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N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative

Education & Workforce Development Platform

We develop plant science leaders.

A New Breed of Problem Solvers

The future poses challenges for food, agriculture, energy and the environment. That’s why we’re providing a unique training ground for a new breed of problem solvers.

Our scholarship programs, internships and collaborative graduate fellowships pave the way for the agile workforce of tomorrow.

We are making forward-looking investments in recruiting, training and retaining world-class plant scientists.

lifelong learning

Researchers in lab

Certificates

Enhance your skills and advance your education with an undergraduate or graduate certificate.

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A student works on plant research

Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science

Under the umbrella of N.C. PSI, CERSA forms research teams to advance regulatory science in agriculture. 

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demo lab

Demo Lab

Designed to showcase ongoing N.C. PSI research projects to the public and serves as a hands-on educational area for students, teachers, extension agents, and others groups.

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Annual N.C. PSI Hackathon

The N.C. PSI Hackathon is an annual event that gives undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars the chance to demonstrate their skills in a 3-day competition to solve ag tech related challenges for prizes and, of course, bragging rights.

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2021 Hackathon participants in action

Learning and Applying Agricultural Data Science

NC State’s Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Engineering and Science introduce a Graduate Certificate in Agriculture Data Science. This program combines data management and analysis techniques with computer science and statistical training to allow students to apply the processes of data mining and artificial intelligence to critical agriculture, food, and life science issues.

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Re-thinking How We Teach Graduate Students

To address societal challenges, scientific research must be convergent: driven by compelling problems and deeply integrating scientific disciplines. AgBioFEWS students gain this capacity by working collaboratively to research how agricultural biotechnology changes agricultural landscapes and rural communities, integrating tools and cultures from the natural and social sciences.

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Jabeen, an AgBioFEWS, in the N.C. PSI greenhouse

84% of future agricultural jobs have plant science roots

We grow talent with plant science know-how.

Terri Long

Education and Workforce Development Platform Director

Throughout her career, Long has made it her mission to inspire others to harness the power of plants. As Platform Director, she creates programs that elevate student experiences and expand understanding of plant science.

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terri headshot
Terri Long, Education and Workforce Development Platform Director, shares her vision for N.C. PSI.

n.c. psi education news

More N.C. PSI News

Third Annual N.C. PSI Hackathon Brings in Record Numbers

The third annual N.C. PSI Hackathon brought in a record 74 student and postdoc participants to compete across three days and three tracks for prizes and bragging rights. 
drone photo of the Plant Sciences Building

Four Students Receive First Graduate Student Endowment for N.C. PSI

Four graduate students have been awarded the inaugural Norma L. Trolinder N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative Graduate Student Endowment. 
Clay Beasley on a tractor in a field

An Extension Education

Wilson County was a classroom for agricultural education major Clay Beasley this summer as he learned about NC State Extension’s vital role in supporting farmers.