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Major New Research Project Focused on the Most Costly Fertilizer Input: Nitrogen

N.C. PSI News

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. 
Student points toward a research poster as others look on

May 6, 2026

Youth Institute Reinforces 4-H’er’s Desire to Help

Kira Wiguna was among 115 high school students who took part in the 2026 N.C. Youth Institute, which opened young people's eyes to agriculture's impact locally and globally, gave them greater exposure to innovative technologies and opened doors to further study. The N.C. PSI and some of its award-winning graduate students played key roles in creating an impactful, inspirational event. 
An open building space with people at desks and a whiteboard

May 4, 2026

Chaseman Global Joins N.C. PSI’s Innovation Hub

The global talent and workforce solutions firm joins 19 other hub member companies working in partnership with NC State University to advance education and research for agriculture and related economic sectors. 
Two people look at a a transparent plastic container used to measure emission of greenhouse gases.

Apr 29, 2026

Major New Research Project Focused on the Most Costly Fertilizer Input: Nitrogen

A five-year, $34.7 million initiative sets out to provide farmers with more decision-making power when it comes to using nitrogen, a vital crop nutrient. The N.C. PSI played a key role in getting the project started, and four N.C. PSI faculty affiliates, including co-leader Alex Woodley, are involved in the international collaboration.