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

Education

Caitlin Kestell standing beside a scientific poster

May 27, 2026

Breeding Possibilities for Better Crops

From a young age, Caitlin Kestell learned to work hard, help other people and never quit. Now a crop science graduate student and N.C. PSI award-winner, she's putting a can-do attitude to work in research to benefit farmers and outreach efforts that inspire students. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
Hundreds of people, a humanoid robot and NC State mascots pack an entryway and two staircases.

Apr 6, 2026

AI in Agriculture Conference Explores the Future of Farming

Over 460 academics, students, researchers, extension professionals and industry leaders from across the country took part in the 2026 AI in Agriculture Conference at NC State, chaired by the N.C. PSI's Daniela Jones. 
Aerial of tractor spraying fields at the Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory

Mar 27, 2026

NC State to Host Industry Feedback Session for New Ag Formulations Program

Agricultural industry representatives are invited to a feedback session to shape a groundbreaking NC State University program to train workforce-ready formulations professionals. 
Two students, one speaking into a microphone, present research ideas.

Mar 27, 2026

Grad Students Build Bridges for Agricultural Innovation

The N.C. PSI's BRIDGE Symposium provided a window into the bold ways graduate students are collaborating across academic fields to solve a range of agricultural challenges. 
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.