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N.C. PSI News

Students gather in a poster-filled hallway to to discuss research

May 26, 2026

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. 

Two scientists in lab coats pipette and look at slides

May 22, 2026

Lessons from Collard Greens

A project led by N.C. faculty affiliate Mallory Choudoir explores the ecological relationships between soil microbes and heirloom collard cultivation. 

Jing Zhang with smartphone in a blueberry field

May 14, 2026

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

May 13, 2026

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

May 12, 2026

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

May 12, 2026

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

May 12, 2026

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

May 12, 2026

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

May 12, 2026

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. 

Five people pose near a work shed

May 7, 2026

Interns Tackle Ag Challenges With the N.C. PSI Makerspace

NC State’s think-and-do spirit thrives in the N.C. PSI Makerspace, where three next-generation engineers and computer scientists have complemented their coursework with hands-on experience shaping the future of farming.