| Role of mononuclear phagocytes in the clearance of Cryptococcus neoformans infection in the brain | 1034560 | State Funding | Not applicable | Not applicable | SAES - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND | Shi, M. | 07/01/2026 | 12/31/2027 | 2026 | ACTIVE | Not applicable | MARYLAND | 90% | Not applicable | 10% | Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated fungus, which infects humans and animals worldwide. C. neoformans is listed by WHO as a pathogen of critical priority. The fungus can invade the brain and cause meningoencephalitis, primarily in immune compromised individuals, resulting in approximately 112,000 deaths each year. After migrating to the brain, C. neoformans will initially encounter resident immune cells mainly microglia and later recruited immune cells such as Ly6Chi mononuclear phagocytes. The role of these mononuclear phagocytes in the clearance of C. neoformans infections in the brain remains incompletely understood. The interaction of these phagocytes with C. neoformans is fundamental for understanding host defense against this pathogen. Our preliminary studies suggest that resident microglia promote infection, while recruited Ly6Chi mononuclear phagocytes mediate protection during C. neoformans brain infection, particularly at the late stage of infection. In this project, we will characterize the opposite roles of microglia and Ly6Chi mononuclear phagocytes during brain C. neoformans infections and the potential mechanisms involved in the different contributions of these phagocytes. If successful, our studies would uncover novel mechanisms involved in host-Cryptococcus interactions and cryptococcal pathogenesis. The knowledge gained may be helpful for developing therapeutic strategies aimed at improving fungal clearance in the brain. | This study will address the following:1) Do microglia promote C. neoformans infection in the brain by impeding clearance of the organism mediated by Ly6Chi mononuclear phagocytes?2) Why do microglia and Ly6Chi mononuclear phagocytes play an opposite role during C. neoformans brain infection? |
| Evaluating Competitive Native Plantings for Suppressing Stiltgrass through Professional and Citizen Science Field Trials | 1034559 | State Funding | Not applicable | Not applicable | SAES - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND | Buonaiuto, D. | 07/01/2026 | 12/31/2027 | 2026 | ACTIVE | Not applicable | MARYLAND | 60% | 30% | 10% | This project asks whether or not planting competitive natives species into stiltgrass invasions is an effective way to reduce the local spread and impacts stiltgrass, and which native species are best for acheving this goal. We will establish protocols and support a large network of volunteers to trial the competitive plant control apporach at local sites and develop a centralized reporting system to record efficacy of the approach. We will also maintain two demonstration sites, monitored by the PI's. | Invasive plants are a major driver of ecosystem degradation and economic loss in landscapes around the United States. Controlling invasive species is a necessary, yet costly component of landscape management, and results of traditional control efforts are mixed. Planting aggressive native plants into invaded vegetation zones in order to reduce the abundance of invasive plants through competition is an invasive control technique that is gaining traction in agricultural and natural resource settings. However, the efficacy of this approach depends on the characteristics of the target invasive species, the native plants used for competitive plant control (CPC) efforts and the characteristics of the management site. These factors have not been systematically evaluated, especially in the Eastern Temperate Forest ecoregion.Our proposal combines the establishment of a multi-site, multi-species CPC trial with a replicable citizen science program to evaluate the competitive effects of four promising aggressive native species on the problematic invasive grass, Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) along woodland edges in Maryland. Upon completion, this study will provide agricultural and natural resource professionals with a low-cost approach to invasive plant management that reduces the negative impacts of plant invasion while simultaneously improving ecosystem health and functioning.We have four major goals:1. Evaluate the establishment success of potential CPC species in stiltgrass invasion zone2. Assess the impacts of Competetive Plant Contro treatments on stiltgrass populations3. Establish two long-term research plots to observe CPC/stiltgrass dynamics over time4. Pilot a CPC citizen science research initiative to replicate our CPC trials across time and space |
| Evaluating PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation of an edible cash crop: cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) | 1034558 | State Funding | Not applicable | Not applicable | SAES - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND | Duncan, C. | 07/01/2026 | 12/31/2027 | 2026 | ACTIVE | Not applicable | MARYLAND | 96% | 2% | 2% | In any agricultural system it is important to keep track of environmental exposure pathways for contaminant mobility from sources such as soil and groundwater, which may potentially impact crop biomass, livestock and dairy products, as well as human health. Managing and regulating contaminants in any agricultural system are a major challenge. In developed countries such as the United States, federal regulations, such as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and state regulatory orders, keep track of exposure pathways to ensure they remain below the allowable screening limits for environmental and human exposure. These screening and regulatory limits are defined for commonly occurring contaminants such as nitrate and metal(loid)s; however, the risk and extent of impacts from emerging contaminants such as PFAS compounds are unknown and still require extensive research. Research and decisions regarding PFAS currently focus on regulatory studies for drinking water and food products but there is a lack of research focusing on the delineation and detection methods for agricultural systems. The proposed work could serve as a pathway to identifying best management practices.The goal of this project is to assess the bioaccumulation of target PFAS compounds in an agricultural system through the analysis of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum.), a culturally relevant, cash crop grown in Maryland. The research will quantify PFAS concentrations in cilantro at an agricultural site characterized by being a small-scale, commercial, certified organic farm. Simultaneously, the work will establish baseline PFAS concentrations in soil and water to initiate PFAS source characterization. The work will identify which select PFAS compounds bioaccumulate in the plant tissue compartments (i.e., leaf, stem, flowers, seeds) and at what concentrations (ng/g). Soil, water, and plant tissue samples will be collected at two Maryland farms, currently using organic practices, for determining the distribution of PFAS. Each farm will contribute to understanding the distribution of PFAS in cilantro at 2 peri-urban sites. | The overall goal of this project is to assess the bioaccumulation of target PFAS compounds in an agricultural system through the analysis of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum.), a culturally relevant, cash crop grown in Maryland. The research will quantify PFAS concentrations in cilantro at an agricultural site characterized by being a small-scale, commercial, certified organic farm. Simultaneously, the work will establish baseline PFAS concentrations in soil and water to initiate PFAS source characterization. The work will identify which select PFAS compounds bioaccumulate in the plant tissue compartments (i.e., leaf, stem, flowers, seeds) and at what concentrations (ng/g). The work aims to identify i.) the plant compartments (i.e., leaf, stem, flowers) containing the highest bioaccumulation concentrations of PFAS, ii.) the PFAS compound(s) most abundantly sorbed to the soil, and iii.) the PFAS compound(s) most abundantly detected in water (i.e., irrigation source)**. Additionally, what quantity of PFAS is accumulated in these media during each growth stage will be assessed. Cilantro will serve as the pilot species to address the research questions: Can cilantro be used to better understand the impacts of PFAS bioaccumulation in commercial crop species? What concentrations of PFAS detected in cilantro lead to a potential negative health index for human consumption?The hypotheses associated with these questions include: (1) The regulated (4ppt and 10ppt) and non-regulated (<4ppt and >10ppt) concentrations of select PFAS will be quantified in cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) grown in an agricultural environment, (2) If hypothesis 1 is true, then cilantro can serve as a phytoscreening tool for the detection of PFAS in an agricultural environment and subsequent groundwater, and (3) If hypothesis 1 and 2 are true, then the cilantro species can serve as a modelling species to better understand the bioaccumulation of PFAS in an agricultural environment.Specifically, the objectives of this project are to: Objective 1. Quantify the presence of target PFAS compounds in cilantro soil, water, and plant tissue grown in agricultural conditions, Objective 2. Assess the distribution of PFAS in cilantro, and Objective 3. Assess bioaccumulation of PFAS in cilantro. |
| Transcriptional networks governing multipotency and differentiation during bovine mammary development | 1034557 | State Funding | Not applicable | Not applicable | SAES - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND | Schiffmacher, A. | 07/01/2026 | 12/31/2026 | 2026 | ACTIVE | Not applicable | MARYLAND | 100% | 0% | 0% | Increasing global rates of protein consumption due to population expansionwarrantthe need for innovative approachesincreasingmeat and milk production. Advances in bovine mammary stem cell biology can improve dairy animal health, growth, and performance, however, little is knownregardingbovine mammarystemness.To date, only fetal mammary cells are known to exhibit stemness and potentially give rise to the cryptic lineage of adult stem cells. Therefore, we hypothesize that studying fetal mammary cells is crucial for advancing all bovine mammary stem cell research.We aimto understand the cell and molecular mechanisms regulating mammary cellmultipotencyanddevelopfetalbovinemammaryin vitromodels that willbenefitthe dairyindustry.In pursuit of these goals, we propose the following objectives:1)evaluate differentiation potential in our established fetal bovine mammary cell lines and 3D organoids; and 2)determine the roles of luminal-lineage specifier GATA3 and basal-lineage specifier SNAIL2 asantagonisticregulators within the gene regulatory networkdirecting multipotencyinearly fetal mammary cells.This proposalprovidesfundamental insight intofetalbovine mammary cell stemness,adult mammary cellplasticity, and growth.Thiscompletedworkwill providea foundation for further research into understanding fetalmammaryreprogramming, regeneration, and disease. | Wewill investigategenes and gene networksthatareresponsible fordirecting bovine mammary cell stemness and differentiation infetalbovine mammaryrudimentcells.Completion of theobjectivesbelowwillexpeditesubmissions of two manuscripts and a more competitive USDA-NIFA grant submission in2026.Objective 1:Evaluatedifferentiation potential in ourestablished fetal bovine mammary cell lines and mammary 3Dorganoids.We have successfully created four bovine fetal mammary epithelial celllines that have successfully passaged at least a minimum of 12 passages (>4 passages feeder-free) with 5-7 days between passages. We havedemonstratedthat all four linespossessthe transcription factor, keratin, and cadherin spatiotemporal expression profiles that are congruent with gene expression patterns of uncommitted or lineage-primed fetal mammary cells weobserveinvivo.We aim to test these lines and organoids derived from them for their capacity to differentiate intoboth basal and luminal lineages (signifying postnatal, prepubertal stages) andadult mammary cell typesincludingestrogen, progesterone, and prolactin-responsivecells,(postpubertal)and milk secretory cells (luminal lineage during lactation).Objective 2:Determinethe roles ofluminal-lineage specifier GATA3andbasal-lineage specifierSNAIL2as master regulators withinthegene regulatory networksdirecting early fetal mammary cellsto remain in a primed or hybrid state.Ourin-vivoanalysesthatearly fetal bovine mammary buds and sproutsco-expressthe luminal lineage specificationtranscription factor GATA3 and the basal lineage specification transcriptional repressor SNAIL2.We hypothesize that these transcription factorsare components of an early mammary specification gene network but then work antagonistically inhybrid prime cells to promote lineage specification and segregation.We will test these hypotheses by performingin vitrogene perturbation assaystomanipulate GATA3 and SNAIL2 levels in ourbovine cell lines.We willevaluate changes in gene expressionthatindicatechanges in the gene networkin favor of the luminal or basal lineage.We will also investigatealterations in epithelial state thatindicatea transition towards a myoepithelial (basal)or luminal (secretory) fate. |
| NIFA: A Bug's-Eye View: Climbing Soft MicroRobots for Pest Detection | 1034551 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67021-46039 | 2026 | REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN | Huang, X. | 03/15/2026 | 03/14/2029 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $1,000,000.00 | MICHIGAN | 100% | 0% | 0% | Farmers today rely heavily on manual crop scouting to detect insect pests early, a process that is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and increasingly difficult due to labor shortages and rising production costs. While drones and ground robots can survey fields at a large scale, they often cannot see pests hiding along stems, branches, and dense foliage--precisely where early infestations begin. Missing these early warning signs can lead to increased pesticide use, crop losses, and higher food costs. Developing new tools that can monitor crops more closely and efficiently is important not only for agriculture, but also for environmental sustainability, rural economies, and food security.This project will develop a small, lightweight robotic device that can gently climb plants and inspect them up close, much like an insect moving along a stem. The research team will design soft, flexible materials that allow the robot to grip plants without damaging them, along with compact electronics and simple onboard "vision" systems that help the robot recognize pests and navigate plant structures on its own. The robot will be tested in laboratory settings and in real farm environments to ensure it can move reliably, collect useful information, and operate without human control. Throughout the project, students will be trained in agricultural robotics, and results will be shared with researchers and agricultural stakeholders.By enabling close-range, plant-level monitoring, this project aims to improve early pest detection and support more targeted pest management strategies. In the long term, this technology could reduce the need for excessive pesticide use, lower labor demands for farmers, and promote more sustainable farming practices. The knowledge gained from this research will help lay the foundation for future agricultural robots that are affordable, environmentally friendly, and capable of supporting farmers and rural communities. | The major goal of this project is to develop and field-validate a low-cost, autonomous soft microrobot capable of climbing plant structures and performing onboard insect pest monitoring in agricultural environments, thereby enabling scalable, close-range crop inspection that is difficult or impractical with conventional ground or aerial robots. This project will deliver a fully integrated, untethered climbing microrobot that combines soft actuation, plant-compatible adhesion, onboard perception, and autonomous planning, culminating in field testing for pest detection at the University of Michigan Farm.ObjectivesDevelop and characterize soft micro-scale climbing hardwareDesign, fabricate, and experimentally characterize a 3D soft micro actuator with integrated electrostatic clutches and plant-compatible anchor feet, achieving target bending, force output, controllability, and reliable adhesion to stems, branches, and ground surfaces.Establish modeling, sensing, and control methods for soft micro actuationDevelop physics-informed models, embedded sensing strategies, and closed-loop control methods for electrostatic clutches and SEC-integrated dielectric elastomer actuators to enable repeatable, controllable 3D motion suitable for climbing locomotion.Develop onboard perception for pest detection and plant geometry estimationCreate lightweight perception algorithms that enable the microrobot to detect insect pests and estimate local plant geometry using onboard sensing, supporting autonomous navigation and inspection under resource-constrained conditions.Design autonomous inspection planning for climbing microrobotsImplement inspection and traversal planning methods that operate in a receding-horizon or MPC framework, allowing the robot to select footholds, plan climbing motions, and adapt inspection paths based on perceived plant structure.Integrate electronics, computation, and sensing into an untethered microrobotDesign and fabricate a compact PCB and embedded system that supports onboard computation, sensing, actuation, and power management, enabling fully untethered operation of the climbing microrobot.Demonstrate autonomous climbing and pest monitoring in real environmentsIntegrate hardware, perception, planning, and control into a complete system and evaluate its performance through laboratory testing and field trials, culminating in autonomous climbing and pest detection demonstrations on plants at the University of Michigan Farm. |
| Collaborative Research :CPS:Medium: A Smart System for Reducing Piglet Pre-Weaning Mortality | 1034550 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67021-46038 | 2026 | UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI SYSTEM | Zhou, J. | 03/15/2026 | 03/14/2029 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $396,831.00 | MISSOURI | 60% | 20% | 20% | The swine industry faces a significant challenge in the form of preweaning mortality (PWM), which causes substantial economic losses and animal welfare concerns. Stillborn and crushing together account for 70% of the total PWM. Researchers at Texas A&M University, in collaboration with researchers from University of Missouri-Columbia, propose a research project towards a novel cyber-physical system to substantially reduce PWM and revolutionize swine production practices. This innovative system employs real-time image processing and machine learning algorithms to predict farrowing time, detect farrowing difficulties, identify stillborn piglets, and incoperates a cost-effective robotic system to minimize piglets' risk of being crushed by the sow.A novel image processing technic will be developed to evaluate sow's physiological indicators for upcoming onset of farrowing and presence of farrowing difficulty. This would enable farmers to make rational selection of the sows for farrowing induction in order to minimize the number of unattended farrowing events. Moreover, farmers will be alerted to provide timely treatment to the sows when prolonged birth interval was detected. This human-in-the loop design may help reduce stillborn-related PWM by 70%. Furthermore, the system will identify the danger area where piglets can be crushed by the sow. An automated anti-crushing device will proactively prevent crushing by relocating the piglets away from the identified danger region. This closed-loop configuration may reduce crushing-related PWM by 70%. This comprehensive solution is expected to save millions of piglets annually and generate substantial economic benefits for swine producers. | The overall goal of this project is to mitigate piglet preweaning mortality (PWM) by developing a monitoring system and an automated anti-crushing prevention device. The proposed monitoring system consists of two depth cameras and edge computing units to monitor a farrowing crate from the top view. Images will be processed and analyzed in real-time using an automatic data analytic pipeline to quantify the behavior and activity of sows and piglets, provide prediction for farrowing time, identify sows with farrowing difficulties, detect stillborn piglets, and pinpoint the piglets at risk of being crushed. A pair of detachable floor-mat will be developed to remove the piglets from the detected danger area before being crushed. We expect the proposed system can predict the farrowing time, detect ongoing farrowing events, and reduce PWM related to stillborn and crushing by 70% each. The supportive objectives are:Obj. 1: Develop an AI-enabled decision-making system to predict sow farrowing time before farrowing occurred.Obj.2: Improve labor efficiency by providing timely and targeted assistance instruction to specific sows/piglets during farrowing.Obj.3 Develop a robotic anti-crushing system for the farrowing crate (Crate-Bot) to reduce preweaning mortality during the early lactation phase |
| CPS: Medium: Container Farming Digital Twins for Model-Assisted Decision Support and Microclimate Control | 1034548 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67021-46037 | 2026 | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | Li, C. | 03/15/2026 | 03/14/2029 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $999,998.00 | FLORIDA | 80% | 10% | 10% | Controlled environment agriculture creates ideal conditions for indoor crop growth to maximize yields and efficiency while minimizing resource use and environmental impacts, offering promising solutions for addressing rapid urbanization and future food demands. Container farming (CF), as an emerging form of vertical farming system, is gaining popularity because it is mobile, scalable, and can be fully controlled with artificial light to enable year-round, location-independent production. There are, however, several major challenges in CF automation that are essential for production efficiency and cost reduction. These include the lack of low-cost Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for monitoring nutrition concentration and crop growth on a per-plant basis, as well as the absence of a robust model-assisted decision support system integrating various subsystems for precise microclimate control. To address these gaps, our goal is to elevate the automation in CF to the next level by developing a digital twin with innovative IoT sensors for real-time sensing and actuation, physics-informed machine learning models for crop and environment prediction, and a foundation model for optimized decision-making. The container farming digital twin will have a significant positive impact on increasing resource use efficiency (nutrient, water, and energy), reducing labor costs, and deepening understanding of the plant genotype-environment-management interactions. | Our long-term goal is to elevate the automation in container farm (CF)to the next level for efficiency, quality, and sustainability. The overall objective of this proposal is to develop model-assisted decision-making for microclimate control in CF through innovative IoT and imaging sensing for real-time sensing and actuation, physics-informed data-driven crop and environment modeling, and a foundation model, all integrated through a digital twin framework.We plan to accomplish the overall objective by pursuing the following three specific aims:Aim 1: Design IoT sensors/actuators and a mobile sensing platform to monitor and control lettuce growth and the microclimate in real time.Aim 2: Predict lettuce growth/stress and the environment through physics-informed machine learning models.Aim 3: Develop a foundation model for decision-making by integrating the observational and modeling data through a digital twin framework. |
| HRFarm: A Sustainable, Unmanned, and AI-driven Cyber-Physical System to Monitor and Analyze High-Resolution Crop-Environment Interactions for Precision Agriculture | 1034542 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67022-45762 | 2026 | UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM | Guan, Y. | 02/15/2026 | 02/14/2030 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $586,000.00 | MAINE | 80% | 10% | 10% | Farmers increasingly face challenges from changing weather conditions, rising production costs, and the need to use water, fertilizers, and pesticides more efficiently while maintaining crop yields. However, many farms lack affordable tools to continuously monitor crop and soil conditions, making it difficult to detect crop stress, disease, or field problems early enough for effective action. Improving farm monitoring systems is important not only for farmers' profitability, but also for supporting stable food production and strong rural economies.This project will develop and test a low-cost, automated farm monitoring system called HRFarm that uses smart sensors, wireless communication, and artificial intelligence to continuously observe crop, soil, and field conditions in agricultural fields. The system will be tested in real farm environments, and the collected information will be analyzed to help farmers better understand crop health, manage water and nutrients more efficiently, and respond earlier to disease or stress risks. By providing reliable, easy-to-use monitoring tools and training students and agricultural professionals in modern farming technologies, the project aims to improve farm productivity, reduce unnecessary input use, strengthen farm management practices, and support long-term agricultural productivity benefiting farmers, rural communities, and consumers. | Major Goal:The major goal of this project is to develop and deploy HRFarm, an unmanned and AI-driven cyber-physical system that enables continuous, high-resolution monitoring and analysis of crop, pest, and field conditions. The system aims to support precision agriculture practices, improve water, nutrient, and pesticide use efficiency, and strengthen crop production reliability under changing weather conditions while reducing operational burden on growers.Objectives:Design and deploy a scalable, low-cost cyber-physical sensing infrastructure capable of continuously collecting high-resolution crop and field-condition data across agricultural fields.Develop reliable wireless networking, forecasting-based energy management, and edge computing solutions to enable continuous, unmanned operation of sensing and data-processing systems under real agricultural field conditions.Conduct multi-year field validation studies to link HRFarm sensor measurements with laboratory and in-field observations of soil properties, crop growth, physiology, disease infection, weed pressure, and yield outcomes.Develop AI-driven data analytics and predictive models to quantify crop-pest-environment interactions and provide actionable decision support tools for crop management and precision agriculture.Train graduate and undergraduate students in agricultural cyber-physical systems, AI-driven sensing, and precision agriculture technologies to strengthen workforce development supporting modern agricultural systems. |
| Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance in Agricultural Wastewater Using Nano-Ozone. | 1034541 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67022-46023 | 2026 | OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY | Mangalgiri, K. | 04/01/2026 | 03/31/2028 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $299,996.00 | OKLAHOMA | 100% | Not applicable | Not applicable | Antibiotics are widely used in animal agriculture to maintain livestock health, but residues of these pharmaceuticals and the genes that make bacteria resistant to them often end up in wastewater from farms. These contaminants can persist in waste and lagoon systems that are used to store and treat manure, and these contaminants can eventually reach the environment. Their spread contributes to antimicrobial resistance, a serious public health challenge that affects communities, food systems, and environmental quality. As antibiotic-resistant bacteria become harder to treat, the economic and health impacts expand beyond farms to hospitals, families, and communities. This project addresses the urgent need for safer and more effective ways to remove antibiotics and resistance genes from agricultural wastewater.To address this challenge, the project will test a new wastewater treatment approach known as ozone nanobubble technology. This method uses extremely small but highly stable bubbles containing ozone, a strong disinfectant, to help break down antibiotics and deactivate resistance-related genes. The research team will generate these nanobubbles, test them in small laboratory systems, and then evaluate the technology in a larger 50-liter setup using real wastewater from swine farms. Throughout the project, the team will measure how quickly the nanobubbles of ozone remove antibiotics and reduce the genetic material linked to antimicrobial resistance. The new technology will be compared to existing methods of ozonation for comparison. The work will also involve hands-on training for students, collaboration across engineering and microbiology teams, and engagement with agricultural producers and Extension specialists who may one day use this technologyIf successful, this project will provide scientific evidence for a new, efficient, and potentially low-cost treatment method that could help farms reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Cleaner wastewater means safer reuse of water on farms, lower risks to rural workers and nearby communities, and reduced environmental contamination. The project also lays the foundation for future large-scale systems that could help protect public health, support sustainable agricultural practices, and strengthen rural economies. By improving how we manage antibiotics in farm wastewater, this project contributes to long-term goals of safer food production, healthier communities, and more environmentally responsible agriculture. | The overall goal of this project is to establish the viability and effectiveness of ozone-based nanobubble technology (nano-ozone) for mitigating antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in agricultural wastewater, specifically lagoon effluent from animal feeding operations. By improving the removal of priority contaminants of emerging concern, this work aims to support safer waste reuse within agricultural systems, reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance, and strengthen environmental and public health protections in rural communities. This goal aligns with USDA priorities related to improving waste management practices, supporting circular bioeconomy principles, safeguarding agricultural productivity, and enhancing rural health outcomes. The major objectives of the project include the following: (i) Development of a foundational understanding of ozone nanobubble behavior and stability in agriculturally relevant, high-organic matter wastewaters. The project will determine whether nano-ozone will remain stable long enough within real lagoon matrices to serve as an effective oxidative treatment, in comparison with conventional ozonation systems. (ii) Demonstration of the ability of nano-ozone to degrade antibiotics and deactivate ARGs under realistic bench-scale and pilot-scale treatment conditions. This goal includes generating mechanistic knowledge and quantitative degradation kinetics for priority antibiotics and corresponding ARGs identified in agricultural waste streams. (iii) Establishment of the technological and scientific foundation necessary for scaling nano-ozone treatment toward full-scale agricultural wastewater management. The project outcomes will support future integrated USDA proposals and provide actionable evidence for the adoption of nano-ozone technology in animal feeding operations (AFOs).Specific, MeasurableObjectives:Objective 1: Assess the stability and behavior of ozone nanobubbles in agriculturally relevant liquid waste systems. This objective evaluates whether nano-ozone provides improved ozone persistence compared to conventional ozonation in high organic mqatter environments. We will (i) characterize nano-bubble size and number distributions generated under varying gas flow rates using particle size analysis instrumentation; (ii) determine ozone stability and decay kinetics in nano-ozone solutions prepared in deionized water, synthetic wastewater, and swine lagoon effluent over a three-week period; and (iii) compare nano-ozone stability with conventional macrobubble ozonation under parallel experimental conditions. Measurable outputs for this objective include time-series ozone concentration profiles, nano-bubble size and number distributions, and comparative decay curves for nano-ozone versus conventional ozonation.Objective 2: Evaluate the degradation of antibiotics and the deactivation of ARGs using nano-ozone at bench-scale and pilot-scale. This objective establishes treatment performance and mechanistic understanding of nano-ozone under realistic use scenarios. Activities under this objective include (i) quantifying degradation kinetics for four priority antibiotics (oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, and sulfamethazine) across deionized water, synthetic wastewater, and real lagoon wastewater; (ii) determining deactivation kinetics for extracellular and intracellular ARGs (e.g., tet, sul, betalactam, macrolide, and fluoroquinolone resistance genes) using qPCR following nanoo-ozonation; (iii) comparing nano-ozone treatment performance to conventional ozonation by evaluating differences in contaminant treatment efficiency and CT (concentration × time)-based degradation behavior; and (iv) conducting pilot-scale nano-ozone trials (50-L system) in real swine lagoon effluent to validate treatment performance at operationally relevant scales. Measurable outputs include first-order degradation rate constants for each antibiotic, ARG log-reduction values, and CT-based performance assessments, bench-to-pilot scale comparison datasets, and quantitative evidence supporting the scalability of nano-ozone.Project Impact and Alignment with USDA Priorities:Completion of these objectives will provide fundamental and applied knowledge critical to the development of cost-effective, energy-efficient, and scalable treatment systems for agricultural waste streams. This work will also support circular bioeconomy principles by enabling safer reuse of lagoon effluent in AFOs and will address USDA AMR Action Plan Objective 3--identifying feasible practices to reduce antimicrobial resistance in food & animal production environments. Finally, this project will build the scientific basis for futureUSDA and other federal and industry-funded grants aimed at developing full-scale demonstration systems. |
| Elevating Local Talent: MJC’s Wine Technical Pathways for Industry Growth | 1034539 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67038-46010 | 2026 | YOSEMITE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT | Gravatt, T. | 03/01/2026 | 02/29/2028 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $195,000.00 | CALIFORNIA | Not applicable | Not applicable | 100% | Non-Technical SummaryCalifornia's Central Valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, and the wine and fermentation industries continue to play an important role in the regional economy. At the same time, agricultural employers are experiencing increasing difficulty finding workers who understand modern production practices, safety expectations, and technical skills needed to enter and advance within these industries. Community colleges serve as an important bridge between education and employment, but training programs must continuously evolve to keep pace with industry needs. Strengthening workforce preparation benefits not only agricultural businesses, but also local communities by supporting economic stability, career opportunities for students, and the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the region.This project focuses on improving workforce preparation by enhancing instructional activities and increasing connections between students, faculty, and regional industry partners. Modesto Junior College will work with employers to better understand workforce skill needs and incorporate that knowledge into classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and experiential learning opportunities such as industry tours, career events, and workforce engagement activities. These efforts are designed to increase student awareness of agricultural career pathways and provide practical exposure to real-world agricultural operations, helping students better understand the skills and expectations associated with employment in the wine and fermentation sector.The ultimate goal of the project is to strengthen the regional agricultural workforce pipeline by improving career readiness and expanding access to agricultural training opportunities. By increasing collaboration between education and industry, the project aims to better prepare students for employment, support local agricultural businesses, and contribute to the long-term economic health of the Central Valley. The anticipated benefits include improved workforce readiness, stronger partnerships between education and industry, and expanded opportunities for students and community members to pursue meaningful careers in agriculture. These outcomes support rural and regional economic development while helping ensure that agriculture remains a viable and sustainable part of the community's future. | Goal 1: Strengthen regional workforce pipelines by expanding student exposure to career opportunities and increasing direct engagement between students, faculty, and wine industry employers.The project will enhance career awareness and workforce entry by connecting students with industry partners through experiential learning activities and structured engagement opportunities. These activities support workforce recruitment, retention, and transition from education into employment.Objectives:Organize industry tours, employer site visits, and career exploration activities to increase student understanding of wine industry career pathways and workforce expectations.Host industry convenings and career fairs that facilitate interaction between employers, students, and faculty to support internships, employment opportunities, and program feedback.Support student participation in agricultural leadership and ambassador activities that enhance professional skills and career readiness.Engage industry advisory partners to provide ongoing feedback regarding workforce skill needs and program alignment.Major Goal 2:Expand access to agricultural workforce training for diverse and underserved populations through flexible delivery methods and accessible instructional resources.The project will improve accessibility to workforce training by incorporating flexible scheduling, modular instruction, and bilingual materials where appropriate. These efforts support incumbent workers and nontraditional students seeking entry or advancement within the agricultural workforce.Objectives:Develop instructional materials and outreach resources that support bilingual delivery (English/Spanish) where appropriate to increase participation among regional workforce populations.Offer selected training opportunities through flexible scheduling formats, including evenings, weekends, or modular delivery to accommodate working students and incumbent employees.Develop outreach and recruitment materials that increase awareness of wine industry career opportunities among community college students and regional stakeholdersMajor Goal 3:Establish a sustainable institutional framework for continued workforce training and regional dissemination beyond the grant period.The project will build institutional capacity by embedding the wine technical pathway within Modesto Junior College's existing agricultural workforce development structure and sharing outcomes with regional partners.Objectives:Formalize the Wine Technical Certificate structure and integrate it into existing School of Agriculture programming for long-term sustainability.Share curriculum models, instructional materials, and project outcomes with regional colleges and agricultural workforce networks.Document project activities and outcomes to support continued program development and future workforce training initiatives aligned with USDA NIFA priorities.Major Goal 4:Develop and implement an industry-aligned wine technical workforce pathway that prepares students and incumbent workers for employment in the regional wine and fermentation industry while strengthening Modesto Junior College's capacity to deliver responsive agricultural workforce training.The project will establish a structured educational pathway that integrates curriculum development, experiential learning, and industry engagement to address documented workforce needs within California's Central Valley wine sector. The project's purpose is to improve workforce readiness, expand access to agricultural technical training, and support regional economic development through the preparation of skilled entry-level and advancing workers.Objectives:Review, revise, develop, and implement new and revised curriculum, as needed, aligned with industry workforce needs, including courses in wine production, sensory evaluation, wine business fundamentals, and operational practices, leading toward a Wine Technical Certificate pathway.Update existing agriculture and technical courses to incorporate wine industry applications, equipment operation, safety, and maintenance competencies identified by regional employers. |
| Cultivating Resilience: Participatory Planning for Rural Prosperity in Virginia's Food System | 1034537 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-68006-46040 | 2026 | VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE & STATE UNIVERSITY | Kelinsky-Jones, L. | 04/01/2026 | 03/31/2028 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $299,933.00 | VIRGINIA | 40% | 60% | 0% | Recent disruptions such as extreme weather events and public health emergencies have highlighted how vulnerable food systems can be to sudden shocks. Strong local and regional food systems help protect communities by keeping food available, supporting local businesses, and reducing economic risks when national supply chains are disrupted. Across Virginia, farmers, food businesses, and communities are already investing in local and regional food systems as part of a nationwide farm-to-table movement that keeps food dollars circulating locally and strengthens rural economies. However, these efforts are often fragmented, making it difficult to coordinate actions, measure progress, or plan strategically for the future.This project will help Virginia become a national model for building resilient, well-coordinated regional food systems that benefit farmers, rural communities, consumers, and taxpayers. Led by Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, the project will bring together farmers, policymakers, planners, businesses, and community organizations through regional meetings and a statewide summit to share knowledge and align efforts. The team will develop a practical assessment tool that allows users to evaluate the strength of food system policies and programs based on shared priorities and local needs. Finally, the project will establish a coordinating entity and lay the groundwork for a future Virginia food system plan to guide public and private investments. By improving coordination, reducing duplication, and helping decision-makers invest in strategies that work, this project will strengthen rural prosperity, improve food system preparedness, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. | The long-term goal of this project is to build rural prosperity in Virginiaby improving food system resilience in the face of unanticipated shocks and disruptions. This goal is advanced by three integrated objectives:Objective 1)Develop the network infrastructure for a multistakeholder research and deliberation process focused on resilience in Virginia's food system.Objective 2)Develop and pilot a food system resilience tool using an agroecological lens to assess Virginia's food system.Objective 3)Develop the framework for a VA food system plan and an organizational backbone: the Agroecology Policy Hub. |
| World Congress of Genetics Applied to Livestock Production 2026 | 1034535 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67015-46009 | 2026 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS | Van Eenennaam, A. | 03/15/2026 | 03/14/2027 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $50,000.00 | CALIFORNIA | 50% | 25% | 25% | The 13th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production will be held in July 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin. This meeting brings together scientists, students, and livestock industry professionals to share practical knowledge about improving farm animals through better breeding. Although participants come from many countries, hosting the meeting in the United States allows U.S. researchers, students, and livestock industries to directly benefit from the exchange of ideas and experience. The conference will include presentations, discussions, and educational sessions that focus on improving animal productivity, health, and efficiency in ways that support reliable food production and strong agricultural businesses.This project benefits the public by helping ensure that U.S. livestock producers have access to the best available genetics and science to raise healthy animals and produce safe, affordable food. The meeting also invests in the next generation of scientists by supporting graduate student participation and providing career development opportunities. By publishing the conference materials online and making recordings publicly available, the project extends these benefits beyond those who attend in person, allowing farmers, educators, and researchers across the United States to access the information and apply it in real-world agricultural settings. | WCGALP2026 will be held at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center (https://www.mononaterrace.com/) in Madison, WI, July 12-17, 2026. We anticipate an attendance of ~1,500 people, including over 200 graduate students. Outcomes will include published abstracts and proceedings and the posting of recorded presentations. As the premier forum on this field of science and applications, held every four years, WCGALP2026 will help shape the direction of livestock genetics research and application and will be an opportunity for the United States' industry and academia to profile themselves to the world.Specific objectives include:Convene the 13th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production (WCGALP2026) as an international scientific workshop with approximately 1,500 participants, including more than 200 graduate students, and produce open-access peer-reviewed abstracts, proceedings, and recorded presentations.Advance scientific knowledge and practical application by presenting current research in quantitative genetics, genomics, breeding program design, reproductive technologies, and data integration, enabling U.S.-based researchers and industry professionals to benefit directly from international scientific exchange.Deliver high-impact plenary sessions and structured speaker duels that examine current and emerging scientific questions in animal breeding and genetics using evidence-based approaches.Address priority challenges in U.S. livestock production by disseminating research findings relevant to productivity, animal health, welfare, and long-term system performance.Train and support the next generation of animal breeding scientists by providing graduate students and early-career researchers with exposure to leading research, mentoring, and professional networking opportunities.Facilitate translation of research into practice by highlighting innovations that can be incorporated into livestock breeding programs, including advanced statistical models, genomic technologies, and precision phenotyping tools.Provide targeted professional development for graduate students by supporting registration and participation of 26 qualified graduate students from U.S.-based institutions in a workshop on early scientist career development.Ensure broad access to scientific outputs by publishing congress abstracts and proceedings as open-access resources and making recorded presentations available to U.S. researchers, educators, and livestock producers unable to attend in person. |
| Workshop Grant Proposal Letter of Intent 2026 National Shellfisheries Association 118th Annual Workshop | 1034533 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67015-46021 | 2026 | THE NATIONAL SHELLFISHERIES ASSOCIATION, INC. | Shumway, S. | 03/01/2026 | 10/31/2026 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $25,000.00 | MARYLAND | 50% | 25% | 25% | The National Shellfisheries Association is one of the oldest professional societies in the United States, and will be holding its 118th annual conference in Portland OR, in March of 2026. The group includes scientists, management officials, and members of industry, all concerned with the biology, ecology, production, economics, and management of shellfish resources - clams, oysters, mussels, scallops, snails, shrimp, lobsters, crabs, sea urchins and cucumbers, and squid among other species. The Conference is an opportunity for presentations, exchange and discussion of information on scientific and professional aspects of shellfish research, aquaculture, management, industry, policy, and related education. Students are an essential part of the organization, represent future efforts, and their participation is encouraged and supported. The conference will result in a better-informed community of shellfish scientists, industry, extension, and stakeholders, a better integrated network of students and young faculty/investigators, and an improved shellfish aquaculture industry. The program (www.shellfish.org) includes sessions on all aspects of shellfish including biology, ecology, ecosystem services, disease, interactions between shellfish culture and submerged aquatic vegetation, climate change, public health, and other topics. The Conference will provide access to new information, a welcoming and supportive environment for students, mentorship and collaboration opportunities, expansion of professional networks, and exposure to outreach and extension opportunities. | Thegoalof this Conference and Workshops is to host a national meeting that unites scientists, aquaculturists, managers, stakeholders, and extension educators to exchange information and ideas, to explore common program needs, ways to collaborate professionally, establish enhanced program activities to assist industry members, and provide information to assist with better-informed decisions in multiple venues, e.g., relevant scientific research efforts, industry collaboration, management, policy, and other governmental decisions.Specific objectives for this conference and workshops include:Provide a welcoming atmosphere for students and younger faculty/investigators and growers to present their work and ideas and connect with potential mentors and collaboratorsProvide a forum for presentations, workshops, and open discussion of the latest available research concerning all aspects of shellfish science and aquacultureProvide a forum for specialized workshops and discussion groups (e.g., Sea Grant-funded research programs, current topics of interest and concern to the industry)Help to identify priorities and critical issues (e.g., climate change, shellfish disease, pathogens, public health, and education)Engage educators from all venues (universities, extension offices, the general public) and strengthen communication networksEncourage participation by representatives of granting agencies to provide overviews of their programs, opportunities for research funding, and allow personal engagements with participants |
| Evaluation of anti-obese activity of sorghum red leaf extract | 1034531 | State Funding | Not applicable | Not applicable | SAES - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND | Lee, S. | 07/01/2026 | 12/31/2027 | 2026 | ACTIVE | Not applicable | MARYLAND | 100% | 0% | 0% | Obesity is the leading public health problem and cause of life-threatening metabolic diseases in the US. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is one of the most cultivated cereals in United States. Sorghum red leaves are by-products of environmental stress or specific genetic phenotypes from a cross of green sorghum accessions. Our preliminary study claims that sorghum red leaf extract (SRLE) repressed triglyceride accumulation of intracellular triglyceride in a dose-dependent manner in differentiated adipocytes. The goal of this proposal is to investigate anti-obese activity of SRLE and to define cellular/molecular responses and mechanisms using cultured adipocytes and mesenchymal stem cells, and animal model (C. elegans). The results of this proposal will extend our understanding to pave the way towards the development of SRLE for management of obesity and secure larger grants from USDA NIFA by research proposal to test beneficial activity of SRLE in prevention of obesity and obesity-associated metabolic disorder using mammalian models including high-fat diet-induced or genetically obese mouse models. | The scientific goal of the current proposal is to explore the health benefits of sorghum red leaf extract (SRLE) in the prevention of fat accumulation, as well as to define cellular/molecular responses and mechanisms of action in vitro, using cultured adipocytes and mesenchymal stem cells, and perform in vivo study using C. elegans to propose SRLE products potentially responsible for anti-obese activity.Aim 1) Investigate whether SRLE prevents adipogenesis and lipogenesis.Aim 2) Investigate whether SRLE stimulates lipolysis of fully differentiated adipocytes.Aim 3) Investigate whether SRLE stimulates apoptosis of fully differentiated adipocytes.Aim 4) Investigate whether SRLE suppresses commitment to adipogenesis during differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.Aim 5) Investigate whether SRLE affects body fat accumulation in C. elegans animal model. |
| Novel Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Vaccination | 1034529 | State Funding | Not applicable | Not applicable | SAES - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND | Riley, S. | 07/01/2026 | 12/31/2027 | 2026 | ACTIVE | Not applicable | MARYLAND | 100% | 0% | 0% | It is important to note that most of the reagents and protocols used in this proposal are already present in our laboratory, including: Mg2+-decapeptide [DEHGTAVMLK] Phosphate (a gift from J. Steven Dumler at Uniformed services University), a well-established protocol for R. rickettsii propagation/ purification, biosafety and radiation safety protocols for g-irradiation, procedures to validate inactivation, extensive experience with performing animal models of R. rickettsii infection, qPCR and pathology protocols for quantifying bacterial proliferation, Mesoscale cytokine analysis kits, and a flow cytometry antibody panel for analysis of circulating T-cells. The funding from this grant will go towards a graduate student salary, animal purchasing/ housing, use of the g-irradiator, and purchase of ELISpot/FluoroSpot kits.Production of R. rickettsii, g-irradiation, and demonstration of sterility described in objective 1 is anticipated to take 2 months with the majority of this time being committed to demonstration of inactivation. Vaccination and Rickettsia challenge will proceed immediately thereafter and will take approximately 40 days. These two activities will generate all of the bacteria and tissue samples that are required for the proposed analyses. This leaves 8.5 months for analysis of antigen retention (objective 1d), analysis of T-cell and B-cell memory responses (objective 2b), quantification of Rickettsia pathogenesis (objective 3a), and analysis of recall immune responses (objective 3b). Thus, we anticipate all objectives will be complete before the deadline for the Welfare and Well-Being of Agriculture Animals (A1251) within the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational and Applied Science Program in December of 2027.In addition, this project is part of a much larger vaccination development program within our laboratory. We have already developed experimental grade Adenovirus-vectored, mRNA-lipid nanoparticle, and subunit protein R. rickettsii vaccines. Also, we have begun developing similar vaccines for the related human/agricultural pathogens Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma marginale, and Ehrlichia chaffeensis. The overarching goal of this massive project is to compare the differential immune responses to infection and vaccination for development of vaccine(s) against multiple different obligate intracellular pathogens. Substantial understanding of the molecular mechanisms of protection and profile of the vaccine-induced immune responses will provide unimpeachable foundations for use of these vaccines in human and agricultural animal settings. | The overarching hypothesis of this proposal is that protecting Rickettsia rickettsii antigens during inactivation of the bacteria will result in a vaccine preparation with an enhanced immune response as compared to failed vaccine preparations that relied on antigen destroying formalin inactivation. This novel antigen-protectedR. rickettsii vaccine will be produced and tested in murine models of infection. Importantly, we are proposing to go beyond simple survival measurements of vaccine efficacy by performing a comprehensive analysis of protection, vaccine-induced immune memory, and infection-induced recall immune response to infection. Together, the achieved data will provide a solid foundation for additional grants to examine the breadth of vaccine mediated protection against multiple rickettsial diseases.Objective 1. Generate experimental grade vaccine formulation consisting of antigen-protected gamma-irradiated Rickettsia rickettsii whole cell antigen.Many past vaccination attempts against rickettsial diseases were based on inactivating the bacteria with formalin and using the resulting bacteria as vaccine formulations. After 50 years of use in animals and humans, we finally obtained enough data to conclude that these vaccines were completely ineffective. One well supported hypothesis is that these past vaccines failed because the primary Rickettsia antigens were destroyed during formalin inactivation. Here, we propose to generate a novel R. rickettsii formulation that relies on inactivation throughg-irradiation in the presence of a protective antioxidant. We hypothesize that this antigen-protected vaccine formulation will result in a more natural antigen profile. To assess this hypothesis, we will perform the following:1a. Produce 1x1010 R. rickettsii in the BSL-3 facility.1b. Antigen-protected inactivation of R. rickettsii.1c. Validation of sterility of the antigen protected WCA vaccine.1d. Assess antigen retention.Objective 2. Examine vaccine-mediated memory immune responses.A core concept in vaccine development is the need to define the memory immune response induced by the vaccine. The ultimate efficacy of a vaccine depends on having a well-primed memory immune response. Memory B- and T- cells are primed by the vaccine and sand ready to be called into action upon infection with the pathologic organism. Thus, we propose to analyze the major phenotypes of the memory immune response by comparing the antigen-protected WCA to formalin-fixed WCA and antigen ablated R. rickettsii preparations by completing the following:2a. Vaccination.2b. Examine B- and T-cell memory responses.Objective 3. Determine vaccine efficacy in small animal model of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.The ultimate goal of vaccination is protection from infection by inducing an effective recall immune response. Here, the vaccine-induced immune memory queried in Objective 2 is converted to an active peripheral immune response to infection. To define the recall immune response and efficacy protection we will complete the following:3a. Determine vaccine efficacy against R. rickettsii and R. conorii challenge.3b. Quantify infection-induced recall immune responses.Altogether, completion of these objectives will provide solid preliminary evidence for use of antigen-protected WCA vaccination as a strategy to combat the massive public health burden of R. rickettsii infections. |
| Stage-Specific Activation of Intestinal Mesenchymal Cells to Improve Gut Development in Piglets | 1034528 | State Funding | Not applicable | Not applicable | SAES - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND | Jin, Y. | 07/01/2026 | 12/31/2027 | 2026 | ACTIVE | Not applicable | MARYLAND | 100% | Not applicable | Not applicable | Newborn piglets are born with fragile intestines that are not fully ready to digest feed or fight germs, making them highly vulnerable around weaning time. When the gut does not mature properly, piglets grow poorly, get sick more often, and farms may turn to antibiotics to keep them healthy--an approach that is increasingly discouraged because of concerns about antibiotic resistance, food safety, and long-term sustainability. This project focuses on "support cells" in the gut wall that quietly control how the intestinal lining grows, matures, and seals out harmful bacteria. By learning how to gently "switch on" these cells with safe feed ingredients, we aim to help piglets build a stronger gut from the start, which benefits animal welfare, farm profitability, and, ultimately, consumers and the environment.To accomplish this, we will use small gut organ cultures from piglets and carefully controlled piglet feeding studies to test natural and nutritionally relevant additives--such as certain fatty acids and fiber derived compounds--for their ability to boost healthy gut growth and barrier function at the right developmental stage. In simple terms, we will first screen promising ingredients in the lab, then confirm the best ones in live piglets to see whether they improve gut structure and leakiness and reduce the need for antibiotics. The ultimate goal is to provide pig farmers and veterinarians with science-based, targeted feeding strategies that keep young pigs healthier with fewer drugs, while also generating knowledge that can inform approaches to protecting gut health in vulnerable human infants. If successful, this work will support more sustainable livestock production, help safeguard public health by reducing antibiotic use, and strengthen rural economies that depend on efficient, healthy swine production. | Major Goal:To establish a mechanistically defined, phase-specific nutritional strategy that improves intestinal development, barrier function, and growth performance in pre-weaning piglets by selectively activating intestinal mesenchymal cells (iMCs), thereby reducing reliance on antibiotics and generating translational insights relevant to neonatal gut maturation in humans.Objectives:Identify feed additives that activate iMCs in a stage-specific manner to promote epithelial proliferation or differentiation using an iMC-enteroid co-culture system.Quantify how candidate feed additives alter stromal-epithelial signaling in vitro by measuring enteroid morphology (size, circularity, budding), epithelial proliferation and differentiation markers (e.g., LGR5, Ki67, MUC2, Chromogranin A), and iMC niche ligands (e.g., WNT2/4, RSPO3, BMP4/7, GREM1).Select lead feed additives for in vivo testing based on predefined criteria (e.g., at least 1.5-fold increases in proliferation or differentiation markers and significant upregulation of iMC niche factors compared with controls).Validate in vivo that selected feed additives, delivered during specific developmental windows (days 0-7 for proliferation and days 8-21 for differentiation), enhance intestinal morphology (villus height, crypt depth, villus-to-crypt ratio), barrier function (TEER, FITC-dextran flux), and epithelial differentiation in pre-weaning piglets.Demonstrate iMC activation in vivo by localizing and quantifying iMC subsets (e.g., PDGFR?, CD81, CD34) and their ligands (RSPO3, WNT2B, BMP4/7, TGF-?) using multiplex IHC/FISH, qPCR, ELISA, and ex vivo iMC-enteroid co-culture.Generate mechanistic and translational data that support future external proposals (e.g., USDA NIFA-AFRI for precision feed additives in swine and an NIH R01 to NICHD for neonatal gut maturation strategies). |
| Machine learning-enabled rapid screening for antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni | 1034527 | State Funding | Not applicable | Not applicable | SAES - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND | Blaustein, R. | 07/01/2026 | 12/31/2027 | 2026 | ACTIVE | Not applicable | MARYLAND | 100% | Not applicable | Not applicable | The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has led to reduced effectiveness of antibiotic treatments, posing a significant threat to food safety and public health. Agricultural systems, particularly in food animal production, serve as major reservoirs and transmission routes for AMR bacteria and AMR genes. Campylobacter jejuni is a leading zoonotic pathogen contributing to these risks across the food chain, especially in poultry products. Although the US-CDC conducts national surveillance of AMR in foods and food animals using whole genome sequencing and culture-based antimicrobial susceptibility testing, these methods can be time-consuming, costly, and labor-intensive, especially for C. jejuni due to its unique growth requirements. This project aims to integrate microbial genomics with machine learning (ML) to (1) identify genomic markers predictive of AMR phenotypes in C. jejuni and (2) develop a qPCR-based screening assay for such resistance patterns. Our innovative ML-enabled approach will facilitate rapid and accurate identification of AMR strains, enhancing applications for early detection of emergent threats across the food production continuum and in contaminated products. Findings from this work will provide a strong foundation for future efforts to mitigate risks for food safety, promote food system resilience, and protect public health. | Campylobacter jejuniis a leading foodborne pathogen and the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant(AMR) strains has creatednew challenges for food safety. Surveillancefor AMR C. jejuni is oftencostly, time-consuming,and labor-intensive, especially considering the complex growth requirements of this pathogen for culture-based approaches that preclude whole genome sequencing or antimicrobial susceptibility testing. This project aims to develop a rapid and cost-effective screening approach through two objectives.Objective 1: Develop and optimize ML models to identify genomic markers predictive of AMR phenotypes in C. jejuni. Hypothesis: Selective pressures across C. jejuni transmission chains (moving between environmental/food sources) and changing conditions across geographic scale have given rise to substantial genetic diversity, including emergent AMR genes, and ML holds potential to identify the most critical genes (or sets of genes) underlying AMR phenotypes.Objective 2: Validate ML-predicted molecular markers to establish a rapid screening assay for AMR strains of C. jejuni. Hypothesis: Key accessory genes (i.e., genes that are present in some, but not all strains) will serve as reliable indicators for expressed AMR, enabling culture-independent screening for C. jejuni in the food production continuum.Taken together, our study will establish a ML-guided framework for rapid AMR screening, supporting early intervention strategies to mitigate AMR transmission and enhance food system resilience. |
| Transcriptomics and enhancer elements in the turkey embryonic stem cells | 1034525 | State Funding | Not applicable | Not applicable | SAES - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND | Song, J. | 07/01/2026 | 12/31/2027 | 2026 | ACTIVE | Not applicable | MARYLAND | 70% | Not applicable | 30% | Regulatory elements play significant roles in regulating stem cell differentiation; however, much remains unknown in turkey. Pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic stem cells (ESC), exhibit unique characteristics, such as indefinite self-renewal capacity and multilineage differentiation potential. Turkey eggs are a powerful resource for studying developmental and stem cell biology. They offer unique advantages as a model for studying stem cell biology, such as their convenient size, year-round availability, and ease of access to the embryo for manipulation. However, relatively little attention has been given to the biology of turkey stem cells, especially regarding similarities and differences between turkey embryonic stem cells, germ cells, and stem cells obtained from other embryonic and adult tissues. To further understand the mechanisms underlying lineage-specific differentiation of turkey stem cells, this seed grant aims to isolate, identify, and elucidate the enhancer elements and epigenetic mechanisms that control iPSC differentiation and lineage specification. | While turkey is an important commercial species, the genetic circuits controlling turkeyembryonic development are much less well understood than those of the chicken, which negatively impactsrational breed improvement for productivity and disease resistance. Theproposal aims to fill this gap by analyzing the genome organization and transcriptomiclandscape of stem cells derived from turkey embryos at different developmental stages. Inparticular, mapping the enhancer elements controlling the expression of long non-coding RNAs and the role of these RNAs in orchestrating transcriptomic changes will be the major focus of the proposal. The projectplans to implement advanced genomics techniques, including CHIP, DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHS), and Assay forTransposase-Accessible Chromatin (ACAT-seq), to identify epigenetic changes driving the geneexpression differentiation upon embryonic development. The results will establish newmethods for isolating and culturing turkey embryonic stem cells (ESC) and primordial germ cell (PGC) lines, and will provide a map of epigenetic and transcriptomic changes during turkey embryonic development, thus filling an existing knowledge gapfor this industriallyimportant species. The results from this seed grant will provide strong preliminary data for a future USDA/NIFA grant. |
| Introducing Livestock into Midsouth Crop Production to Improve Soil Health and Nutrient Cycling | 1034524 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67019-45995 | 2026 | DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS | Roberts, T. | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2030 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $737,726.00 | ARKANSAS | 80% | 10% | 10% | Alternative methods to improve soil health, system resilience and producer profitability are needed as current efforts to achieve these goals are hypothesized to be less effective than row crop production systems that include livestock. Since crop production system research is lacking on this topic, the goal of this research is to better understand how reintegrating livestock in row crop systems will affect soil health indices, crop yield, and producer profitability. Specifically, our objectives aim to: i) investigate the impact of livestock integration on soil health indices and carbon sequestration, ii) assess the joint effects of livestock, cover crops, and conservation tillage on cash crop yield, iii) evaluate whole farm profitability and the benefits of livestock grazing to cash crop performance while accounting for added costs, iv) identify soil health indices that are sensitive to the addition of livestock, v) demonstrate how to successfully reintroduce livestock into production systems to increase soil health and producer profitability. Our proposed project will address all three of the program priority areas. We will investigate the effects of livestock integration on soil health and crop performance in short-term trials in the Midsouth U.S. We expect to demonstrate the positive effects of livestock grazing on the resiliency of production systems via improved soil health and producer income. The findings of this research will be a key step towards increasing production system resiliency, which will be essential for sustainable long-term food security. | The overall objective of this research is to better understand how integrating livestock and cover crops into row crop production systems affects soil health indices, crop yield, carbon sequestration, and producer profitability in a Midsouth U.S. row crop production system. Specifically, we aim to:investigate the impact of livestock integration on soil health indices and carbon sequestration, (Co-PI, Drescher- soil health and carbon sequestration)assess the joint effects of livestock, cover crops, and conservation tillage on cash crop yield, (PI-Roberts- soil conservation, agronomy and cover crops, Co-PIs Gadberry and Rivera-animal nutrition and livestock production)evaluate whole farm profitability and the benefits of livestock grazing to cash crop performance while accounting for added costs, (Co-PI, Popp- economics)identify soil health indices that are sensitive to the addition of livestock, (Co-PI, Drescher- soil health)demonstrate how to successfully reintroduce livestock into production systems to increase soil health and producer profitability. (PI, Roberts- extension soils, Co-PIs Gadberry and Rivera-extension livestock production, Co-PI, Popp- extension economics) |
| Bio-based wood adhesives from low-cost agricultural residues | 1034522 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-68016-45994 | 2026 | CLEMSON UNIVERSITY | Peresin, M. | 05/01/2026 | 04/30/2029 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $1,000,000.00 | SOUTH CAROLINA | 50% | 25% | 25% | Wood products such as plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard rely on adhesives to provide strength and durability. Most adhesives currently used in these products are made from petroleum-based materials. At the same time, the U.S. agricultural sector produces large quantities of plant-based protein residues as by-products of food, feed, and biofuel processing. These materials represent a potential domestic resource for wood adhesive applications.This project examines how plant-based proteins from agricultural side streams can be used in wood adhesive formulations. The research focuses on understanding how protein composition, structure, and processing affect adhesive behavior and performance. By identifying relationships between raw material properties, formulation variables, and bond performance, the project generates technical information relevant to wood products manufacturing.The project also includes education and training activities that provide hands-on experience in adhesive formulation, materials characterization, and performance testing. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and early-career researchers participate in laboratory research, workshops, and training exchanges with the USDA Forest Products Laboratory.Project results are shared with academic, government, and industry stakeholders through meetings, workshops, publications, and presentations. Overall, the project contributes technical knowledge and workforce training that support continued evaluation of agricultural residues for use in wood adhesive systems. | The major goals of this project are to advance the scientific understanding and technological development of sustainable, bio-based adhesive systems derived from renewable agricultural and forest resources, and to enable their adoption through integrated research, education, and outreach activities. To achieve these goals, the project will pursue a coordinated set of objectives focused on (i) characterizing feedstock structure-property-performance relationships relevant to adhesive functionality, (ii) developing and validating scalable formulation and processing strategies, and (iii) building workforce capacity and stakeholder engagement to support long-term competitiveness of the U.S. bioeconomy. |
| Epigenetic Mechanisms of Paternal Effects on Offspring Gonadal Programming | 1034519 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67015-45991 | 2026 | AUBURN UNIVERSITY | Diniz, W. | 03/01/2026 | 02/29/2028 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $300,000.00 | ALABAMA | 100% | Not applicable | Not applicable | Paternal diet can influence how offspring grow and perform. Poor nutritional management of breeding males may reduce reproductive success and animal performance, thereby increasing production costs and reducing producer efficiency. Understanding these effects is important because even small changes in animal management can have long-term impacts on productivity and sustainability in U.S. agriculture. Using sheep as a model livestock species, the overall goal of this project is to determine how a sire's nutritional status affects the development and performance of the next generation (F1). We hypothesize that differences in the paternal nutritional plane alter key biological signals in sperm, and that these molecular changes can be transmitted from sires to their offspring, affecting growth, metabolism, and reproductive development in both males and females. To address this, we will study how different levels of nutrition affect sperm in breeding rams and examine whether these changes are present in the reproductive tissues of their offspring, including testes in males and ovaries in females. We will also assess whether these molecular changes (DNA and RNA) are inherited across generations. We expect this research to identify key nutrition-related signals transmitted from sires to offspring and clarify how paternal diet contributes to offspring performance. Results from this project will provide sheep producers with the science-based knowledge needed to improve breeding and nutritional strategies and to support more efficient and sustainable livestock production in the United States. | The overarching goals of this project are to investigate the impact of nutrition on sire sperm programming and to determine whether these effects extend to the first generation (F1) offspring, specifically the sperm and testes of males and the ovaries of females.Our specific objectives are to:1) Characterize the molecular signatures by which a divergent plane of nutrition alters paternal sperm programming;2) Determine the inheritance of epigenetic marks (non-coding RNAs and DNA methylation) in offspring sperm, testes, and ovaries; and3) Investigate the effects on histone modifications and gonadal programming in the offspring. |
| Partnership: Soil health implications of microplastics released from biosolids - an assessment of carbon transformation | 1034518 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67019-45996 | 2026 | OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY | Gonzalez Estrella, J. | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2029 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $853,610.00 | OKLAHOMA | 100% | Not applicable | Not applicable | This project explores how small plastic pieces, known as microplastics, affect the health of soil when they are spread onto farmland as part of biosolids (treated sewage sludge used as fertilizer). While biosolids are great for recycling nutrients, they also accidentally concentrate pollutants like microplastics. When these plastics sit out in the sun, the UV rays weaken them, changing their chemistry and potentially making them more reactive. Our project aims to find out if these changing plastics interfere with the way soil stores and releases carbon--a process vital for crop health. Our main goals are as follows:We will use lab tests to understand the movement of microplastics through the soil and the changes of microplastics over time after being added via fertilizer.We will evaluate the microplastic potential to release more carbon into the soilWe will assess in field scale to the role on soil health of microplastics contained in biosolidsWe hypothesize that the amount and type of plastic in the fertilizer will change the rate soil carbontransforms. By combining chemistry, high-tech imaging, and field farming, we will provide farmers, land managers, and government regulators with the data they need to ensure that using recycled fertilizers remains safe for the long term. | Our proposed project will assess the shifts in soil C dynamics in response to microplastics (MPs) occuring in biosolids. The specific objectives are to 1) evaluate the transformation and transport of MPs on soils amended with biosolids in laboratory experiments; 2) assess in controlled laboratory conditions the underlying mechanisms by which MPs contribute to and modify C transformationin soils; and 3) examine the field-scale consequences of MP inputs for soil C cycling and transport. We hypothesize that the quantity and chemical structure of MPs in biosolids added to soil will influence the rate of soil C mobilized into dissolved, microbial, and gaseous pools. In addition to biosolids accumulating nutrients removed from wastewater, they also concentrate contaminants including MPs. Weathered MPs are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation that modifies their functional chemistry and increases their reactivity in the environment. An enhanced reactivity likely promotes the release of dissolved organic C (DOC). Our proposed work will integrate aqueous chemistry, advanced spectroscopy, biogeochemistry, and laboratory and field experiments. This research will help to understand transformation of MPs in biosolids and their implication on the C transformationin soils. Our work will provide scientists, land managers, farmers, and regulators the information necessary for understanding the impact of MPs onland application of biosolids. This proposed project is being submitted to the priority area of the Soil Health Program (A1401). |
| CPS: Medium: Dig, Sip, Breathe: Automated Monitoring of Carbon and Water Cycles in Agriculture | 1034517 | NIFA Non Formula | 2023-67021-45990 | 2026 | NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | Bradley, J. | 01/15/2026 | 01/14/2027 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $604,641.10 | NORTH CAROLINA | 80% | 10% | 10% | Timely foreknowledge of soil water content (SWC) and soil organic content (SOC) has the potential to strongly impact watering and sequestration decisions, throughout the growing season. But currently, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of these is costly and time-consuming. Barriers include high equipment costs, infrastructure installation, and sensing capabilities. Our recent technological breakthrough in aerial robotics, the capability to dig into soil, coupled with advances in sensing technologies gives us the ability to build unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to largely automate this process. We address the issue of SOC/SWC monitoring, reporting, and verification by building a multi-agent UAS team and accompanying controllers, task planners, and machine-learning classifiers capable of persistent atmospheric monitoring via tethered UAS, and heterogeneous sampling UAS for insertion of key sensor probes, and extraction of soil samples for automated collection. Together the UAS and algorithms provide a mechanism to collect automated, accurate, and high temporal and spatial resolution (e.g., much higher than satellites) SWC and SOC data which we then make available to the public. The data can be easily used to help make timely agricultural, sequestration, and water management decisions by stakeholders. | The proposed work will develop solutions for utilizing multi-agent unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for monitoring, reporting, and verification of SOC and SWC in agricultural settings. To achieve this we will:1. Develop novel UAS systems and sensors for providing initial estimates of SOC/SWC.2. Design novel UAS controllers, and mechanisms capable of soil extraction, and insertion of SWC probes.3. Develop machine learning algorithms to predict key soil properties from sensed data; and predict carbon content from atmospheric readings from the UASs.4. Build smart sampling algorithms to task UASs with optimal locations and sampling strategies to reduce uncertainty in SOC/SWC estimates.5. Expand our existing smart sampling software into a package for easy use with ESRI software commonly used by USDA.6. Regularly evaluate the above objectives at local representative facilities in collaboration with our science experts. |
| Dietary Prebiotic Fiber for Maternal and Offspring Protection Against Obesity and Hypertension | 1034516 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67017-46005 | 2026 | TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM | Chelikani, P. | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2031 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $630,435.00 | TEXAS | 100% | 0% | 0% | Obesity, diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy significantly increase morbidity in pregnant women and the risks of metabolic diseases in offspring later in life. These metabolic diseases are often associated with an increase in the relative abundance of "non-healthy" vs "healthy" gut microbial populations. Correcting the gut microbial imbalance with dietary prebiotic fibers could potentially improve maternal and offspring health. However, the prebiotic fibers that are most effective in improving maternal and offspring health, and the underlying mechanisms of action, are largely unknown. Given the considerable costs, time, and risks, involved in conducting transgenerational studies on prebiotics in pregnant women and children, preclinical rodent models offer a more practical alternative. In this project, we will use rat models of obesity, severe hypertension, and stroke in humans. In the first set of studies, we will assess whether feeding different types of prebiotic fibers improves energy balance, gut microbiota composition, and tissue metabolic markers in obese and hypertensive rat mothers and their offspring. In the second set of studies, to assess whether gut microbiota plays a role in the benefits of prebiotic fibers, we will utilize a cross-fostering approach. Here, pups from mothers fed prebiotic fiber are allowed to nurse obese mothers that are fed a high fat diet, and conversely, pups from obese mothers are allowed to nurse mothers fed prebiotic fiber diets. In the third set of studies, we will attempt to define the time-window during which prebiotic feeding confers greatest metabolic benefits. This will be done by restricting the feeding of prebiotic fiber diets to either pregnancy, lactation, or postweaning, and subsequently assessing the energy balance and metabolic health of offspring at adulthood. Overall, our project will provide a mechanistic basis for developing novel dietary and/or microbiome-based strategies to prevent metabolic diseases in mothers and prevent transmission of such metabolic conditions to offspring, and is aligned with the AFRI program area priorities on "Food and Human Health". | Our long-term goal is to advance the development of prebiotic fiber-based diets to mitigate the transgenerational propagation of metabolic diseases. In support of this goal, our specific objectives are as follows:Objective-1. Determine the effects of dietary prebiotic fibers (inulin, pectin, resistant starch type-4) during pregnancy and lactation on energy balance, glucose tolerance, gut microbiome, hormones, and blood pressure, in diet-induced obese (DIO) Sprague Dawley (SD), and spontaneously hypertensive stroke prone (SHRSP), rat mothers and their offspring.Objective-2. Determine whether altering the neonatal gut microbiome of pups born to DIO SD and SHRSP rat dams by cross-fostering them with prebiotic-fed dams protects the pups against the development of obesity and hypertension in adulthood.Objective-3. Determine the effects of prenatal and postnatal feeding of prebiotic fiber in protection against obesity and hypertension in offspring of DIO SD and SHRSP rats. |
| Building resilience in flash flood alley: Responding and adapting to stochastic flood events in the Texas Hill Country. | 1034514 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-68019-45998 | 2026 | TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE RESEARCH | Kyle, G. | 04/01/2026 | 03/31/2027 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $297,712.00 | TEXAS | 50% | 30% | 20% | The July 4th, 2025, floods in the Texas Hill Country (TxHC) highlighted the severe impacts of flash floods and emphasized the need to strengthen resilience in flood-prone areas. Private working lands, such as grasslands, rangelands, and agricultural lands, provide essential ecosystem services that naturally buffer rural communities from flood impacts, situating agroecosystem resilience at the forefront of community resilience. However, these lands remain largely unprotected and vulnerable to land conversion pressures which are often exacerbated during disaster redevelopment and recovery.This project integrates nature-based solutions into flood recovery by combining spatial analysis, landowner engagement, and community-driven decision-making. Research objectives include spatial prioritization of private working lands based on flood mitigation potential and conversion risk, and conducting a landowner survey to understand landowner values, perceptions, and barriers to the conservation of insulating agroecosystems. Further, extension objectives translate findings into practical tools and outreach, including community workshops, a decision-support toolkit, and train-the-trainer workshops to build resilience during the July 4th flood recovery process.By identifying insulating lands at risk of conversion and engaging landowners in voluntary conservation strategies, the project will promote agroecosystem resilience and strengthen rural communities. The interdisciplinary team draws on expertise in human dimensions, land management, governance, spatial ecology, and community engagement, and will partner with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and regional stakeholders to develop actionable science. Outcomes will support flood recovery and resilience planning, guide conservation investments, and ensure that post-disaster recovery reinforces rather than undermines the natural infrastructure sustaining the TxHC. | The July 4th, 2025, floods in the Texas Hill Country (TxHC) highlighted the severe impacts of flash floods and emphasized the need to strengthen resilience in flood-prone areas. Private working lands, such as grasslands, rangelands, and agricultural lands, provide essential ecosystem services that naturally buffer rural communities from flood impacts, situating agroecosystem resilience at the forefront of community resilience. However, these lands remain largely unprotected and vulnerable to land conversion pressures which are often exacerbated during disaster redevelopment and recovery.This project integrates nature-based solutions into flood recovery by combining spatial analysis, landowner engagement, and community-driven decision-making. Research objectives include spatial prioritization of private working lands based on flood mitigation potential and conversion risk, and conducting a landowner survey to understand landowner values, perceptions, and barriers to the conservation of insulating agroecosystems. Further, extension objectives translate findings into practical tools and outreach, including community workshops, a decision-support toolkit, and train-the-trainer workshops to build resilience during the July 4th flood recovery process.By identifying insulating lands at risk of conversion and engaging landowners in voluntary conservation strategies, the project will promote agroecosystem resilience and strengthen rural communities. The interdisciplinary team draws on expertise in human dimensions, land management, governance, spatial ecology, and community engagement, and will partner with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and regional stakeholders to develop actionable science. Outcomes will support flood recovery and resilience planning, guide conservation investments, and ensure that post-disaster recovery reinforces rather than undermines the natural infrastructure sustaining the TxHC. |
| Multifunctional and Biodegradable Nanocomposite Films Enabled by Melanin-based Hybrid Nanoparticle Microcapsules for Sustainable Food Packaging | 1034512 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67017-46014 | 2026 | CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY | Cao, C. | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2029 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $611,000.00 | OHIO | 100% | Not applicable | Not applicable | Food spoilage and contamination contribute significantly to food waste and public health risks. Current petroleum-based packaging materials provide limited protection and create environmental challenges due to poor recyclability and persistence in landfills. This project will develop sustainable, bio-based food packaging films that improve food safety, extend shelf life, and reduce environmental impact.The research team will create multifunctional packaging materials by embedding naturally derived melanin-based hybrid nanoparticles inside biodegradable polymer films and recyclable paper coatings. These materials will provide antimicrobial protection, ultraviolet light shielding, antioxidant activity, and improved mechanical strength and barrier performance. The project will combine material synthesis, scalable manufacturing, and biological safety testing to ensure that the packaging systems are effective and safe for food contact.Laboratory testing will evaluate antimicrobial performance against major foodborne pathogens, barrier properties that limit oxygen and moisture transmission, and controlled release of active components. Safety studies will assess material migration and biocompatibility using regulatory-aligned methods. Compostability and biodegradation will also be evaluated to ensure environmental sustainability.The expected outcomes include new high-performance packaging technologies that reduce food waste, improve food safety, and support U.S. agriculture and food manufacturing competitiveness. This work directly supports USDA priorities by enabling innovative manufacturing technologies, improving food system sustainability, and reducing losses across the supply chain. | The major goal of this project is to develop scalable, bio-based multifunctional food packaging materials that improve food safety, extend shelf life, and reduce environmental impact by integrating melanin-based hybrid nanoparticle microcapsules into biodegradable polymer films and recyclable paper-based packaging systems.Objective 1: Develop melanin-based hybrid nanoparticles and encapsulate them in biocompatible microcapsules for controlled dispersion and release.Objective 2: Fabricate and optimize biodegradable PLA-PHBV nanocomposite films and recyclable paper-coated packaging formats with enhanced mechanical, optical, and barrier properties.Objective 3: Evaluate antimicrobial performance, migration safety, cytocompatibility, and regulatory readiness of the developed packaging materials for food-contact applications. |
| Molecular Mechanisms of Bovine Conceptus Elongation Initiation | 1034511 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67015-45970 | 2026 | LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL CENTER | Simintiras, C. | 03/01/2026 | 02/29/2028 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $300,000.00 | LOUISIANA | 100% | 0% | 0% | Early pregnancy loss is a major challenge in cattle production, with many pregnancies failing before they can even be detected. This reduces farm efficiency, increasesproduction costs, and slows genetic progress, with downstream effects on food supply, farm sustainability, and rural economies. Advancing knowledge of early pregnancy biology is therefore essential for developing more effective tools and strategies to improve reproductive success in livestock systems.However, the biological reasons why early pregnancies succeed or fail remain poorly understood - largely because this critical stage of development is difficult to study. This project aims to develop a system to extendthe culture of early bovine embryos in the lab, under carefully controlled conditions. This system will enable scientists and industry to better understand early pregnancy success/failure and design more effective reproductive technologies. Over time, this work will contribute to improvements in cattle fertility, production efficiency, and agricultural sustainability, benefiting producers, consumers, and the broader economy. | Major GoalThe major goal of this project is to establish and validate an in vitro platform that supports bovine conceptus (embryo and extraembryonic membrane) elongation.ObjectivesDevelop and optimize a defined in vitro culture workflow to support conceptus growth across the peri-implantation window (media composition, supplementation strategy, timing, and quality-control criteria).Benchmark the platform against in vivo reference points using objective readouts (e.g.morphology/length metrics, survival, and selected molecular markers of elongation and trophectoderm function).Test prioritized uterine-derived factors/fractions (metabolites, lipid fractions, or uterine fluid-informed supplements) for their ability to promote or impair elongation outcomes in vitro.Deliver a standardized protocol and dataset that supports downstream mechanistic work and future translational applications. |
| A sustainable, substrate-independent coating for reducing microbial spoilage and extending food shelf-life | 1034510 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67017-46007 | 2026 | WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY | Huang, K. | 02/15/2026 | 02/14/2029 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $649,999.00 | WASHINGTON | 100% | 0% | 0% | In the United States, over 40% of food produced is wasted throughout the supply chain, creating significant economic and environmental challenges. Fresh produce, especially whole and fresh-cut fruits, has the highest wastage rates, accounting for one third of total U.S. food waste. Conventional food packaging methods play a minimal role in actively inhibiting microbial growth, as they primarily offer passive protection. Furthermore, cold storage operations for perishable foods, such as refrigeration and freezing, are highly energy-intensive. The overall goal of this project is to significantly address microbial spoilage challenges during postharvest storage, while reducing energy consumption associated with food loss. This will be achieved through the design of versatile, easy-to-apply, food-grade coatings by utilizing food processing byproducts, meeting clean-label requirements while promoting a sustainable, circular approach to food preservation. The specific research objectives are: 1) to develop substrate-independent coatings on diverse packaging materials to inhibit the growth of spoilage microbes; 2) to develop phenolic-enriched edible coatings on produce surfaces for enhanced inhibition of microbial spoilage; and 3) to demonstrate the performance of the new coatings in extending food shelf life and evaluate their safety and economic benefits. Success in this project will enhance food quality by inhibiting microbial growth, and extend food shelf life under fluctuating or elevated temperatures during postharvest storage. The ultimate goal of this research is to reduce food waste and energy consumption in food storage and distribution. | The overall goal of this project is to significantly address microbial spoilage challenges during postharvest storage, while reducing energy consumption associated with food loss. This will be achieved through the design of versatile, easy-to-apply, food-grade coatings by utilizing food processing byproducts, meeting clean-label requirements while promoting a sustainable, circular approach to food preservation. The specific research objectives are: 1) to develop substrate-independent coatings on diverse packaging materials to inhibit the growth of spoilage microbes; 2) to develop phenolic-enriched edible coatings on produce surfaces for enhanced inhibition of microbial spoilage; and 3) to demonstrate the performance of the new coatings in extending food shelf life and evaluate their safety and economic benefits. |
| Partnership: Next-Generation of Baking: Multiscale Modeling, Experimental Validation, and Real-Time Sensing for Improved Flavor Generation and Retention | 1034509 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67017-46008 | 2026 | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS | Takhar, P. | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2030 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $799,670.00 | ILLINOIS | 100% | Not applicable | Not applicable | Consumers' demand for baked foods has increased significantly post-pandemic. Flavor retention in baked foods is challenging due to their volatile nature and processing at high temperatures. In the proposed research, a food engineer, a flavor scientist, and a sensor engineer will collaborate to develop the next generation of baking technology for obtaining foods with not only desirable texture and color but also flavor content. A multiscale hybrid mixture theory (HMT)-based model representing the baked product will be developed to aid in technology design. The multiscale species (flavor compounds) and fluids (vapors, oil, and water) transport equations will be coupled with heat transport and matrix deformation equations. The solution will be obtained using the finite element method and validated by conducting baking experiments with a wheat-based product. Cookie flavoring systems will be formulated and baked as a function of time and temperature. Flavors in baked samples will be quantified using stable isotope dilution analysis combined with headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sensory descriptive analysis with a trained panel will be used to identify and rate the intensities of perceivable sensory aroma attributes. A sensor array will be developed to determine the level of flavor compounds in real time, providing additional data for validating and tuning the model. Simulations performed using the validated model will provide mechanistic insights into flavor formation and retention and help to develop desirable baking and storage profiles. The model will also calculate moisture content, porosity, mechanical texture, glass transition and color of the product. SNOPT method-based optimization runs will be made with validated HMT model. The material properties needed for solving the model will be obtained from literature, and by analysis of baked samples. The measured reaction kinetics of flavor compounds will yield information on source/sink terms for flavor convection-diffusion equations. | Our long-term goal is to develop an improved understanding of the mechanisms involved in the transport of fluids and the formation, diffusion, and retention of species (flavor compounds) in foods subjected to a high-temperature process such as baking. The mechanisms and model solution will be used to design the next generation of the baking process to desirably control flavor and selected quality parameters such as color, mechanical texture, sample deformation, and porosity. The following are the specific objectives of the proposed study:To conduct baking and storage experiments by varying the temperature and time profiles in ovens with wheat dough fortified with flavoring agents.To develop a fundamental understanding of the interaction between heat, fluid transport, flavor diffusion, and matrix characteristics by developing a Hybrid Mixture Theory based model.Todevelop fiber optic sensors to enable real-time flavor measurements during baking.To obtain the solution of the developed model using the finite element method, validate it with experimental data andperform computer simulations to optimize the baking process. |
| Investigating resistance to blossom end rot in tomato using a starch deficient mutant | 1034507 | NIFA Non Formula | 2026-67013-45969 | 2026 | BOYCE THOMPSON INSTITUTE FOR PLANT RESEARCH INC | Catala, C. | 03/01/2026 | 02/28/2029 | 2026 | ACTIVE | $649,672.00 | NEW YORK | 100% | 0% | 0% | Abiotic stresses, such as drought, heat, and salinity, affect negatively fruit development posing severe constraints to plant growth and productivity. Cultivated tomato, a valuable vegetable crop, is sensitive to water deficit which limits yield and affects fruit quality. A common effect of drought stress or irregular irrigation in tomato, and other fruit crops (e.g., pepper, squash, cucumber, and melon), is the development of a fruit physiological disorder called blossom end rot (BER), which results in unmarketable fruitsand important economic losses. Despite its economic importance the molecular mechanisms underlying BER development are not understood,making its prevention very difficult. Currently no cure, other than the use of specific agricultural practices and adequate fertilizer inputs, is available to reduce fruit susceptibility.Notably, knowledge of the processes involved in BER resistance is still lacking, which limits the development of resistant tomato varieties.We have observed that tomato fruit with a deficiency in starch synthesisare remarkably resistant to BER, which makes the starch-deficient fruit a unique system to investigate the resistance to this disorder. The main goal of this project is to identify the molecular changes ocurring in the starchless fruit that lead to resistance to BER damage. Our approach will focus on integrating gene expression and metabolite changes to fully characterize the stress response in the starch-deficient fruit and to identify genes that will constitute targets in strategies to improve fruit resistance to BER. Our long-term goal is to generate tomato plants resistant to BER with the potential to withstand other types of stress-induced damage.The development of tomato plants that show an increased tolerance to water stress while maintaining or even improving fruit quality, is of high economic importance and has potential long-range benefits for the sustainability of US agriculture. | The overall goal of this project is to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying the resistance of fruit tissues to blossom end rot (BER)under water stress conditions.Preliminary research in our lab has shown that fruit of a constitutive starch deficient tomato mutant are fully resistant to BER, suggesting that sugar and starch metabolism are linked to the development of this physiological disorder. We will use the tomato starch deficient mutant toidentify candidate genes and pathways that confer resistance to BER. More broadlythis project will also contribute to uncover the role of starch and sugar metabolism in water stress responses, as well as to identify target genes and metabolic pathways to improve crop productivity and performance under abiotic stress.The specific objectives of this proposal are:1.Identifythe critical transcriptional and metabolic changes responsible for the resistance to BER in the starch-deficient fruit2. Carry out the functional characterization of selected candidate genes to testtheir potential role in conferring resistance to BER. |