N.C. PSI RESEARCH PROGRAMS<\/h2>\n- PSI-Hosted Centers & Consortiums<\/span>
- Multi-Institutional PSI Research Programs<\/span>
- Labs in the Plant Sciences Building<\/span>
- Seed-funding Projects (GRIP4PSI)<\/span>
PSI-Hosted Centers & Consortiums<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Center for Environmental Farming Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCreating a future of vibrant farms, resilient ecosystems and strong communities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Co-Director: Michelle Schroeder-Moreno<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
CEFS is one of the nation\u2019s most important centers for research, extension and education in sustainable agriculture and community-based food systems. It is recognized as a national and international leader in the local foods movement and celebrated for its work in building consensus around policies, programs and actions. CEFS\u2019 Field Research, Education, and Outreach Facility at Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro, NC is one of the nation\u2019s leading research and demonstration sites for large-scale organic and sustainable production systems and includes research based out of seven research units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCenter Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Center of Excellence for Regulatory Science in Agriculture<\/h3>\n\n\n\nAdvancing knowledge, transparency, and public acceptance of regulatory science in agriculture.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Danesha Seth Carly<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
CERSA collaborates with state and federal agencies, private industry, commodity groups, growers and producers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academics to advance regulatory science in agriculture through education, research and engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It provides undergraduate and graduate certificates, continuing education training and internships in regulatory science, and sponsored research for the advancement of regulatory science in agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CERSA is co-led by NC State and Louisiana State University.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Controlled Environment Agriculture Coalition<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIndustry-focused, cost-effective and sustainable solutions to plant production<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Ricardo Hernandez<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Comprised of research scientists, engineers and in close partnership with industry, the CEA Coalition aims to develop controlled environment agriculture (CEA) as an economically and environmentally sustainable option for agricultural practices by performing evidence-based, transformative research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Ricardo Hernandez, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mark Hoffman, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brian Jackson, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Melinda Knuth, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wusheng Liu, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brendan O’Connor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carole Saravitz, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heidi Schweizer, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Katharina Stapelmann, Department of Nuclear Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Daniel Tregeagle, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Genome Editing Center for Sustainable Agriculture
<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAccelerating the pace of genome editing in plants and empowering the agricultural industry to adapt quickly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Timothy Kelliher<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The GEC will play a pivotal role in shaping a prosperous and sustainable food supply for all, develop new plant genome editing tools to shorten the timespan between scientific exploration and the introduction of new plant improvement innovations to farmers and growers and create and spin out new companies to ensure innovative technology reaches those who need it most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\n
Precision Sustainable Agriculture Network<\/h3>\n\n\n\nNationwide project on cover crops to improve agricultural sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Co-Director: Chris Reberg-Horton<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a five-year, $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve the sustainability and profitability of agriculture by advancing the study and use of cover crops such as rye, clover and radishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The interdisciplinary team includes experts from 36 institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>NC State Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Chris Reberg-Horton, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rob Austin, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ramon Leon Gonzalez, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Roderick Rejesus, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alex Woodley, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE<\/span>Program Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nInterdisciplinary research community focused on phosphorus sustainability <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Jacob Jones<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The STEPS Center is a convergent research group addressing the complex challenges in phosphorus sustainability by integrating disciplinary contributions across the physical, life, social, and economic sciences. Although headquartered in the new Plant Sciences Building, the center includes researchers from eight institutions across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLEARN MORE<\/span>Center Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Multi-Institutional PSI Research Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
AI2EAR<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInternational Collaboration to Accelerate Integration of Engineering, Plant Sciences & Agricultural Research using Artificial Intelligence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This diverse collaboration seeks to support the successful integration of agriculture, life sciences and engineering to resolve scientific and technical gaps as well as social barriers with the overarching goal of ensuring global food security. The three research objectives include: sensor science, engineering, and integration; data mining, machine learning, multi-scale modeling, and AI models; and open-source data and network cyberinfrastructures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>NC State Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Terri Long, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Joseph Donaldson, Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Linda Hanley-Bowdoin, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dean Hesterberg, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jacob Jones, Department of Materials Science and Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mary Ann Lila, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anna Locke, USDA, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Meentemeyer, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>
Biocatalyst Interactions with Gases (BIG) Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUncovering new methods for CO2<\/sub> management and sustainable fertilizer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reducing carbon emissions and developing alternative routes for fertilizer production are increasingly urgent challenges facing our world. This interdisciplinary research collaboration between North Carolina State University (NC State) and the Technical University of Denmark (Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, DTU) is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) and will receive 50 million Danish Kroner (DKK), approximately $6.5 million, in funding over five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Sonja Salmon, Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Igor Bolotnov, Department of Nuclear Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Doug Call, Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nathan Crook, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fanxing Li, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flora Meilleur, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Joe Sagues, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Yaroslava Yingling, Department of Materials Science and Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stig Helveg, Department of Physics, DTU<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Peter Westh, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Collaborative Crop Resilience Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInterdisciplinary research program targets wheat microbes for resiliency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amy Grunden is leading a six-year, $30 million study on the wheat microbiome to make the staple crop more resilient against environmental stresses while reducing the need for chemical treatments and irrigation. The project is supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The University of Copenhagen<\/a>, Aarhus University<\/a> and the Technical University of Denmark<\/a> will collaborate on the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oliver Baars, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gina Brown-Guedira, USDA-ARS, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ignazio Carbone, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Marc Cubeta, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Colleen Doherty, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Christine Hawkes, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Manuel Kleiner, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heike Sederoff, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
SAPLINGS<\/h3>\n\n\n\nSystem Approach to Promote Learning and Innovation for the Next Generations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
NC State is co-leading a 5-year, $18 million USDA grant alongside fellow land-grant university N.C. A&T and six other 1890s universities, various national organizations, USDA and private companies. The program aims to grow the number of underrepresented minority students in the food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences. NC State’s portion, co-led by Cranos Williams and Jon Allen, will create a fellowship program for two graduate students, four undergraduate students and two high school interns. The PSI extension agent network will also receive significant funding to train agents in AI tools..<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jon Allen, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
Labs in the Plant Sciences Building<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Automation and Robotics Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDeveloping smart gadgets that integrate robotics and machine learning to automate labor-intensive tasks in agriculture.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Lirong Xiang<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a focus on agricultural robotics, 2D and 3D computer vision, and machine learning, The Automation and Robotics Lab develops cyber-smart physical systems to address agricultural problems. Projects include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Developing robotic platforms for weeding, transplanting, and selective harvesting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Combining ground and aerial robots for in-situ and non-invasive crop sensing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adopting AI and robotics tools for precision livestock management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
EnBiSys Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDriving the next revolution in plant science and agriculture data analytics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Cranos Williams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EnBiSys Lab is a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research laboratory, focused on the development of targeted computational and analytical solutions for modeling and controlling biological systems. The solutions we develop are used to build and strengthen the transition from large-scale high-throughput \u2013omics data to highly connected kinetic models in the post-genomic era; models that can be used to attain the depth, understanding, and comprehension needed to manipulate and control biological systems for a defined purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nForest Biotech Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n34 years of research innovation in forest biotechnology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded in 1988, the Forest Biotech Group (FBG) is dedicated to research innovations in forest biotechnology and molecular genetics of tree metabolism to improve growth, development and defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. Their research goal is the domestication of forest trees for conservation and productivity through a systems-level approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Vincent Chiang, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Fikret Isik, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Ron Sederoff, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Jack Wang, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Justin Whitehill, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
Gage Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nImproving crop varieties through genomics and high throughput phenotyping<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Joe Gage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joe Gage\u2019s research program is focused on linking crop genomic and phenomics to understand how to develop more resilient and productive crop varieties. Current projects include studying how sequence variation controls gene regulation; how gene regulation contributes to genotype-by-environment interactions; and novel methods for processing and interpreting high throughput phenotyping data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nInterdisciplinary Risk Sciences Research Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding, managing and communicating complex environmental health risks in a post-2020 world<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: <\/em>Khara Grieger<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To reduce risks and better align benefits with societal values, needs, and expectations, new approaches are urgently needed. Scientists, researchers, industry, government, and other actors will naturally turn towards the development of new technological solutions and products of innovation to secure safe and sustainable futures. At the same time, new innovations and novel technologies can also present unknown risks as well as controversies in society. Well-known examples include first generation of genetically-modified organisms, nanotechnology, geoengineering, new materials for environmental remediation, and even new vaccines. Working interdisciplinarily within science, technology, social sciences, and governance, the Risk Sciences Research Group aims to strategically incorporate practices that foster responsible and sustainable innovation in order to ultimately solve our grand challenges without creating additional challenges themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nLEARN MORE<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nLong Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding plant iron deprivation to address global nutritional outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Terri Long<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anemia induced by iron deficiency is one of the most prevalent nutritional disorders in the world. Their research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that plants use to uptake, transport, and utilize iron, and respond to low iron conditions. Using genomics, molecular biology and genetics, their work is focused on identifying iron deficiency response regulators and their corresponding gene targets, with the long-term goal of elucidating gene regulatory networks involved in plant iron homeostasis. Ultimately, this information may lead to the generation of crops with increased nutritional content and increased yield when grown in poor soils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nMaize Breeding and Genetics Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCorn breeding and genetics project of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jim Holland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This collaborative team aims to characterize the genes underlying important agricultural traits in maize (corn) to develop new breeding lines. Two specific research foci are to improve resistance to Fusarium ear rot in corn and to develop new specialty food corn varieties, including improved heirloom food corns and low protein grain corns for patients with metabolic disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n\n\n- Jim Holland, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Rub\u00e9n Rell\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Peter Balint-Kurti, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Joe Gage, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Major Goodman, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Matt Krakowsky, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Josh Strable, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
NC State Vegetable Pathology Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nStudying diseases to improve disease management for farmers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Lina Quesada-Ocampo<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lab leads interdisciplinary studies of diseases of cucurbit crops and sweetpotatoes to deliver novel and improved disease management strategies to growers in North Carolina and to advance our knowledge in the field of vegetable pathology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Optical Sensing Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nMaking smaller, faster and more capable optical systems for plant and human health.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Mike Kudenov<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lab\u2019s major research area is in spectral and polarimetric imaging as it applies to both remote sensing and biomedical imaging applications. Through incorporating novel Polarization Grating (PG) technologies into spectral and polarimetric sensors, the researchers in OSL are increasing the sensor\u2019s spatial, spectral or radiometric performance, or reducing the sensor\u2019s overall size or cost. An emphasis is given on the development of ultra-compact sensors with novel capabilities. From a remote sensing perspective, it can be used to quantify chemicals in the environment, perform quality control in industrial and commercial manufacturing processes, assess water quality and vegetation health, identify targets, and for mineral mapping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Precision Pest Ecology Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nConfronting pest pressure in field crops and sweetpotatoes in the southeast<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Anders Huseth<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lab seek to understand relevant interactions between nature, crops and farmers by revealing harmony and conflict between pest control, environmental and socio-economic goals. Work in the Huseth Lab combines on-farm measurements, manipulative experiments, geospatial science and statistical approaches to understand pest issues in an array of agricultural crops and production systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Ristaino Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDetecting, tracking and addressing emerging plant diseases that threaten global food security<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jean Ristaino<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A major focus of research is to understand the factors that contribute to disease emergence including the epidemiology and population genetics of Oomycete plant pathogens in the genus Phytophthora<\/em>. They study the population genetics and migrations of both historic and present day strains of the pathogen and are now using their genome sequence to develop novel strategies for managing disease in the field, including the development of a platform to be used in the field to monitor disease and recommend amendments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSihi Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding how carbon and nutrients cycle through plants, soils, microbes, and the environment to inform sustainable land-use practices and address climate change.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Debjani Sihi<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sihi Lab specializes in measuring and modeling soil organic matter dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions from natural and managed ecosystems. They couple data generated from empirical studies and environmental networks with process-based and machine learning models. They use biogeochemical models to evaluate the fate of soil carbon and other ecosystem nutrients in the face of climate change. Their work ranges from the tropics and subtropics to temperate and temperate-boreal transition zones as well as soils from forests, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSozzani Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding plant stem cells using 3D bioprinting and other innovations for plant improvement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Ross Sozzani<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sozzani Lab research focuses on understanding how stem cells are organized and maintained in the root of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana<\/em>. Their goal is to gain a coherent qualitative and quantitative understanding of stem cell maintenance at the systems-level. Their research leverages techniques derived from molecular, developmental and cell biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and engineering. Their research will reveal a specific molecular pathway of plant stem cells, and provide broader insights into the fundamental properties of stem cells across the plant and animal kingdoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSustainable and Organic Soil Fertility Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nClimate change mitigation and adaptation through sustainable agriculture and improved soil health<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Alex Woodley<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This research program is focused on the mitigation and adaptation to climate change in sustainable agricultural systems through improved soil productivity. Research initiatives include linking soil health indicators to productive agroecosystems, mitigation of soil greenhouse gas emissions, soil carbon sequestration and nutrient management of fertilizers, organic amendments and cover crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Member of the Climate Adaptation Through Agriculture & Soil Management<\/a> (CASM) research initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nTranslational Plant Phenomics Lab <\/h3>\n\n\n\nAdvancing the application of remote sensing, robotics, and data science in breeding a diversity of horticultural and specialty crops.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jing Zhang<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first aim of the Translational Plant Phenomics Lab is to use advanced imaging technologies and machine learning algorithms to make plant phenotyping more efficient for crop breeding. By integrating high-throughput methods, they aim to accelerate the selection process for desirable traits, ultimately improving crop resilience and yield. The second aim is to develop innovative strategies for precision crop management that optimize inputs and maximize outputs in agricultural production. Utilizing data-driven approaches, their research seeks to enhance decision-making processes, ensuring sustainable practices and improved crop quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nWei Research Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInnovating disease diagnostics by developing cost-effective sensing tools<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Qingshan Wei<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This engineering research group works to understand the fundamentals of optics, chemistry, and molecular biology for rapid and ultrasensitive molecular detection. They are interested in applying miniature sensor and assay technologies in precision \/ tele-medicine, AgBio research, environmental science and biomanufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Whitehill Lab: Christmas Tree Genetics Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCutting-edge research utilizing modern genomic technologies and approaches<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Justin Whitehill<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This program is working to advance North Carolina\u2019s Christmas tree industry by addressing grower challenges and concerns through the application of genetic, genomic and molecular biology principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>GRIP4PSI Projects<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Game\u2010Changing Research Incentive Program for Plant Sciences Initiative (GRIP4PSI) was initiated by NC State to encourage collaboration on integrated research and outreach projects focused on one or more of the Research Platforms in the N.C. PSI. NC State provided competitive seed funding for four interdisciplinary team-based research and outreach projects totaling $2.3M.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLearn More<\/span>\nBig Data for Better Sweetpotatoes<\/h3>\n\n\n\nBig data platform to take tons of sweetpotato photos to improve productivity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/sweet-potato-1500x844-1-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nA multidisciplinary team led by Cranos Williams is developing a data-driven platform to discover how to grow a superior sweetpotato. This project is part of the broader Sweet-APPS Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They aim to combine information from images of hundreds of thousands of sweetpotatoes and their growth conditions to determine the factors that impact sweetpotato size and shape to increase the percentage of sweetpotatoes that are USDA grade 1. The platform will use custom imaging to detect shape, size, surface texture, internal composition and crop damage. That data then enters a computational platform \u2014 created in partnership with Intero Life Sciences and SAS, Inc. \u2014 to improve decision-making for North Carolina growers, producers and distributors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Mike Boyette, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Khara Grieger, Department of Applied Ecology<\/a><\/li>
- Anders Huseth, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>
- Daniela Jones, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Michael Kudenov, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Natalie Nelson, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Kemafor Ogan, Department of Computer Science<\/a><\/li>
- Ken Pecota, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>
- Alessandra Scafuro, Department of Computer Science<\/a><\/li>
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>
- Craig Yencho, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
PSI-Hosted Centers & Consortiums<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Center for Environmental Farming Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCreating a future of vibrant farms, resilient ecosystems and strong communities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Co-Director: Michelle Schroeder-Moreno<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
CEFS is one of the nation\u2019s most important centers for research, extension and education in sustainable agriculture and community-based food systems. It is recognized as a national and international leader in the local foods movement and celebrated for its work in building consensus around policies, programs and actions. CEFS\u2019 Field Research, Education, and Outreach Facility at Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro, NC is one of the nation\u2019s leading research and demonstration sites for large-scale organic and sustainable production systems and includes research based out of seven research units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCenter Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Center of Excellence for Regulatory Science in Agriculture<\/h3>\n\n\n\nAdvancing knowledge, transparency, and public acceptance of regulatory science in agriculture.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Danesha Seth Carly<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
CERSA collaborates with state and federal agencies, private industry, commodity groups, growers and producers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academics to advance regulatory science in agriculture through education, research and engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It provides undergraduate and graduate certificates, continuing education training and internships in regulatory science, and sponsored research for the advancement of regulatory science in agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CERSA is co-led by NC State and Louisiana State University.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Controlled Environment Agriculture Coalition<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIndustry-focused, cost-effective and sustainable solutions to plant production<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Ricardo Hernandez<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Comprised of research scientists, engineers and in close partnership with industry, the CEA Coalition aims to develop controlled environment agriculture (CEA) as an economically and environmentally sustainable option for agricultural practices by performing evidence-based, transformative research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Ricardo Hernandez, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mark Hoffman, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brian Jackson, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Melinda Knuth, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wusheng Liu, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brendan O’Connor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carole Saravitz, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heidi Schweizer, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Katharina Stapelmann, Department of Nuclear Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Daniel Tregeagle, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Genome Editing Center for Sustainable Agriculture
<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAccelerating the pace of genome editing in plants and empowering the agricultural industry to adapt quickly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Timothy Kelliher<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The GEC will play a pivotal role in shaping a prosperous and sustainable food supply for all, develop new plant genome editing tools to shorten the timespan between scientific exploration and the introduction of new plant improvement innovations to farmers and growers and create and spin out new companies to ensure innovative technology reaches those who need it most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\n
Precision Sustainable Agriculture Network<\/h3>\n\n\n\nNationwide project on cover crops to improve agricultural sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Co-Director: Chris Reberg-Horton<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a five-year, $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve the sustainability and profitability of agriculture by advancing the study and use of cover crops such as rye, clover and radishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The interdisciplinary team includes experts from 36 institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>NC State Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Chris Reberg-Horton, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rob Austin, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ramon Leon Gonzalez, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Roderick Rejesus, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alex Woodley, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE<\/span>Program Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nInterdisciplinary research community focused on phosphorus sustainability <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Jacob Jones<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The STEPS Center is a convergent research group addressing the complex challenges in phosphorus sustainability by integrating disciplinary contributions across the physical, life, social, and economic sciences. Although headquartered in the new Plant Sciences Building, the center includes researchers from eight institutions across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLEARN MORE<\/span>Center Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Multi-Institutional PSI Research Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
AI2EAR<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInternational Collaboration to Accelerate Integration of Engineering, Plant Sciences & Agricultural Research using Artificial Intelligence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This diverse collaboration seeks to support the successful integration of agriculture, life sciences and engineering to resolve scientific and technical gaps as well as social barriers with the overarching goal of ensuring global food security. The three research objectives include: sensor science, engineering, and integration; data mining, machine learning, multi-scale modeling, and AI models; and open-source data and network cyberinfrastructures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>NC State Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Terri Long, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Joseph Donaldson, Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Linda Hanley-Bowdoin, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dean Hesterberg, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jacob Jones, Department of Materials Science and Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mary Ann Lila, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anna Locke, USDA, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Meentemeyer, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>
Biocatalyst Interactions with Gases (BIG) Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUncovering new methods for CO2<\/sub> management and sustainable fertilizer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reducing carbon emissions and developing alternative routes for fertilizer production are increasingly urgent challenges facing our world. This interdisciplinary research collaboration between North Carolina State University (NC State) and the Technical University of Denmark (Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, DTU) is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) and will receive 50 million Danish Kroner (DKK), approximately $6.5 million, in funding over five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Sonja Salmon, Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Igor Bolotnov, Department of Nuclear Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Doug Call, Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nathan Crook, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fanxing Li, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flora Meilleur, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Joe Sagues, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Yaroslava Yingling, Department of Materials Science and Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stig Helveg, Department of Physics, DTU<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Peter Westh, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Collaborative Crop Resilience Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInterdisciplinary research program targets wheat microbes for resiliency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amy Grunden is leading a six-year, $30 million study on the wheat microbiome to make the staple crop more resilient against environmental stresses while reducing the need for chemical treatments and irrigation. The project is supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The University of Copenhagen<\/a>, Aarhus University<\/a> and the Technical University of Denmark<\/a> will collaborate on the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oliver Baars, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gina Brown-Guedira, USDA-ARS, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ignazio Carbone, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Marc Cubeta, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Colleen Doherty, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Christine Hawkes, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Manuel Kleiner, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heike Sederoff, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
SAPLINGS<\/h3>\n\n\n\nSystem Approach to Promote Learning and Innovation for the Next Generations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
NC State is co-leading a 5-year, $18 million USDA grant alongside fellow land-grant university N.C. A&T and six other 1890s universities, various national organizations, USDA and private companies. The program aims to grow the number of underrepresented minority students in the food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences. NC State’s portion, co-led by Cranos Williams and Jon Allen, will create a fellowship program for two graduate students, four undergraduate students and two high school interns. The PSI extension agent network will also receive significant funding to train agents in AI tools..<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jon Allen, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
Labs in the Plant Sciences Building<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Automation and Robotics Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDeveloping smart gadgets that integrate robotics and machine learning to automate labor-intensive tasks in agriculture.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Lirong Xiang<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a focus on agricultural robotics, 2D and 3D computer vision, and machine learning, The Automation and Robotics Lab develops cyber-smart physical systems to address agricultural problems. Projects include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Developing robotic platforms for weeding, transplanting, and selective harvesting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Combining ground and aerial robots for in-situ and non-invasive crop sensing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adopting AI and robotics tools for precision livestock management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
EnBiSys Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDriving the next revolution in plant science and agriculture data analytics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Cranos Williams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EnBiSys Lab is a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research laboratory, focused on the development of targeted computational and analytical solutions for modeling and controlling biological systems. The solutions we develop are used to build and strengthen the transition from large-scale high-throughput \u2013omics data to highly connected kinetic models in the post-genomic era; models that can be used to attain the depth, understanding, and comprehension needed to manipulate and control biological systems for a defined purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nForest Biotech Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n34 years of research innovation in forest biotechnology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded in 1988, the Forest Biotech Group (FBG) is dedicated to research innovations in forest biotechnology and molecular genetics of tree metabolism to improve growth, development and defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. Their research goal is the domestication of forest trees for conservation and productivity through a systems-level approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Vincent Chiang, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Fikret Isik, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Ron Sederoff, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Jack Wang, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Justin Whitehill, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
Gage Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nImproving crop varieties through genomics and high throughput phenotyping<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Joe Gage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joe Gage\u2019s research program is focused on linking crop genomic and phenomics to understand how to develop more resilient and productive crop varieties. Current projects include studying how sequence variation controls gene regulation; how gene regulation contributes to genotype-by-environment interactions; and novel methods for processing and interpreting high throughput phenotyping data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nInterdisciplinary Risk Sciences Research Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding, managing and communicating complex environmental health risks in a post-2020 world<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: <\/em>Khara Grieger<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To reduce risks and better align benefits with societal values, needs, and expectations, new approaches are urgently needed. Scientists, researchers, industry, government, and other actors will naturally turn towards the development of new technological solutions and products of innovation to secure safe and sustainable futures. At the same time, new innovations and novel technologies can also present unknown risks as well as controversies in society. Well-known examples include first generation of genetically-modified organisms, nanotechnology, geoengineering, new materials for environmental remediation, and even new vaccines. Working interdisciplinarily within science, technology, social sciences, and governance, the Risk Sciences Research Group aims to strategically incorporate practices that foster responsible and sustainable innovation in order to ultimately solve our grand challenges without creating additional challenges themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nLEARN MORE<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nLong Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding plant iron deprivation to address global nutritional outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Terri Long<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anemia induced by iron deficiency is one of the most prevalent nutritional disorders in the world. Their research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that plants use to uptake, transport, and utilize iron, and respond to low iron conditions. Using genomics, molecular biology and genetics, their work is focused on identifying iron deficiency response regulators and their corresponding gene targets, with the long-term goal of elucidating gene regulatory networks involved in plant iron homeostasis. Ultimately, this information may lead to the generation of crops with increased nutritional content and increased yield when grown in poor soils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nMaize Breeding and Genetics Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCorn breeding and genetics project of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jim Holland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This collaborative team aims to characterize the genes underlying important agricultural traits in maize (corn) to develop new breeding lines. Two specific research foci are to improve resistance to Fusarium ear rot in corn and to develop new specialty food corn varieties, including improved heirloom food corns and low protein grain corns for patients with metabolic disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n\n\n- Jim Holland, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Rub\u00e9n Rell\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Peter Balint-Kurti, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Joe Gage, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Major Goodman, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Matt Krakowsky, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Josh Strable, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
NC State Vegetable Pathology Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nStudying diseases to improve disease management for farmers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Lina Quesada-Ocampo<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lab leads interdisciplinary studies of diseases of cucurbit crops and sweetpotatoes to deliver novel and improved disease management strategies to growers in North Carolina and to advance our knowledge in the field of vegetable pathology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Optical Sensing Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nMaking smaller, faster and more capable optical systems for plant and human health.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Mike Kudenov<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lab\u2019s major research area is in spectral and polarimetric imaging as it applies to both remote sensing and biomedical imaging applications. Through incorporating novel Polarization Grating (PG) technologies into spectral and polarimetric sensors, the researchers in OSL are increasing the sensor\u2019s spatial, spectral or radiometric performance, or reducing the sensor\u2019s overall size or cost. An emphasis is given on the development of ultra-compact sensors with novel capabilities. From a remote sensing perspective, it can be used to quantify chemicals in the environment, perform quality control in industrial and commercial manufacturing processes, assess water quality and vegetation health, identify targets, and for mineral mapping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Precision Pest Ecology Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nConfronting pest pressure in field crops and sweetpotatoes in the southeast<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Anders Huseth<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lab seek to understand relevant interactions between nature, crops and farmers by revealing harmony and conflict between pest control, environmental and socio-economic goals. Work in the Huseth Lab combines on-farm measurements, manipulative experiments, geospatial science and statistical approaches to understand pest issues in an array of agricultural crops and production systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Ristaino Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDetecting, tracking and addressing emerging plant diseases that threaten global food security<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jean Ristaino<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A major focus of research is to understand the factors that contribute to disease emergence including the epidemiology and population genetics of Oomycete plant pathogens in the genus Phytophthora<\/em>. They study the population genetics and migrations of both historic and present day strains of the pathogen and are now using their genome sequence to develop novel strategies for managing disease in the field, including the development of a platform to be used in the field to monitor disease and recommend amendments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSihi Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding how carbon and nutrients cycle through plants, soils, microbes, and the environment to inform sustainable land-use practices and address climate change.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Debjani Sihi<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sihi Lab specializes in measuring and modeling soil organic matter dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions from natural and managed ecosystems. They couple data generated from empirical studies and environmental networks with process-based and machine learning models. They use biogeochemical models to evaluate the fate of soil carbon and other ecosystem nutrients in the face of climate change. Their work ranges from the tropics and subtropics to temperate and temperate-boreal transition zones as well as soils from forests, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSozzani Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding plant stem cells using 3D bioprinting and other innovations for plant improvement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Ross Sozzani<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sozzani Lab research focuses on understanding how stem cells are organized and maintained in the root of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana<\/em>. Their goal is to gain a coherent qualitative and quantitative understanding of stem cell maintenance at the systems-level. Their research leverages techniques derived from molecular, developmental and cell biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and engineering. Their research will reveal a specific molecular pathway of plant stem cells, and provide broader insights into the fundamental properties of stem cells across the plant and animal kingdoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSustainable and Organic Soil Fertility Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nClimate change mitigation and adaptation through sustainable agriculture and improved soil health<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Alex Woodley<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This research program is focused on the mitigation and adaptation to climate change in sustainable agricultural systems through improved soil productivity. Research initiatives include linking soil health indicators to productive agroecosystems, mitigation of soil greenhouse gas emissions, soil carbon sequestration and nutrient management of fertilizers, organic amendments and cover crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Member of the Climate Adaptation Through Agriculture & Soil Management<\/a> (CASM) research initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nTranslational Plant Phenomics Lab <\/h3>\n\n\n\nAdvancing the application of remote sensing, robotics, and data science in breeding a diversity of horticultural and specialty crops.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jing Zhang<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first aim of the Translational Plant Phenomics Lab is to use advanced imaging technologies and machine learning algorithms to make plant phenotyping more efficient for crop breeding. By integrating high-throughput methods, they aim to accelerate the selection process for desirable traits, ultimately improving crop resilience and yield. The second aim is to develop innovative strategies for precision crop management that optimize inputs and maximize outputs in agricultural production. Utilizing data-driven approaches, their research seeks to enhance decision-making processes, ensuring sustainable practices and improved crop quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nWei Research Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInnovating disease diagnostics by developing cost-effective sensing tools<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Qingshan Wei<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This engineering research group works to understand the fundamentals of optics, chemistry, and molecular biology for rapid and ultrasensitive molecular detection. They are interested in applying miniature sensor and assay technologies in precision \/ tele-medicine, AgBio research, environmental science and biomanufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Whitehill Lab: Christmas Tree Genetics Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCutting-edge research utilizing modern genomic technologies and approaches<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Justin Whitehill<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This program is working to advance North Carolina\u2019s Christmas tree industry by addressing grower challenges and concerns through the application of genetic, genomic and molecular biology principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>GRIP4PSI Projects<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Game\u2010Changing Research Incentive Program for Plant Sciences Initiative (GRIP4PSI) was initiated by NC State to encourage collaboration on integrated research and outreach projects focused on one or more of the Research Platforms in the N.C. PSI. NC State provided competitive seed funding for four interdisciplinary team-based research and outreach projects totaling $2.3M.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLearn More<\/span>\nBig Data for Better Sweetpotatoes<\/h3>\n\n\n\nBig data platform to take tons of sweetpotato photos to improve productivity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nA multidisciplinary team led by Cranos Williams is developing a data-driven platform to discover how to grow a superior sweetpotato. This project is part of the broader Sweet-APPS Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They aim to combine information from images of hundreds of thousands of sweetpotatoes and their growth conditions to determine the factors that impact sweetpotato size and shape to increase the percentage of sweetpotatoes that are USDA grade 1. The platform will use custom imaging to detect shape, size, surface texture, internal composition and crop damage. That data then enters a computational platform \u2014 created in partnership with Intero Life Sciences and SAS, Inc. \u2014 to improve decision-making for North Carolina growers, producers and distributors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Mike Boyette, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Khara Grieger, Department of Applied Ecology<\/a><\/li>
- Anders Huseth, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>
- Daniela Jones, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Michael Kudenov, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Natalie Nelson, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Kemafor Ogan, Department of Computer Science<\/a><\/li>
- Ken Pecota, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>
- Alessandra Scafuro, Department of Computer Science<\/a><\/li>
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>
- Craig Yencho, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Center of Excellence for Regulatory Science in Agriculture<\/h3>\n\n\n\nAdvancing knowledge, transparency, and public acceptance of regulatory science in agriculture.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Danesha Seth Carly<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
CERSA collaborates with state and federal agencies, private industry, commodity groups, growers and producers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academics to advance regulatory science in agriculture through education, research and engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It provides undergraduate and graduate certificates, continuing education training and internships in regulatory science, and sponsored research for the advancement of regulatory science in agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CERSA is co-led by NC State and Louisiana State University.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Controlled Environment Agriculture Coalition<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIndustry-focused, cost-effective and sustainable solutions to plant production<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Ricardo Hernandez<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Comprised of research scientists, engineers and in close partnership with industry, the CEA Coalition aims to develop controlled environment agriculture (CEA) as an economically and environmentally sustainable option for agricultural practices by performing evidence-based, transformative research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Ricardo Hernandez, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mark Hoffman, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brian Jackson, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Melinda Knuth, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wusheng Liu, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brendan O’Connor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carole Saravitz, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heidi Schweizer, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Katharina Stapelmann, Department of Nuclear Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Daniel Tregeagle, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Genome Editing Center for Sustainable Agriculture
<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAccelerating the pace of genome editing in plants and empowering the agricultural industry to adapt quickly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Timothy Kelliher<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The GEC will play a pivotal role in shaping a prosperous and sustainable food supply for all, develop new plant genome editing tools to shorten the timespan between scientific exploration and the introduction of new plant improvement innovations to farmers and growers and create and spin out new companies to ensure innovative technology reaches those who need it most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\n
Precision Sustainable Agriculture Network<\/h3>\n\n\n\nNationwide project on cover crops to improve agricultural sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Co-Director: Chris Reberg-Horton<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a five-year, $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve the sustainability and profitability of agriculture by advancing the study and use of cover crops such as rye, clover and radishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The interdisciplinary team includes experts from 36 institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>NC State Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Chris Reberg-Horton, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rob Austin, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ramon Leon Gonzalez, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Roderick Rejesus, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alex Woodley, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE<\/span>Program Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nInterdisciplinary research community focused on phosphorus sustainability <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Jacob Jones<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The STEPS Center is a convergent research group addressing the complex challenges in phosphorus sustainability by integrating disciplinary contributions across the physical, life, social, and economic sciences. Although headquartered in the new Plant Sciences Building, the center includes researchers from eight institutions across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLEARN MORE<\/span>Center Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Multi-Institutional PSI Research Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
AI2EAR<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInternational Collaboration to Accelerate Integration of Engineering, Plant Sciences & Agricultural Research using Artificial Intelligence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This diverse collaboration seeks to support the successful integration of agriculture, life sciences and engineering to resolve scientific and technical gaps as well as social barriers with the overarching goal of ensuring global food security. The three research objectives include: sensor science, engineering, and integration; data mining, machine learning, multi-scale modeling, and AI models; and open-source data and network cyberinfrastructures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>NC State Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Terri Long, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Joseph Donaldson, Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Linda Hanley-Bowdoin, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dean Hesterberg, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jacob Jones, Department of Materials Science and Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mary Ann Lila, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anna Locke, USDA, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Meentemeyer, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>
Biocatalyst Interactions with Gases (BIG) Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUncovering new methods for CO2<\/sub> management and sustainable fertilizer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reducing carbon emissions and developing alternative routes for fertilizer production are increasingly urgent challenges facing our world. This interdisciplinary research collaboration between North Carolina State University (NC State) and the Technical University of Denmark (Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, DTU) is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) and will receive 50 million Danish Kroner (DKK), approximately $6.5 million, in funding over five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Sonja Salmon, Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Igor Bolotnov, Department of Nuclear Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Doug Call, Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nathan Crook, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fanxing Li, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flora Meilleur, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Joe Sagues, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Yaroslava Yingling, Department of Materials Science and Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stig Helveg, Department of Physics, DTU<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Peter Westh, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Collaborative Crop Resilience Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInterdisciplinary research program targets wheat microbes for resiliency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amy Grunden is leading a six-year, $30 million study on the wheat microbiome to make the staple crop more resilient against environmental stresses while reducing the need for chemical treatments and irrigation. The project is supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The University of Copenhagen<\/a>, Aarhus University<\/a> and the Technical University of Denmark<\/a> will collaborate on the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oliver Baars, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gina Brown-Guedira, USDA-ARS, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ignazio Carbone, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Marc Cubeta, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Colleen Doherty, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Christine Hawkes, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Manuel Kleiner, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heike Sederoff, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
SAPLINGS<\/h3>\n\n\n\nSystem Approach to Promote Learning and Innovation for the Next Generations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
NC State is co-leading a 5-year, $18 million USDA grant alongside fellow land-grant university N.C. A&T and six other 1890s universities, various national organizations, USDA and private companies. The program aims to grow the number of underrepresented minority students in the food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences. NC State’s portion, co-led by Cranos Williams and Jon Allen, will create a fellowship program for two graduate students, four undergraduate students and two high school interns. The PSI extension agent network will also receive significant funding to train agents in AI tools..<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jon Allen, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
Labs in the Plant Sciences Building<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Automation and Robotics Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDeveloping smart gadgets that integrate robotics and machine learning to automate labor-intensive tasks in agriculture.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Lirong Xiang<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a focus on agricultural robotics, 2D and 3D computer vision, and machine learning, The Automation and Robotics Lab develops cyber-smart physical systems to address agricultural problems. Projects include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Developing robotic platforms for weeding, transplanting, and selective harvesting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Combining ground and aerial robots for in-situ and non-invasive crop sensing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adopting AI and robotics tools for precision livestock management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
EnBiSys Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDriving the next revolution in plant science and agriculture data analytics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Cranos Williams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EnBiSys Lab is a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research laboratory, focused on the development of targeted computational and analytical solutions for modeling and controlling biological systems. The solutions we develop are used to build and strengthen the transition from large-scale high-throughput \u2013omics data to highly connected kinetic models in the post-genomic era; models that can be used to attain the depth, understanding, and comprehension needed to manipulate and control biological systems for a defined purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nForest Biotech Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n34 years of research innovation in forest biotechnology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded in 1988, the Forest Biotech Group (FBG) is dedicated to research innovations in forest biotechnology and molecular genetics of tree metabolism to improve growth, development and defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. Their research goal is the domestication of forest trees for conservation and productivity through a systems-level approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Vincent Chiang, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Fikret Isik, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Ron Sederoff, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Jack Wang, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Justin Whitehill, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
Gage Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nImproving crop varieties through genomics and high throughput phenotyping<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Joe Gage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joe Gage\u2019s research program is focused on linking crop genomic and phenomics to understand how to develop more resilient and productive crop varieties. Current projects include studying how sequence variation controls gene regulation; how gene regulation contributes to genotype-by-environment interactions; and novel methods for processing and interpreting high throughput phenotyping data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nInterdisciplinary Risk Sciences Research Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding, managing and communicating complex environmental health risks in a post-2020 world<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: <\/em>Khara Grieger<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To reduce risks and better align benefits with societal values, needs, and expectations, new approaches are urgently needed. Scientists, researchers, industry, government, and other actors will naturally turn towards the development of new technological solutions and products of innovation to secure safe and sustainable futures. At the same time, new innovations and novel technologies can also present unknown risks as well as controversies in society. Well-known examples include first generation of genetically-modified organisms, nanotechnology, geoengineering, new materials for environmental remediation, and even new vaccines. Working interdisciplinarily within science, technology, social sciences, and governance, the Risk Sciences Research Group aims to strategically incorporate practices that foster responsible and sustainable innovation in order to ultimately solve our grand challenges without creating additional challenges themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nLEARN MORE<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nLong Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding plant iron deprivation to address global nutritional outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Terri Long<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anemia induced by iron deficiency is one of the most prevalent nutritional disorders in the world. Their research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that plants use to uptake, transport, and utilize iron, and respond to low iron conditions. Using genomics, molecular biology and genetics, their work is focused on identifying iron deficiency response regulators and their corresponding gene targets, with the long-term goal of elucidating gene regulatory networks involved in plant iron homeostasis. Ultimately, this information may lead to the generation of crops with increased nutritional content and increased yield when grown in poor soils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nMaize Breeding and Genetics Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCorn breeding and genetics project of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jim Holland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This collaborative team aims to characterize the genes underlying important agricultural traits in maize (corn) to develop new breeding lines. Two specific research foci are to improve resistance to Fusarium ear rot in corn and to develop new specialty food corn varieties, including improved heirloom food corns and low protein grain corns for patients with metabolic disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n\n\n- Jim Holland, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Rub\u00e9n Rell\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Peter Balint-Kurti, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Joe Gage, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Major Goodman, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Matt Krakowsky, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Josh Strable, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
NC State Vegetable Pathology Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nStudying diseases to improve disease management for farmers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Lina Quesada-Ocampo<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lab leads interdisciplinary studies of diseases of cucurbit crops and sweetpotatoes to deliver novel and improved disease management strategies to growers in North Carolina and to advance our knowledge in the field of vegetable pathology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Optical Sensing Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nMaking smaller, faster and more capable optical systems for plant and human health.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Mike Kudenov<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lab\u2019s major research area is in spectral and polarimetric imaging as it applies to both remote sensing and biomedical imaging applications. Through incorporating novel Polarization Grating (PG) technologies into spectral and polarimetric sensors, the researchers in OSL are increasing the sensor\u2019s spatial, spectral or radiometric performance, or reducing the sensor\u2019s overall size or cost. An emphasis is given on the development of ultra-compact sensors with novel capabilities. From a remote sensing perspective, it can be used to quantify chemicals in the environment, perform quality control in industrial and commercial manufacturing processes, assess water quality and vegetation health, identify targets, and for mineral mapping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Precision Pest Ecology Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nConfronting pest pressure in field crops and sweetpotatoes in the southeast<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Anders Huseth<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lab seek to understand relevant interactions between nature, crops and farmers by revealing harmony and conflict between pest control, environmental and socio-economic goals. Work in the Huseth Lab combines on-farm measurements, manipulative experiments, geospatial science and statistical approaches to understand pest issues in an array of agricultural crops and production systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Ristaino Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDetecting, tracking and addressing emerging plant diseases that threaten global food security<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jean Ristaino<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A major focus of research is to understand the factors that contribute to disease emergence including the epidemiology and population genetics of Oomycete plant pathogens in the genus Phytophthora<\/em>. They study the population genetics and migrations of both historic and present day strains of the pathogen and are now using their genome sequence to develop novel strategies for managing disease in the field, including the development of a platform to be used in the field to monitor disease and recommend amendments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSihi Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding how carbon and nutrients cycle through plants, soils, microbes, and the environment to inform sustainable land-use practices and address climate change.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Debjani Sihi<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sihi Lab specializes in measuring and modeling soil organic matter dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions from natural and managed ecosystems. They couple data generated from empirical studies and environmental networks with process-based and machine learning models. They use biogeochemical models to evaluate the fate of soil carbon and other ecosystem nutrients in the face of climate change. Their work ranges from the tropics and subtropics to temperate and temperate-boreal transition zones as well as soils from forests, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSozzani Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding plant stem cells using 3D bioprinting and other innovations for plant improvement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Ross Sozzani<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sozzani Lab research focuses on understanding how stem cells are organized and maintained in the root of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana<\/em>. Their goal is to gain a coherent qualitative and quantitative understanding of stem cell maintenance at the systems-level. Their research leverages techniques derived from molecular, developmental and cell biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and engineering. Their research will reveal a specific molecular pathway of plant stem cells, and provide broader insights into the fundamental properties of stem cells across the plant and animal kingdoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSustainable and Organic Soil Fertility Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nClimate change mitigation and adaptation through sustainable agriculture and improved soil health<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Alex Woodley<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This research program is focused on the mitigation and adaptation to climate change in sustainable agricultural systems through improved soil productivity. Research initiatives include linking soil health indicators to productive agroecosystems, mitigation of soil greenhouse gas emissions, soil carbon sequestration and nutrient management of fertilizers, organic amendments and cover crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Member of the Climate Adaptation Through Agriculture & Soil Management<\/a> (CASM) research initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nTranslational Plant Phenomics Lab <\/h3>\n\n\n\nAdvancing the application of remote sensing, robotics, and data science in breeding a diversity of horticultural and specialty crops.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jing Zhang<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first aim of the Translational Plant Phenomics Lab is to use advanced imaging technologies and machine learning algorithms to make plant phenotyping more efficient for crop breeding. By integrating high-throughput methods, they aim to accelerate the selection process for desirable traits, ultimately improving crop resilience and yield. The second aim is to develop innovative strategies for precision crop management that optimize inputs and maximize outputs in agricultural production. Utilizing data-driven approaches, their research seeks to enhance decision-making processes, ensuring sustainable practices and improved crop quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nWei Research Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInnovating disease diagnostics by developing cost-effective sensing tools<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Qingshan Wei<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This engineering research group works to understand the fundamentals of optics, chemistry, and molecular biology for rapid and ultrasensitive molecular detection. They are interested in applying miniature sensor and assay technologies in precision \/ tele-medicine, AgBio research, environmental science and biomanufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Whitehill Lab: Christmas Tree Genetics Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCutting-edge research utilizing modern genomic technologies and approaches<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Justin Whitehill<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This program is working to advance North Carolina\u2019s Christmas tree industry by addressing grower challenges and concerns through the application of genetic, genomic and molecular biology principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>GRIP4PSI Projects<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Game\u2010Changing Research Incentive Program for Plant Sciences Initiative (GRIP4PSI) was initiated by NC State to encourage collaboration on integrated research and outreach projects focused on one or more of the Research Platforms in the N.C. PSI. NC State provided competitive seed funding for four interdisciplinary team-based research and outreach projects totaling $2.3M.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLearn More<\/span>\nBig Data for Better Sweetpotatoes<\/h3>\n\n\n\nBig data platform to take tons of sweetpotato photos to improve productivity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nA multidisciplinary team led by Cranos Williams is developing a data-driven platform to discover how to grow a superior sweetpotato. This project is part of the broader Sweet-APPS Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They aim to combine information from images of hundreds of thousands of sweetpotatoes and their growth conditions to determine the factors that impact sweetpotato size and shape to increase the percentage of sweetpotatoes that are USDA grade 1. The platform will use custom imaging to detect shape, size, surface texture, internal composition and crop damage. That data then enters a computational platform \u2014 created in partnership with Intero Life Sciences and SAS, Inc. \u2014 to improve decision-making for North Carolina growers, producers and distributors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Mike Boyette, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Khara Grieger, Department of Applied Ecology<\/a><\/li>
- Anders Huseth, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>
- Daniela Jones, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Michael Kudenov, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Natalie Nelson, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Kemafor Ogan, Department of Computer Science<\/a><\/li>
- Ken Pecota, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>
- Alessandra Scafuro, Department of Computer Science<\/a><\/li>
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>
- Craig Yencho, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Controlled Environment Agriculture Coalition<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIndustry-focused, cost-effective and sustainable solutions to plant production<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Ricardo Hernandez<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Comprised of research scientists, engineers and in close partnership with industry, the CEA Coalition aims to develop controlled environment agriculture (CEA) as an economically and environmentally sustainable option for agricultural practices by performing evidence-based, transformative research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Ricardo Hernandez, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mark Hoffman, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brian Jackson, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Melinda Knuth, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wusheng Liu, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brendan O’Connor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carole Saravitz, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heidi Schweizer, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Katharina Stapelmann, Department of Nuclear Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Daniel Tregeagle, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Genome Editing Center for Sustainable Agriculture
<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAccelerating the pace of genome editing in plants and empowering the agricultural industry to adapt quickly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Timothy Kelliher<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The GEC will play a pivotal role in shaping a prosperous and sustainable food supply for all, develop new plant genome editing tools to shorten the timespan between scientific exploration and the introduction of new plant improvement innovations to farmers and growers and create and spin out new companies to ensure innovative technology reaches those who need it most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\n
Precision Sustainable Agriculture Network<\/h3>\n\n\n\nNationwide project on cover crops to improve agricultural sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Co-Director: Chris Reberg-Horton<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a five-year, $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve the sustainability and profitability of agriculture by advancing the study and use of cover crops such as rye, clover and radishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The interdisciplinary team includes experts from 36 institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>NC State Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Chris Reberg-Horton, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rob Austin, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ramon Leon Gonzalez, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Roderick Rejesus, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alex Woodley, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE<\/span>Program Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nInterdisciplinary research community focused on phosphorus sustainability <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Jacob Jones<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The STEPS Center is a convergent research group addressing the complex challenges in phosphorus sustainability by integrating disciplinary contributions across the physical, life, social, and economic sciences. Although headquartered in the new Plant Sciences Building, the center includes researchers from eight institutions across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLEARN MORE<\/span>Center Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Multi-Institutional PSI Research Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
AI2EAR<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInternational Collaboration to Accelerate Integration of Engineering, Plant Sciences & Agricultural Research using Artificial Intelligence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This diverse collaboration seeks to support the successful integration of agriculture, life sciences and engineering to resolve scientific and technical gaps as well as social barriers with the overarching goal of ensuring global food security. The three research objectives include: sensor science, engineering, and integration; data mining, machine learning, multi-scale modeling, and AI models; and open-source data and network cyberinfrastructures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>NC State Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Terri Long, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Joseph Donaldson, Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Linda Hanley-Bowdoin, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dean Hesterberg, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jacob Jones, Department of Materials Science and Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mary Ann Lila, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anna Locke, USDA, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Meentemeyer, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>
Biocatalyst Interactions with Gases (BIG) Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUncovering new methods for CO2<\/sub> management and sustainable fertilizer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reducing carbon emissions and developing alternative routes for fertilizer production are increasingly urgent challenges facing our world. This interdisciplinary research collaboration between North Carolina State University (NC State) and the Technical University of Denmark (Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, DTU) is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) and will receive 50 million Danish Kroner (DKK), approximately $6.5 million, in funding over five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Sonja Salmon, Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Igor Bolotnov, Department of Nuclear Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Doug Call, Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nathan Crook, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fanxing Li, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flora Meilleur, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Joe Sagues, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Yaroslava Yingling, Department of Materials Science and Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stig Helveg, Department of Physics, DTU<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Peter Westh, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Collaborative Crop Resilience Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInterdisciplinary research program targets wheat microbes for resiliency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amy Grunden is leading a six-year, $30 million study on the wheat microbiome to make the staple crop more resilient against environmental stresses while reducing the need for chemical treatments and irrigation. The project is supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The University of Copenhagen<\/a>, Aarhus University<\/a> and the Technical University of Denmark<\/a> will collaborate on the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oliver Baars, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gina Brown-Guedira, USDA-ARS, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ignazio Carbone, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Marc Cubeta, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Colleen Doherty, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Christine Hawkes, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Manuel Kleiner, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heike Sederoff, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
SAPLINGS<\/h3>\n\n\n\nSystem Approach to Promote Learning and Innovation for the Next Generations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
NC State is co-leading a 5-year, $18 million USDA grant alongside fellow land-grant university N.C. A&T and six other 1890s universities, various national organizations, USDA and private companies. The program aims to grow the number of underrepresented minority students in the food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences. NC State’s portion, co-led by Cranos Williams and Jon Allen, will create a fellowship program for two graduate students, four undergraduate students and two high school interns. The PSI extension agent network will also receive significant funding to train agents in AI tools..<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jon Allen, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
Labs in the Plant Sciences Building<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Automation and Robotics Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDeveloping smart gadgets that integrate robotics and machine learning to automate labor-intensive tasks in agriculture.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Lirong Xiang<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a focus on agricultural robotics, 2D and 3D computer vision, and machine learning, The Automation and Robotics Lab develops cyber-smart physical systems to address agricultural problems. Projects include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Developing robotic platforms for weeding, transplanting, and selective harvesting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Combining ground and aerial robots for in-situ and non-invasive crop sensing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adopting AI and robotics tools for precision livestock management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
EnBiSys Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDriving the next revolution in plant science and agriculture data analytics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Cranos Williams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EnBiSys Lab is a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research laboratory, focused on the development of targeted computational and analytical solutions for modeling and controlling biological systems. The solutions we develop are used to build and strengthen the transition from large-scale high-throughput \u2013omics data to highly connected kinetic models in the post-genomic era; models that can be used to attain the depth, understanding, and comprehension needed to manipulate and control biological systems for a defined purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nForest Biotech Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n34 years of research innovation in forest biotechnology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded in 1988, the Forest Biotech Group (FBG) is dedicated to research innovations in forest biotechnology and molecular genetics of tree metabolism to improve growth, development and defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. Their research goal is the domestication of forest trees for conservation and productivity through a systems-level approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Vincent Chiang, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Fikret Isik, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Ron Sederoff, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Jack Wang, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Justin Whitehill, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
Gage Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nImproving crop varieties through genomics and high throughput phenotyping<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Joe Gage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joe Gage\u2019s research program is focused on linking crop genomic and phenomics to understand how to develop more resilient and productive crop varieties. Current projects include studying how sequence variation controls gene regulation; how gene regulation contributes to genotype-by-environment interactions; and novel methods for processing and interpreting high throughput phenotyping data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nInterdisciplinary Risk Sciences Research Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding, managing and communicating complex environmental health risks in a post-2020 world<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: <\/em>Khara Grieger<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To reduce risks and better align benefits with societal values, needs, and expectations, new approaches are urgently needed. Scientists, researchers, industry, government, and other actors will naturally turn towards the development of new technological solutions and products of innovation to secure safe and sustainable futures. At the same time, new innovations and novel technologies can also present unknown risks as well as controversies in society. Well-known examples include first generation of genetically-modified organisms, nanotechnology, geoengineering, new materials for environmental remediation, and even new vaccines. Working interdisciplinarily within science, technology, social sciences, and governance, the Risk Sciences Research Group aims to strategically incorporate practices that foster responsible and sustainable innovation in order to ultimately solve our grand challenges without creating additional challenges themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nLEARN MORE<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nLong Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding plant iron deprivation to address global nutritional outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Terri Long<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anemia induced by iron deficiency is one of the most prevalent nutritional disorders in the world. Their research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that plants use to uptake, transport, and utilize iron, and respond to low iron conditions. Using genomics, molecular biology and genetics, their work is focused on identifying iron deficiency response regulators and their corresponding gene targets, with the long-term goal of elucidating gene regulatory networks involved in plant iron homeostasis. Ultimately, this information may lead to the generation of crops with increased nutritional content and increased yield when grown in poor soils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nMaize Breeding and Genetics Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCorn breeding and genetics project of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jim Holland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This collaborative team aims to characterize the genes underlying important agricultural traits in maize (corn) to develop new breeding lines. Two specific research foci are to improve resistance to Fusarium ear rot in corn and to develop new specialty food corn varieties, including improved heirloom food corns and low protein grain corns for patients with metabolic disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n\n\n- Jim Holland, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Rub\u00e9n Rell\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Peter Balint-Kurti, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Joe Gage, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Major Goodman, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Matt Krakowsky, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Josh Strable, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
NC State Vegetable Pathology Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nStudying diseases to improve disease management for farmers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Lina Quesada-Ocampo<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lab leads interdisciplinary studies of diseases of cucurbit crops and sweetpotatoes to deliver novel and improved disease management strategies to growers in North Carolina and to advance our knowledge in the field of vegetable pathology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Optical Sensing Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nMaking smaller, faster and more capable optical systems for plant and human health.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Mike Kudenov<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lab\u2019s major research area is in spectral and polarimetric imaging as it applies to both remote sensing and biomedical imaging applications. Through incorporating novel Polarization Grating (PG) technologies into spectral and polarimetric sensors, the researchers in OSL are increasing the sensor\u2019s spatial, spectral or radiometric performance, or reducing the sensor\u2019s overall size or cost. An emphasis is given on the development of ultra-compact sensors with novel capabilities. From a remote sensing perspective, it can be used to quantify chemicals in the environment, perform quality control in industrial and commercial manufacturing processes, assess water quality and vegetation health, identify targets, and for mineral mapping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Precision Pest Ecology Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nConfronting pest pressure in field crops and sweetpotatoes in the southeast<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Anders Huseth<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lab seek to understand relevant interactions between nature, crops and farmers by revealing harmony and conflict between pest control, environmental and socio-economic goals. Work in the Huseth Lab combines on-farm measurements, manipulative experiments, geospatial science and statistical approaches to understand pest issues in an array of agricultural crops and production systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Ristaino Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDetecting, tracking and addressing emerging plant diseases that threaten global food security<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jean Ristaino<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A major focus of research is to understand the factors that contribute to disease emergence including the epidemiology and population genetics of Oomycete plant pathogens in the genus Phytophthora<\/em>. They study the population genetics and migrations of both historic and present day strains of the pathogen and are now using their genome sequence to develop novel strategies for managing disease in the field, including the development of a platform to be used in the field to monitor disease and recommend amendments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSihi Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding how carbon and nutrients cycle through plants, soils, microbes, and the environment to inform sustainable land-use practices and address climate change.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Debjani Sihi<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sihi Lab specializes in measuring and modeling soil organic matter dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions from natural and managed ecosystems. They couple data generated from empirical studies and environmental networks with process-based and machine learning models. They use biogeochemical models to evaluate the fate of soil carbon and other ecosystem nutrients in the face of climate change. Their work ranges from the tropics and subtropics to temperate and temperate-boreal transition zones as well as soils from forests, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSozzani Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding plant stem cells using 3D bioprinting and other innovations for plant improvement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Ross Sozzani<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sozzani Lab research focuses on understanding how stem cells are organized and maintained in the root of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana<\/em>. Their goal is to gain a coherent qualitative and quantitative understanding of stem cell maintenance at the systems-level. Their research leverages techniques derived from molecular, developmental and cell biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and engineering. Their research will reveal a specific molecular pathway of plant stem cells, and provide broader insights into the fundamental properties of stem cells across the plant and animal kingdoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSustainable and Organic Soil Fertility Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nClimate change mitigation and adaptation through sustainable agriculture and improved soil health<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Alex Woodley<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This research program is focused on the mitigation and adaptation to climate change in sustainable agricultural systems through improved soil productivity. Research initiatives include linking soil health indicators to productive agroecosystems, mitigation of soil greenhouse gas emissions, soil carbon sequestration and nutrient management of fertilizers, organic amendments and cover crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Member of the Climate Adaptation Through Agriculture & Soil Management<\/a> (CASM) research initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nTranslational Plant Phenomics Lab <\/h3>\n\n\n\nAdvancing the application of remote sensing, robotics, and data science in breeding a diversity of horticultural and specialty crops.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jing Zhang<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first aim of the Translational Plant Phenomics Lab is to use advanced imaging technologies and machine learning algorithms to make plant phenotyping more efficient for crop breeding. By integrating high-throughput methods, they aim to accelerate the selection process for desirable traits, ultimately improving crop resilience and yield. The second aim is to develop innovative strategies for precision crop management that optimize inputs and maximize outputs in agricultural production. Utilizing data-driven approaches, their research seeks to enhance decision-making processes, ensuring sustainable practices and improved crop quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nWei Research Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInnovating disease diagnostics by developing cost-effective sensing tools<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Qingshan Wei<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This engineering research group works to understand the fundamentals of optics, chemistry, and molecular biology for rapid and ultrasensitive molecular detection. They are interested in applying miniature sensor and assay technologies in precision \/ tele-medicine, AgBio research, environmental science and biomanufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Whitehill Lab: Christmas Tree Genetics Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCutting-edge research utilizing modern genomic technologies and approaches<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Justin Whitehill<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This program is working to advance North Carolina\u2019s Christmas tree industry by addressing grower challenges and concerns through the application of genetic, genomic and molecular biology principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>GRIP4PSI Projects<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Game\u2010Changing Research Incentive Program for Plant Sciences Initiative (GRIP4PSI) was initiated by NC State to encourage collaboration on integrated research and outreach projects focused on one or more of the Research Platforms in the N.C. PSI. NC State provided competitive seed funding for four interdisciplinary team-based research and outreach projects totaling $2.3M.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLearn More<\/span>\nBig Data for Better Sweetpotatoes<\/h3>\n\n\n\nBig data platform to take tons of sweetpotato photos to improve productivity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nA multidisciplinary team led by Cranos Williams is developing a data-driven platform to discover how to grow a superior sweetpotato. This project is part of the broader Sweet-APPS Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They aim to combine information from images of hundreds of thousands of sweetpotatoes and their growth conditions to determine the factors that impact sweetpotato size and shape to increase the percentage of sweetpotatoes that are USDA grade 1. The platform will use custom imaging to detect shape, size, surface texture, internal composition and crop damage. That data then enters a computational platform \u2014 created in partnership with Intero Life Sciences and SAS, Inc. \u2014 to improve decision-making for North Carolina growers, producers and distributors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Mike Boyette, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Khara Grieger, Department of Applied Ecology<\/a><\/li>
- Anders Huseth, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>
- Daniela Jones, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Michael Kudenov, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Natalie Nelson, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Kemafor Ogan, Department of Computer Science<\/a><\/li>
- Ken Pecota, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>
- Alessandra Scafuro, Department of Computer Science<\/a><\/li>
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>
- Craig Yencho, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Ricardo Hernandez, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mark Hoffman, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brian Jackson, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Melinda Knuth, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wusheng Liu, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brendan O’Connor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carole Saravitz, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heidi Schweizer, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Katharina Stapelmann, Department of Nuclear Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Daniel Tregeagle, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Genome Editing Center for Sustainable Agriculture
<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAccelerating the pace of genome editing in plants and empowering the agricultural industry to adapt quickly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Timothy Kelliher<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The GEC will play a pivotal role in shaping a prosperous and sustainable food supply for all, develop new plant genome editing tools to shorten the timespan between scientific exploration and the introduction of new plant improvement innovations to farmers and growers and create and spin out new companies to ensure innovative technology reaches those who need it most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\n
Precision Sustainable Agriculture Network<\/h3>\n\n\n\nNationwide project on cover crops to improve agricultural sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Co-Director: Chris Reberg-Horton<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a five-year, $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve the sustainability and profitability of agriculture by advancing the study and use of cover crops such as rye, clover and radishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The interdisciplinary team includes experts from 36 institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>NC State Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Chris Reberg-Horton, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rob Austin, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ramon Leon Gonzalez, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Roderick Rejesus, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alex Woodley, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE<\/span>Program Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nInterdisciplinary research community focused on phosphorus sustainability <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Jacob Jones<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The STEPS Center is a convergent research group addressing the complex challenges in phosphorus sustainability by integrating disciplinary contributions across the physical, life, social, and economic sciences. Although headquartered in the new Plant Sciences Building, the center includes researchers from eight institutions across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLEARN MORE<\/span>Center Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Multi-Institutional PSI Research Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
AI2EAR<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInternational Collaboration to Accelerate Integration of Engineering, Plant Sciences & Agricultural Research using Artificial Intelligence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This diverse collaboration seeks to support the successful integration of agriculture, life sciences and engineering to resolve scientific and technical gaps as well as social barriers with the overarching goal of ensuring global food security. The three research objectives include: sensor science, engineering, and integration; data mining, machine learning, multi-scale modeling, and AI models; and open-source data and network cyberinfrastructures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>NC State Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Terri Long, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Joseph Donaldson, Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Linda Hanley-Bowdoin, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dean Hesterberg, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jacob Jones, Department of Materials Science and Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mary Ann Lila, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anna Locke, USDA, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Meentemeyer, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>
Biocatalyst Interactions with Gases (BIG) Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUncovering new methods for CO2<\/sub> management and sustainable fertilizer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reducing carbon emissions and developing alternative routes for fertilizer production are increasingly urgent challenges facing our world. This interdisciplinary research collaboration between North Carolina State University (NC State) and the Technical University of Denmark (Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, DTU) is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) and will receive 50 million Danish Kroner (DKK), approximately $6.5 million, in funding over five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Sonja Salmon, Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Igor Bolotnov, Department of Nuclear Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Doug Call, Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nathan Crook, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fanxing Li, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flora Meilleur, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Joe Sagues, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Yaroslava Yingling, Department of Materials Science and Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stig Helveg, Department of Physics, DTU<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Peter Westh, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Collaborative Crop Resilience Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInterdisciplinary research program targets wheat microbes for resiliency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amy Grunden is leading a six-year, $30 million study on the wheat microbiome to make the staple crop more resilient against environmental stresses while reducing the need for chemical treatments and irrigation. The project is supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The University of Copenhagen<\/a>, Aarhus University<\/a> and the Technical University of Denmark<\/a> will collaborate on the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oliver Baars, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gina Brown-Guedira, USDA-ARS, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ignazio Carbone, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Marc Cubeta, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Colleen Doherty, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Christine Hawkes, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Manuel Kleiner, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heike Sederoff, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
SAPLINGS<\/h3>\n\n\n\nSystem Approach to Promote Learning and Innovation for the Next Generations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
NC State is co-leading a 5-year, $18 million USDA grant alongside fellow land-grant university N.C. A&T and six other 1890s universities, various national organizations, USDA and private companies. The program aims to grow the number of underrepresented minority students in the food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences. NC State’s portion, co-led by Cranos Williams and Jon Allen, will create a fellowship program for two graduate students, four undergraduate students and two high school interns. The PSI extension agent network will also receive significant funding to train agents in AI tools..<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jon Allen, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
Labs in the Plant Sciences Building<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Automation and Robotics Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDeveloping smart gadgets that integrate robotics and machine learning to automate labor-intensive tasks in agriculture.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Lirong Xiang<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a focus on agricultural robotics, 2D and 3D computer vision, and machine learning, The Automation and Robotics Lab develops cyber-smart physical systems to address agricultural problems. Projects include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Developing robotic platforms for weeding, transplanting, and selective harvesting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Combining ground and aerial robots for in-situ and non-invasive crop sensing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adopting AI and robotics tools for precision livestock management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
EnBiSys Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDriving the next revolution in plant science and agriculture data analytics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Cranos Williams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EnBiSys Lab is a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research laboratory, focused on the development of targeted computational and analytical solutions for modeling and controlling biological systems. The solutions we develop are used to build and strengthen the transition from large-scale high-throughput \u2013omics data to highly connected kinetic models in the post-genomic era; models that can be used to attain the depth, understanding, and comprehension needed to manipulate and control biological systems for a defined purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nForest Biotech Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n34 years of research innovation in forest biotechnology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded in 1988, the Forest Biotech Group (FBG) is dedicated to research innovations in forest biotechnology and molecular genetics of tree metabolism to improve growth, development and defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. Their research goal is the domestication of forest trees for conservation and productivity through a systems-level approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Vincent Chiang, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Fikret Isik, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Ron Sederoff, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Jack Wang, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Justin Whitehill, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
Gage Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nImproving crop varieties through genomics and high throughput phenotyping<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Joe Gage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joe Gage\u2019s research program is focused on linking crop genomic and phenomics to understand how to develop more resilient and productive crop varieties. Current projects include studying how sequence variation controls gene regulation; how gene regulation contributes to genotype-by-environment interactions; and novel methods for processing and interpreting high throughput phenotyping data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nInterdisciplinary Risk Sciences Research Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding, managing and communicating complex environmental health risks in a post-2020 world<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: <\/em>Khara Grieger<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To reduce risks and better align benefits with societal values, needs, and expectations, new approaches are urgently needed. Scientists, researchers, industry, government, and other actors will naturally turn towards the development of new technological solutions and products of innovation to secure safe and sustainable futures. At the same time, new innovations and novel technologies can also present unknown risks as well as controversies in society. Well-known examples include first generation of genetically-modified organisms, nanotechnology, geoengineering, new materials for environmental remediation, and even new vaccines. Working interdisciplinarily within science, technology, social sciences, and governance, the Risk Sciences Research Group aims to strategically incorporate practices that foster responsible and sustainable innovation in order to ultimately solve our grand challenges without creating additional challenges themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nLEARN MORE<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nLong Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding plant iron deprivation to address global nutritional outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Terri Long<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anemia induced by iron deficiency is one of the most prevalent nutritional disorders in the world. Their research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that plants use to uptake, transport, and utilize iron, and respond to low iron conditions. Using genomics, molecular biology and genetics, their work is focused on identifying iron deficiency response regulators and their corresponding gene targets, with the long-term goal of elucidating gene regulatory networks involved in plant iron homeostasis. Ultimately, this information may lead to the generation of crops with increased nutritional content and increased yield when grown in poor soils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nMaize Breeding and Genetics Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCorn breeding and genetics project of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jim Holland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This collaborative team aims to characterize the genes underlying important agricultural traits in maize (corn) to develop new breeding lines. Two specific research foci are to improve resistance to Fusarium ear rot in corn and to develop new specialty food corn varieties, including improved heirloom food corns and low protein grain corns for patients with metabolic disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n\n\n- Jim Holland, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Rub\u00e9n Rell\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Peter Balint-Kurti, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Joe Gage, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Major Goodman, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Matt Krakowsky, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Josh Strable, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
NC State Vegetable Pathology Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nStudying diseases to improve disease management for farmers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Lina Quesada-Ocampo<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lab leads interdisciplinary studies of diseases of cucurbit crops and sweetpotatoes to deliver novel and improved disease management strategies to growers in North Carolina and to advance our knowledge in the field of vegetable pathology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Optical Sensing Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nMaking smaller, faster and more capable optical systems for plant and human health.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Mike Kudenov<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lab\u2019s major research area is in spectral and polarimetric imaging as it applies to both remote sensing and biomedical imaging applications. Through incorporating novel Polarization Grating (PG) technologies into spectral and polarimetric sensors, the researchers in OSL are increasing the sensor\u2019s spatial, spectral or radiometric performance, or reducing the sensor\u2019s overall size or cost. An emphasis is given on the development of ultra-compact sensors with novel capabilities. From a remote sensing perspective, it can be used to quantify chemicals in the environment, perform quality control in industrial and commercial manufacturing processes, assess water quality and vegetation health, identify targets, and for mineral mapping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Precision Pest Ecology Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nConfronting pest pressure in field crops and sweetpotatoes in the southeast<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Anders Huseth<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lab seek to understand relevant interactions between nature, crops and farmers by revealing harmony and conflict between pest control, environmental and socio-economic goals. Work in the Huseth Lab combines on-farm measurements, manipulative experiments, geospatial science and statistical approaches to understand pest issues in an array of agricultural crops and production systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Ristaino Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nDetecting, tracking and addressing emerging plant diseases that threaten global food security<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jean Ristaino<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A major focus of research is to understand the factors that contribute to disease emergence including the epidemiology and population genetics of Oomycete plant pathogens in the genus Phytophthora<\/em>. They study the population genetics and migrations of both historic and present day strains of the pathogen and are now using their genome sequence to develop novel strategies for managing disease in the field, including the development of a platform to be used in the field to monitor disease and recommend amendments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSihi Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding how carbon and nutrients cycle through plants, soils, microbes, and the environment to inform sustainable land-use practices and address climate change.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Debjani Sihi<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sihi Lab specializes in measuring and modeling soil organic matter dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions from natural and managed ecosystems. They couple data generated from empirical studies and environmental networks with process-based and machine learning models. They use biogeochemical models to evaluate the fate of soil carbon and other ecosystem nutrients in the face of climate change. Their work ranges from the tropics and subtropics to temperate and temperate-boreal transition zones as well as soils from forests, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSozzani Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding plant stem cells using 3D bioprinting and other innovations for plant improvement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Ross Sozzani<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sozzani Lab research focuses on understanding how stem cells are organized and maintained in the root of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana<\/em>. Their goal is to gain a coherent qualitative and quantitative understanding of stem cell maintenance at the systems-level. Their research leverages techniques derived from molecular, developmental and cell biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and engineering. Their research will reveal a specific molecular pathway of plant stem cells, and provide broader insights into the fundamental properties of stem cells across the plant and animal kingdoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSustainable and Organic Soil Fertility Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\nClimate change mitigation and adaptation through sustainable agriculture and improved soil health<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Alex Woodley<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This research program is focused on the mitigation and adaptation to climate change in sustainable agricultural systems through improved soil productivity. Research initiatives include linking soil health indicators to productive agroecosystems, mitigation of soil greenhouse gas emissions, soil carbon sequestration and nutrient management of fertilizers, organic amendments and cover crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Member of the Climate Adaptation Through Agriculture & Soil Management<\/a> (CASM) research initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nTranslational Plant Phenomics Lab <\/h3>\n\n\n\nAdvancing the application of remote sensing, robotics, and data science in breeding a diversity of horticultural and specialty crops.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jing Zhang<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first aim of the Translational Plant Phenomics Lab is to use advanced imaging technologies and machine learning algorithms to make plant phenotyping more efficient for crop breeding. By integrating high-throughput methods, they aim to accelerate the selection process for desirable traits, ultimately improving crop resilience and yield. The second aim is to develop innovative strategies for precision crop management that optimize inputs and maximize outputs in agricultural production. Utilizing data-driven approaches, their research seeks to enhance decision-making processes, ensuring sustainable practices and improved crop quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nWei Research Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\nInnovating disease diagnostics by developing cost-effective sensing tools<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Qingshan Wei<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This engineering research group works to understand the fundamentals of optics, chemistry, and molecular biology for rapid and ultrasensitive molecular detection. They are interested in applying miniature sensor and assay technologies in precision \/ tele-medicine, AgBio research, environmental science and biomanufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Whitehill Lab: Christmas Tree Genetics Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCutting-edge research utilizing modern genomic technologies and approaches<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Justin Whitehill<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This program is working to advance North Carolina\u2019s Christmas tree industry by addressing grower challenges and concerns through the application of genetic, genomic and molecular biology principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>GRIP4PSI Projects<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Game\u2010Changing Research Incentive Program for Plant Sciences Initiative (GRIP4PSI) was initiated by NC State to encourage collaboration on integrated research and outreach projects focused on one or more of the Research Platforms in the N.C. PSI. NC State provided competitive seed funding for four interdisciplinary team-based research and outreach projects totaling $2.3M.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLearn More<\/span>\nBig Data for Better Sweetpotatoes<\/h3>\n\n\n\nBig data platform to take tons of sweetpotato photos to improve productivity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nA multidisciplinary team led by Cranos Williams is developing a data-driven platform to discover how to grow a superior sweetpotato. This project is part of the broader Sweet-APPS Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They aim to combine information from images of hundreds of thousands of sweetpotatoes and their growth conditions to determine the factors that impact sweetpotato size and shape to increase the percentage of sweetpotatoes that are USDA grade 1. The platform will use custom imaging to detect shape, size, surface texture, internal composition and crop damage. That data then enters a computational platform \u2014 created in partnership with Intero Life Sciences and SAS, Inc. \u2014 to improve decision-making for North Carolina growers, producers and distributors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>\n\n- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Mike Boyette, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Khara Grieger, Department of Applied Ecology<\/a><\/li>
- Anders Huseth, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>
- Daniela Jones, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Michael Kudenov, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Natalie Nelson, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Kemafor Ogan, Department of Computer Science<\/a><\/li>
- Ken Pecota, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>
- Alessandra Scafuro, Department of Computer Science<\/a><\/li>
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>
- Craig Yencho, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Ricardo Hernandez, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mark Hoffman, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brian Jackson, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Melinda Knuth, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wusheng Liu, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brendan O’Connor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carole Saravitz, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heidi Schweizer, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Katharina Stapelmann, Department of Nuclear Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Daniel Tregeagle, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Genome Editing Center for Sustainable Agriculture
<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAccelerating the pace of genome editing in plants and empowering the agricultural industry to adapt quickly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Timothy Kelliher<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The GEC will play a pivotal role in shaping a prosperous and sustainable food supply for all, develop new plant genome editing tools to shorten the timespan between scientific exploration and the introduction of new plant improvement innovations to farmers and growers and create and spin out new companies to ensure innovative technology reaches those who need it most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\n
Precision Sustainable Agriculture Network<\/h3>\n\n\n\nNationwide project on cover crops to improve agricultural sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Co-Director: Chris Reberg-Horton<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a five-year, $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve the sustainability and profitability of agriculture by advancing the study and use of cover crops such as rye, clover and radishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The interdisciplinary team includes experts from 36 institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>NC State Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>
\n- \n
- Chris Reberg-Horton, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rob Austin, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ramon Leon Gonzalez, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Roderick Rejesus, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alex Woodley, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE<\/span>Program Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interdisciplinary research community focused on phosphorus sustainability <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Jacob Jones<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The STEPS Center is a convergent research group addressing the complex challenges in phosphorus sustainability by integrating disciplinary contributions across the physical, life, social, and economic sciences. Although headquartered in the new Plant Sciences Building, the center includes researchers from eight institutions across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLEARN MORE<\/span>Center Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Multi-Institutional PSI Research Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
AI2EAR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
International Collaboration to Accelerate Integration of Engineering, Plant Sciences & Agricultural Research using Artificial Intelligence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This diverse collaboration seeks to support the successful integration of agriculture, life sciences and engineering to resolve scientific and technical gaps as well as social barriers with the overarching goal of ensuring global food security. The three research objectives include: sensor science, engineering, and integration; data mining, machine learning, multi-scale modeling, and AI models; and open-source data and network cyberinfrastructures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>NC State Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>
\n- \n
- Terri Long, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Joseph Donaldson, Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Linda Hanley-Bowdoin, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dean Hesterberg, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jacob Jones, Department of Materials Science and Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mary Ann Lila, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anna Locke, USDA, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Meentemeyer, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>
Biocatalyst Interactions with Gases (BIG) Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Uncovering new methods for CO2<\/sub> management and sustainable fertilizer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reducing carbon emissions and developing alternative routes for fertilizer production are increasingly urgent challenges facing our world. This interdisciplinary research collaboration between North Carolina State University (NC State) and the Technical University of Denmark (Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, DTU) is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) and will receive 50 million Danish Kroner (DKK), approximately $6.5 million, in funding over five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>
\n- \n
- Sonja Salmon, Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Igor Bolotnov, Department of Nuclear Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Doug Call, Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nathan Crook, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fanxing Li, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flora Meilleur, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Joe Sagues, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Yaroslava Yingling, Department of Materials Science and Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stig Helveg, Department of Physics, DTU<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Peter Westh, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
Collaborative Crop Resilience Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interdisciplinary research program targets wheat microbes for resiliency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amy Grunden is leading a six-year, $30 million study on the wheat microbiome to make the staple crop more resilient against environmental stresses while reducing the need for chemical treatments and irrigation. The project is supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The University of Copenhagen<\/a>, Aarhus University<\/a> and the Technical University of Denmark<\/a> will collaborate on the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>
\n- \n
- Amy Grunden, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oliver Baars, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gina Brown-Guedira, USDA-ARS, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ignazio Carbone, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Marc Cubeta, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Colleen Doherty, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Christine Hawkes, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Manuel Kleiner, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heike Sederoff, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
SAPLINGS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
System Approach to Promote Learning and Innovation for the Next Generations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
NC State is co-leading a 5-year, $18 million USDA grant alongside fellow land-grant university N.C. A&T and six other 1890s universities, various national organizations, USDA and private companies. The program aims to grow the number of underrepresented minority students in the food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences. NC State’s portion, co-led by Cranos Williams and Jon Allen, will create a fellowship program for two graduate students, four undergraduate students and two high school interns. The PSI extension agent network will also receive significant funding to train agents in AI tools..<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>
\n- \n
- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jon Allen, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
Labs in the Plant Sciences Building<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Automation and Robotics Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Developing smart gadgets that integrate robotics and machine learning to automate labor-intensive tasks in agriculture.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Lirong Xiang<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a focus on agricultural robotics, 2D and 3D computer vision, and machine learning, The Automation and Robotics Lab develops cyber-smart physical systems to address agricultural problems. Projects include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Developing robotic platforms for weeding, transplanting, and selective harvesting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Combining ground and aerial robots for in-situ and non-invasive crop sensing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adopting AI and robotics tools for precision livestock management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
EnBiSys Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Driving the next revolution in plant science and agriculture data analytics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director: Cranos Williams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EnBiSys Lab is a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research laboratory, focused on the development of targeted computational and analytical solutions for modeling and controlling biological systems. The solutions we develop are used to build and strengthen the transition from large-scale high-throughput \u2013omics data to highly connected kinetic models in the post-genomic era; models that can be used to attain the depth, understanding, and comprehension needed to manipulate and control biological systems for a defined purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nForest Biotech Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
34 years of research innovation in forest biotechnology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded in 1988, the Forest Biotech Group (FBG) is dedicated to research innovations in forest biotechnology and molecular genetics of tree metabolism to improve growth, development and defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. Their research goal is the domestication of forest trees for conservation and productivity through a systems-level approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>
\n\n- Vincent Chiang, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Fikret Isik, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Ron Sederoff, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Jack Wang, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Justin Whitehill, College of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\n
Gage Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Improving crop varieties through genomics and high throughput phenotyping<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Joe Gage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joe Gage\u2019s research program is focused on linking crop genomic and phenomics to understand how to develop more resilient and productive crop varieties. Current projects include studying how sequence variation controls gene regulation; how gene regulation contributes to genotype-by-environment interactions; and novel methods for processing and interpreting high throughput phenotyping data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nInterdisciplinary Risk Sciences Research Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Understanding, managing and communicating complex environmental health risks in a post-2020 world<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: <\/em>Khara Grieger<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To reduce risks and better align benefits with societal values, needs, and expectations, new approaches are urgently needed. Scientists, researchers, industry, government, and other actors will naturally turn towards the development of new technological solutions and products of innovation to secure safe and sustainable futures. At the same time, new innovations and novel technologies can also present unknown risks as well as controversies in society. Well-known examples include first generation of genetically-modified organisms, nanotechnology, geoengineering, new materials for environmental remediation, and even new vaccines. Working interdisciplinarily within science, technology, social sciences, and governance, the Risk Sciences Research Group aims to strategically incorporate practices that foster responsible and sustainable innovation in order to ultimately solve our grand challenges without creating additional challenges themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nLEARN MORE<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nLong Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Understanding plant iron deprivation to address global nutritional outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Terri Long<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anemia induced by iron deficiency is one of the most prevalent nutritional disorders in the world. Their research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that plants use to uptake, transport, and utilize iron, and respond to low iron conditions. Using genomics, molecular biology and genetics, their work is focused on identifying iron deficiency response regulators and their corresponding gene targets, with the long-term goal of elucidating gene regulatory networks involved in plant iron homeostasis. Ultimately, this information may lead to the generation of crops with increased nutritional content and increased yield when grown in poor soils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nMaize Breeding and Genetics Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Corn breeding and genetics project of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jim Holland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This collaborative team aims to characterize the genes underlying important agricultural traits in maize (corn) to develop new breeding lines. Two specific research foci are to improve resistance to Fusarium ear rot in corn and to develop new specialty food corn varieties, including improved heirloom food corns and low protein grain corns for patients with metabolic disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>
\n\n- \n\n
- Jim Holland, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Rub\u00e9n Rell\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Peter Balint-Kurti, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Joe Gage, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Major Goodman, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Matt Krakowsky, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n
- Josh Strable, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>
NC State Vegetable Pathology Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Studying diseases to improve disease management for farmers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Lina Quesada-Ocampo<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lab leads interdisciplinary studies of diseases of cucurbit crops and sweetpotatoes to deliver novel and improved disease management strategies to growers in North Carolina and to advance our knowledge in the field of vegetable pathology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Optical Sensing Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Making smaller, faster and more capable optical systems for plant and human health.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Mike Kudenov<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lab\u2019s major research area is in spectral and polarimetric imaging as it applies to both remote sensing and biomedical imaging applications. Through incorporating novel Polarization Grating (PG) technologies into spectral and polarimetric sensors, the researchers in OSL are increasing the sensor\u2019s spatial, spectral or radiometric performance, or reducing the sensor\u2019s overall size or cost. An emphasis is given on the development of ultra-compact sensors with novel capabilities. From a remote sensing perspective, it can be used to quantify chemicals in the environment, perform quality control in industrial and commercial manufacturing processes, assess water quality and vegetation health, identify targets, and for mineral mapping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Precision Pest Ecology Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Confronting pest pressure in field crops and sweetpotatoes in the southeast<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Anders Huseth<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lab seek to understand relevant interactions between nature, crops and farmers by revealing harmony and conflict between pest control, environmental and socio-economic goals. Work in the Huseth Lab combines on-farm measurements, manipulative experiments, geospatial science and statistical approaches to understand pest issues in an array of agricultural crops and production systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Ristaino Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Detecting, tracking and addressing emerging plant diseases that threaten global food security<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jean Ristaino<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A major focus of research is to understand the factors that contribute to disease emergence including the epidemiology and population genetics of Oomycete plant pathogens in the genus Phytophthora<\/em>. They study the population genetics and migrations of both historic and present day strains of the pathogen and are now using their genome sequence to develop novel strategies for managing disease in the field, including the development of a platform to be used in the field to monitor disease and recommend amendments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSihi Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Understanding how carbon and nutrients cycle through plants, soils, microbes, and the environment to inform sustainable land-use practices and address climate change.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Debjani Sihi<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sihi Lab specializes in measuring and modeling soil organic matter dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions from natural and managed ecosystems. They couple data generated from empirical studies and environmental networks with process-based and machine learning models. They use biogeochemical models to evaluate the fate of soil carbon and other ecosystem nutrients in the face of climate change. Their work ranges from the tropics and subtropics to temperate and temperate-boreal transition zones as well as soils from forests, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSozzani Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Understanding plant stem cells using 3D bioprinting and other innovations for plant improvement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Ross Sozzani<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sozzani Lab research focuses on understanding how stem cells are organized and maintained in the root of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana<\/em>. Their goal is to gain a coherent qualitative and quantitative understanding of stem cell maintenance at the systems-level. Their research leverages techniques derived from molecular, developmental and cell biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and engineering. Their research will reveal a specific molecular pathway of plant stem cells, and provide broader insights into the fundamental properties of stem cells across the plant and animal kingdoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nSustainable and Organic Soil Fertility Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Climate change mitigation and adaptation through sustainable agriculture and improved soil health<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Alex Woodley<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This research program is focused on the mitigation and adaptation to climate change in sustainable agricultural systems through improved soil productivity. Research initiatives include linking soil health indicators to productive agroecosystems, mitigation of soil greenhouse gas emissions, soil carbon sequestration and nutrient management of fertilizers, organic amendments and cover crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Member of the Climate Adaptation Through Agriculture & Soil Management<\/a> (CASM) research initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nTranslational Plant Phenomics Lab <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Advancing the application of remote sensing, robotics, and data science in breeding a diversity of horticultural and specialty crops.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Jing Zhang<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first aim of the Translational Plant Phenomics Lab is to use advanced imaging technologies and machine learning algorithms to make plant phenotyping more efficient for crop breeding. By integrating high-throughput methods, they aim to accelerate the selection process for desirable traits, ultimately improving crop resilience and yield. The second aim is to develop innovative strategies for precision crop management that optimize inputs and maximize outputs in agricultural production. Utilizing data-driven approaches, their research seeks to enhance decision-making processes, ensuring sustainable practices and improved crop quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>\nBack to top of page<\/span>\nWei Research Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Innovating disease diagnostics by developing cost-effective sensing tools<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Qingshan Wei<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This engineering research group works to understand the fundamentals of optics, chemistry, and molecular biology for rapid and ultrasensitive molecular detection. They are interested in applying miniature sensor and assay technologies in precision \/ tele-medicine, AgBio research, environmental science and biomanufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>Whitehill Lab: Christmas Tree Genetics Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cutting-edge research utilizing modern genomic technologies and approaches<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Principal Investigator: Justin Whitehill<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This program is working to advance North Carolina\u2019s Christmas tree industry by addressing grower challenges and concerns through the application of genetic, genomic and molecular biology principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProgram Website<\/span>Back to top of page<\/span>GRIP4PSI Projects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Game\u2010Changing Research Incentive Program for Plant Sciences Initiative (GRIP4PSI) was initiated by NC State to encourage collaboration on integrated research and outreach projects focused on one or more of the Research Platforms in the N.C. PSI. NC State provided competitive seed funding for four interdisciplinary team-based research and outreach projects totaling $2.3M.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLearn More<\/span>\nBig Data for Better Sweetpotatoes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Big data platform to take tons of sweetpotato photos to improve productivity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nA multidisciplinary team led by Cranos Williams is developing a data-driven platform to discover how to grow a superior sweetpotato. This project is part of the broader Sweet-APPS Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They aim to combine information from images of hundreds of thousands of sweetpotatoes and their growth conditions to determine the factors that impact sweetpotato size and shape to increase the percentage of sweetpotatoes that are USDA grade 1. The platform will use custom imaging to detect shape, size, surface texture, internal composition and crop damage. That data then enters a computational platform \u2014 created in partnership with Intero Life Sciences and SAS, Inc. \u2014 to improve decision-making for North Carolina growers, producers and distributors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Research Faculty<\/h2><\/a>
\n\n- Cranos Williams, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Mike Boyette, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Khara Grieger, Department of Applied Ecology<\/a><\/li>
- Anders Huseth, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology<\/a><\/li>
- Daniela Jones, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Michael Kudenov, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Edgar Lobaton, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Natalie Nelson, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering<\/a><\/li>
- Kemafor Ogan, Department of Computer Science<\/a><\/li>
- Ken Pecota, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li>
- Alessandra Scafuro, Department of Computer Science<\/a><\/li>
- Ross Sozzani, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology<\/a><\/li>
- Craig Yencho, Department of Horticultural Science<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n