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Caitlin Kestell standing beside a scientific poster

Breeding Possibilities for Better Crops

From a young age, Caitlin Kestell learned to work hard, help other people and never quit. Now a crop science graduate student and N.C. PSI award-winner, she’s putting a can-do attitude to work in research to benefit farmers and outreach efforts that inspire students. 
Students gather in a poster-filled hallway to to discuss research

Conference Explores Intersection of Biology and Engineering

With N.C. PSI faculty playing key roles, the recent Green-G Conference brought together experts in disciplines ranging from electrical engineering to ecology to explore how cutting-edge biosensing, data science, imaging, signal processing and other technology can allow us to better observe natural processes and come up with practical concepts for telecommunications and data management. 
Jing Zhang with smartphone in a blueberry field

From Unexpected Beginnings to the Future of Digital Ag

N.C. PSI faculty affiliate Jing Zhang breaks new ground using high-tech tools to gather and analyze data better and faster for improved plant breeding and crop production. 
Sarah Dinger, Jie Pacelli and Lauren Maynard

Three from N.C. PSI Honored for Excellence

N.C. PSI staff members score awards for their work on behalf of team agriculture, with Sarah Dinger and Jie Pacelli honored by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Lauren Maynard by NC State Research and Innovation. 
Fungi viewed under a microscope

Study Reveals How Strawberries Were Ambushed By Fungal Parasites

Research on the genetics and movement of the fungal pathogen that causes powdery mildew could aid a broader understanding of how plant diseases emerge in new places. N.C. PSI faculty affiliate Michael Bradshaw is corresponding author of a PNAS paper on the research. 
Researcher holds a smartphone as she stands near blueberry bushes

Ripe for the Picking

N.C. PSI affiliate Jing Zhang works with Extension agents to develop an AI-powered smartphone app to give blueberry growers a more precise way to decide when to harvest. 
woman holds a certificate in front of a wall with the NC State University logo

Pacelli Honored for Efforts To Ensure Wise Resource Use for World-Class Research

For helping ensure wise stewardship in the NC State’s Plant Sciences Building, Jie Pacelli earned the 2026 CALS Value Award. She is the N.C. PSI’s research operations manager. 
Lauren Maynard

Maynard Honored for Success in Launching Interdisciplinary Projects

Recent Pride of the Wolfpack Award winner Lauren Maynard positions interdisciplinary teams for success in tackling a range of challenges affecting agriculture and other sectors. 
Sarah Dinger and others

Dinger Creates Spirited Communities for Ag Innovation and Education

Sarah Dinger’s infectious positivity invites connections among students, Extension agents and researchers, making a difference for them and for agriculture. 
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Upcoming Events

All Events
May 28

Thursday4:00 PM

STEPS Center Research Spotlights & Networking Mixer
Jun 17

Wednesday9:00 AM

NCCC’s 2026 Annual Meeting for Members and Supporters
Jul 17

Friday8:00 AM

Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Research Symposium