Recipient Organization
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
4900 MERIDIAN STREET
NORMAL,AL 35762
Performing Department
Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences
Non Technical Summary
While minorities are seriously underrepresented in the professional fields of agricultural sciences, 1890 land-grant institutions continue to be at the forefront of training this group in this and related sciences. Historically, agriculture as a profession and discipline has been perceived poorly by minority students, despite its overwhelming contributions in improving our economic growth, assurance of food security, peace, and our wellbeing throughout our history. While there is critical need to diversify the workforce in food, agriculture, natural resource and environmental sciences, our 1890 institutions continue to experience declining enrollments in these fields. The declining enrollment threatens viability and, sustainability of academic programs, the mission to serve society and particularly the underserved communities. Alabama A&M University is among several colleges and universities in the nation to have broadened the scope of its various agricultural disciplines to attract underrepresented minorities.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
We seek funding under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) to support a workshop to strengthen soil science research and training at 1890 Land-Grant institutions. The specific objectives are: (1) share concerns, ideas, resources, capacities and capabilities, and develop a national strategy and agenda to strengthen soil science research and training at 1890 institutions; (2) develop a consortium of 1890 soil scientists, identify soil science research areas and critical issues facing soil science programs at 1890 institutions; (3) address the lack of serious participation in soil research funding opportunities by 1890 institutions; (4) develop networks and linkages with 1860s and USDA-ARS scientists to strengthen soil science training at 1890 institutions.
Project Methods
A planning meeting will be held to decide the program format, topics, agenda, speakers and collaborators who will be part of the workshop. Particular emphasis will be placed on inviting soil scientists from 1890 and 1860 Land-Grant institutions. During the workshop, invitees will share knowledge on the state and future of soil science program at 1890 institutions, the latest soil research findings conducted at their institutions, and what must be done to strengthen soil science programs at 1890 institutions. Strategies will be developed on approaches scientists can best work together to address some of the most pressing issues facing our programs. We will discuss undergraduate and graduate student enrollment, successes and challenges in producing Masters and Doctorate Soil Scientists, the situation at the undergraduate level and its implications for the graduate degrees in Soil Science and related disciplines. A database listing 1890 institutions' resources related to soil science research will be finalize and shared with all the eighteen 1890 institutions.