and a mom play spike ball with Mr. Wuf on a lawn outside of the Plant Sciences Building at NC State

Jul 22, 2026

Get Ready for Wolfpack Harvest on Sept.19

Something special is growing this fall. On Sept. 19, the Wolfpack Harvest tradition returns with family-friendly events and behind-the-scenes tours, bringing together alumni, students, faculty and friends of CALS across North Carolina to celebrate everything that makes CALS unique.

Gina Fernandez stands amid blackberry plants growing under high tunnels at the Piedmont Research Station

Jul 22, 2026

Boosting Blackberries: NC State’s Gina Fernandez Launches Latest Botanical Offspring

A new flavor-packed NC State blackberry variety named Ervin is ready for North Carolina growers and an international debut after four years of rigorous testing.

Microscopic image of cyclospora cayetanensis

Jul 21, 2026

Cyclospora Outbreak: Answers to Your Most Common Questions

As reports of cyclospora infections linked to certain fresh produce continue to make headlines across North Carolina and other parts of the country, NC State Extension food safety expert Ellen Shumaker sheds light on the parasite that causes the intestinal illness and offers practical tips to help avoid getting sick.

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