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Lina Quesada-Ocampo Named Executive Director of the IR-4 Project

N.C. PSI News

Three people, with two making the shape of a wolf with their hands

Mar 12, 2026

‘You Want the Handprints You Make on People’s Lives To Be Good Ones’

Alumnus Larry Roberts recounts a life lesson learned and the returns he and his wife, Judy, see from their investment in a program that sparks young people’s interest in solving global food and agriculture problems. 
Two people talking in a farm field.

Mar 12, 2026

Lending Ground Truth to Ag Research

Sam Marshall draws on technical expertise, grounded in research, and solid relationships to make a difference for ornamental nursery and greenhouse growers. 
Two people tending an array of colorful plants in a greenhouse

Mar 11, 2026

Not Your Average Greenhouse

From the outside, the steel-and-glass structure on top of NC State’s Plant Sciences Building looks like an ordinary greenhouse, but inside the computer-controlled facility, researchers work year-round to tackle big agricultural challenges. 
NC State's Feed Mill Education Unit, with high-rise downtown buildings in the background and red-roofed farm buildings of the Lake Wheeler Road Field Lab in the foreground

Mar 11, 2026

Using AI and Advanced Sensors To Transform Feed Production

A collaborative workshop hosted by the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative and the Food Animal Initiative sparks feed milling research for increased food animal health and productivity. 
Student peering into a microscope

Mar 10, 2026

Plant Sciences Outreach Day Broadens Horizons for High School Students

North Carolina high school students gathered at NC State University in February to gain hands-on experience with plant sciences and get inspired for their futures. 
Standing in a field of hemp, a scientist speaks into a microphone

Mar 5, 2026

Extension Writing the Next Chapter for N.C. Fiber Hemp

As federal regulations reshape parts of the hemp industry, David Suchoff and others with Extension are helping N.C. farmers navigate uncertainty and position fiber hemp as a viable crop. 
Group of scientists at a round table, with one holding up a computer tablet.

Mar 5, 2026

Plant Scientists, Sensor Experts Connect to Grow Plant Breeding Solutions

An N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative workshop focuses on using advanced sensing technologies to break plant breeding bottlenecks. 
Man with robotiic device in a field of plants

Mar 4, 2026

N.C. PSI Applies AI to Address Key Ag Challenges

Five research projects demonstrate the breadth and impact of N.C. PSI research to solve top agricultural challenges. 
Student points toward a computer as another student faces the computer

Mar 2, 2026

Student Grows Ag Research Acumen and Power Skills Through the N.C. PSI

N.C. PSI programs help lay a foundation for success for an NC State master’s student exploring AI-powered tools to inform the creation of more resilient crops. 
Woman seated at desk with plate of vegetables and fruits, two vases of flowers and IR-4 publications

Feb 23, 2026

Lina Quesada-Ocampo Named Executive Director of the IR-4 Project

The IR-4 Project’s new leader brings over 15 years of experience in applied pest management research and Extension work to her new role.