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Globally Recognized Agricultural Leader to Become First N.C. PSI Director

plant sciences

Two people holding trays of seedlings in a lighted indoor space

Aug 13, 2025

Seed2Grow Spotlight: Rooted-in-tech’s Ricardo Hernandez

Building on a decade of research into creating conditions ideal for plant growth, an NC State horticultural scientist has launched an ag tech startup to deliver high-quality seedlings tailored to farmers’ and gardeners’ needs. 
Woman smiling in field of pink flowers

Oct 29, 2024

Reaping the Data Harvest

Ashley Walgren's journey into agriculture and data science has allowed her to use powerful machine learning tools to tell data-driven stories and uncover solutions for agricultural sustainability. 
Adrian Percy addresses a crowd from a podium

Apr 16, 2024

N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative Launches Startup Incubator and Seed2Grow Program

The N.C. Plant Sciences incubator provides lab and office space for emerging companies taking discoveries from plant sciences research and turning them into marketable solutions for agriculture and the environment. 
Woman standing at a farm field.

Mar 6, 2024

Strengthening Connections

Extension Agent Mikayla Berryhill helps ensure farmers have access to new technology and a hand in its development through the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative's Extension Agent Network. 
little seedling sprouting on a metal tray

Jun 23, 2022

Farms, Food and You: Plants in Space

Farms, Food and You talks with professor Marcela Rojas-Pierce to learn about an out-of-this-world experiment involving plant biology and what it means for the future of agriculture practices at home and beyond our atmosphere. 
Postdoctoral researcher Lisa Van den Broeck looks into a microscope while STEPS Center director Jacob Jones watches on by her side..

Jun 17, 2022

STEPS Center Tackles Full Scope of Phosphorus Sustainability

Headquartered at NC State, the Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability Center is discovering and developing ways to recycle phosphorus, make our food system more efficient, and protect the environment from waste. 
NC State University Plant Sciences Building

Apr 11, 2022

Media Advisory: NC State to Dedicate Plant Sciences Building

Join NC State, donors and friends for a special dedication program featuring guest speakers, a ribbon-cutting, tours and a reception with light refreshments. 
Luke Gatiboni views his soil fertility research plot at the Tidewater Research Station

Sep 18, 2021

STEPping Up Phosphorus Research

Luke Gatiboni took over a longtime study relying on traditional research technologies and methods. That work is about to get amplified at nearly every level. 
A portrait of Jacob Jones, Jacob Jones, director of the STEPS Center and professor of materials science and engineering at NC State

Sep 9, 2021

New NSF Center Will Advance Phosphorus Sustainability

A new interdisciplinary center will advance ambitious goals to reduce phosphorus dependence — with the support of a five-year, $25 million grant. 
Incoming N.C. PSI Director Adrian Percy

Sep 8, 2021

Globally Recognized Agricultural Leader to Become First N.C. PSI Director

Respected research and development leader Adrian Percy will become the first executive director of the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative.