Demo Lab

We're training the next generation of plant science leaders.

The Plant Sciences Building’s Demo Lab, located on the first floor, is a central component of the N.C. PSI. This state-of-the-art space is designed to showcase ongoing research projects to the public and serves as a hands-on educational area for students, teachers, extension agents and other groups.

It also facilitates training and enables technology transfer from the lab to growers. The Demo Lab can house up to 12 people at work benches and accommodate up to 12 more when the retractable overhead door opens into the Field Workspace.

The Demo Lab in Action

By providing a place for students and others to interact with faculty members and research, the Demo Lab is a key component of delivering the N.C. PSI’s commitment to engaging the public in our work.

Two people look at a a transparent plastic container with red liquid in it in our demonstration lab.

Three people looking at transparent plastic containers with red liquid in it in our demonstration lab.

Students examine items on a research worktable

Student uses a petri dish for an experiment

Three students confer about an experiment.

Graduate students teach high school students to perform experiments

Students participating in the N.C. PSI Hack-a-thon work in the Demo Lab. — Students participating in the N.C. PSI Hack-a-ton working in the Demo Lab.

Man and women conducting an experiment in a research lab

A man watches as students in lab coats engage in a science experiment

High school students in summer horticultural science institute make soil sensors

Two people look at a a transparent plastic container used to measure emission of greenhouse gases. — Alex Woodley (left) and Raine Lookabill study greenhouse gas emissions from soils in the greenhouse as part of his efforts to find ways to lower them and mitigate their effects.

The N.C. PSI Demo Lab is an ideal place to engage with K-12 students and their teachers through youth development organizations such as 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and the NC State Science House. For K-12 students, this might be their only opportunity to make the connection that a career in agricultural science can be an exciting convergence between work in the field or greenhouse and lab-based research. This experience can be modified to inform K-12 teachers of career opportunities and give them ideas on lessons for the classroom.

Interested in a field trip to our Demo Lab?

Field trip experiences at the N.C. PSI are limited to 25 students and are offered on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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Student points toward a research poster as others look on

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Hundreds of people, a humanoid robot and NC State mascots pack an entryway and two staircases.

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