Skip to main content
How Chefs and Scientists Are Using Kombucha and Kimchi to Study Microbiology

Author: Staff

A photograph of three students in lab coats examining a plant.

Feb 2, 2026

Inspiring Students to Pursue Agricultural Careers

Gaining experience in a laboratory or learning to use cutting-edge technology is often reserved for students pursuing master’s and advanced degrees. The N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative is helping change that, providing undergraduates across many disciplines with career-relevant opportunities. 
Early spring at Wolf Plaza.

Feb 2, 2026

2025-26 University Faculty Scholars Named

NC State’s new class of University Faculty Scholars includes CALS faculty Colleen Doherty and Deepti Salvi. This faculty designation is in recognition of outstanding academic achievements and contributions to NC State through teaching, scholarship and service to the university and beyond. 
four people's hands hover over four plates of food on a restaurant table

Jan 27, 2026

Free Training Aims to Help Restaurants, Retailers Comply With New Food Safety Rule

Food safety regulations are poised to go into effect that will help trace foodborne illness outbreaks to their point of origin more quickly – but will also impose significant new requirements on restaurants and food retailers. 
Lance Williams '25 in an NC State graduation cap and gown, sitting surrounded by green foliage

Dec 17, 2025

Lance Williams: Wolfpack Forever

Lance Williams’ NC State journey began with 4-H Youth Development in his hometown, Bunn, North Carolina. Inspired by that formative experience, Williams is using his education to give back. 
Talley tower is reflected in the windows of Talley Student Union

Dec 10, 2025

NC State Announces 2025-26 Goodnight Early Career Innovators

NC State announced its 2025-26 class of Goodnight Early Career Innovator, including nine faculty members from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This program recognizes and rewards promising NC State early-career faculty whose scholarship is in STEM or STEM education. 
Two men in hair nets working in a food test kitchen at NC Food Innovation Lab

Dec 1, 2025

Chris Patillo: Innovating Healthier Foods + Functional Beverages

NCFIL Food Scientist Chris Patillo will use his master’s in nutrition to bring healthier products to market. 
a gembok defecates in a sere landscape

Oct 15, 2025

African Wildlife Poop Sheds Light on What Shapes the Gut Ecosystem

Because the gut microbiome plays a critical role in animal health, the work can be used to inform conservation efforts. 
Sandhills Research Station Carolina Gold Peaches

Oct 14, 2025

NCFIL + Howling Cow: A Peachy Partnership

A juicy partnership with NC State’s Sandhills Research Station, NC Food Innovation Lab and Howling Cow Creamery produces the perfect treat. 
man on a stage presenting a talk about plant protection

Oct 14, 2025

Seed2Grow Spotlight: Verdia Diagnostic’s Zach Hetzler

With a recent third-place win at an agricultural innovation competition with over 500 entries from 97 countries, Verdia Diagnostics and its chief executive officer, NC State alumnus Zach Hetzler, are making their mark internationally. 
several glass jars filled with kimchi are lined up on a wooden table

Aug 19, 2025

How Chefs and Scientists Are Using Kombucha and Kimchi to Study Microbiology

A new study demonstrates how fermented foods can be used in projects that engage the public and advance our understanding of microbial ecology.