Source: SOUTHERN UNIV submitted to NRP
STRENGTHENING GRADUATE EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRAINING IN URBAN FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES AT SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
MCINTIRE-STENNIS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1021424
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 7, 2019
Project End Date
Oct 3, 2024
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
SOUTHERN UNIV
(N/A)
BATON ROUGE,LA 70813
Performing Department
Urban Forestry & Natural Resouce Management
Non Technical Summary
The aim of this project isto address one of the three critical goals in "The McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research Program 2017 Strategic Plan" that is "to create the future generation of forestry educators, scientists, and practitioners through graduate education". Southern University and A&M College is a comprehensive institution offering certification, four-year, graduate, professional and doctoral degree programs, fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). It is part of the only Historically Black Land-Grant University System in the United States. The Department of Urban Forestry and Natural Resources has the most comprehensive urban forestry higher education program in the nation and is a leader in building a diverse, talented next generation of urban forestry and natural resources professionals for the country. As such, the overarching goal of this project is to produce future diverse and inclusive leaders and professionals including all ethnic origins (African-Americans, Asian, Pacific Islanders, American Indians, Hispanics, and White) and gendersforgovernment agencies, academia, and private industries that have solid basic training and applied skills in areas critical to the management of the nation's urban forest ecosystems and natural resources. The specific objectives are to (1) recruit diverse students including all ethnic origins and genders to pursue M.S. and PhD degrees in urban forestry through financial support (assistantships/stipends/other support) for graduate studies that integrate the research training in following priority areas: A) urban forest ecosystem services, (B) climate change - flood impacts on urban trees, C) urban forest influences on UV radiation exposure and temperature, D) urban wetland management, E) invasive species, urban agriculture, pest management, F) technological advancement and applications in urban forest ecosystem and coastal zone management, biomass utilization and bioenergy and G) urban soil restoration; (2) revise existing and/or develop new graduate courses in urban forestry to incorporate the above priority areas; (3) provide graduate research training through implementation of seven symposia/seminars on the priority areas; and (4) enhance professional development of faculty and students through supporting travel to scientific meetings as well as training workshops and field trips focusing on the above priority areas.Southern University and A&M College, an 1890 Land Grant Institution, has been collaborating with the SU Agricultural Research and Extension Center,the USDA-NIFA, the National Association of University Forest Resources Programs (NAUFRP), the 1890 Association of Research Directors, and the USDA Forest Service on research, education, and extension in urban forestry and natural resources during the last 25 years.This project has the potential to increase participation by underrepresented graduate students in the Urban Forestry graduate program (MS and Ph.D.) at Southern University and A&M College. The project will help SU recruit outstanding graduate students of diversity and inclusion, improve the graduate curricula, increasethe range of graduate-level experiential and research-based trainingopportunities, thusexpand the students' capabilities for career advancement in urban forestry and natural resource management.
Animal Health Component
60%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
20%
Applied
60%
Developmental
20%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1240699302040%
1240430107020%
1240530107010%
1240199302010%
2163110113010%
1127210205010%
Knowledge Area
112 - Watershed Protection and Management; 216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems; 124 - Urban Forestry;

Subject Of Investigation
0430 - Climate; 0199 - Soil and land, general; 0530 - Parks and urban green space; 3110 - Insects; 0699 - Trees, forests, and forest products, general; 7210 - Remote sensing equipment and technology;

Field Of Science
1130 - Entomology and acarology; 2050 - Hydrology; 1070 - Ecology; 3020 - Education;
Goals / Objectives
The overarching goal of this project is to produce future diverse and inclusive leaders and professionals including all ethnic origins (African-Americans, Asian, Pacific Islanders, American Indians, Hispanics, and White) and gendersfor government agencies, academia, and private industries that have solid basic training and applied skills in areas critical to the management of the nation's urban forest ecosystems and natural resources.The specific objectives are to (1) recruit diverse students including all ethnic origins and genders to pursue M.S. and PhD degrees in urban forestry through financial support (assistantships/stipends/other support) for graduate studies that integrate the research training in the following priority areas: A) urban forest ecosystem services, (B) climate change - flood impacts on urban trees, C) urban forest influences on UV radiation exposure and temperature, D) urban wetland management, E) invasive species, urban agriculture, pest management, F) technological advancement and applications in urban forest ecosystem and coastal zone management, biomass utilization and bioenergy and G) urban soil restoration; (2) revise existing and/or develop new graduate courses in urban forestry to incorporate the above priority areas; (3) provide graduate research training through implementation of seven symposia/seminars on the priority areas; (4) enhance the professional development of faculty and students through supporting travel to scientific meetings as well as training workshops and field trips focusing on the above priority areas.
Project Methods
Procedures to accomplish Objective 1 - Recruit minority students to pursue M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in urban forestry through financial support (stipends, assistantship and other support) for graduate studies that integrate priority research areas in: A) urban forest ecosystem services, (B) climate change - flood impacts on urban trees, C) urban forest influences on UV radiation exposure and temperature, D) urban wetland management, E) invasive species, urban agriculture, pest management, F) technological advancement and applications in urban forest ecosystem and coastal zone management, biomass utilization and bioenergy, and G) urban soil restoration.The program is expected to attract culturally diverse students from Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and other surrounding states, as well as the rest of the nation and international students. Graduates with bachelor's degrees in urban forestry, forestry, renewable natural resources, plant and soil sciences, biology, chemistry, environmental science, and other related areas will be targeted for recruitment into the program. Emphasis will be given to recruiting African-Americans into the program due to the underrepresentation of African-Americans in renewable natural resources related disciplines. Several avenues will be pursued to recruit graduate students:Recruitment: Urban forestry graduate student recruitment announcements have been made available on the website at the SU Graduate School: PhD in Urban Forestry - Program Brochure http://www.subr.edu/assets/subr/GradSchool/PhD-in-Urban-Forestry-Brochure-Final.pdfMS in Urban Forestry - Program brochures http://www.subr.edu/assets/subr/GradSchool/Master-of-Science-in-Urban-Forestry-Brochure-Final.pdfTo apply for graduate school at http://www.subr.edu/page/1567In addition, the announcement on funding support will be made available through conferences hosted by The National Society for Minorities in Natural Resources and Related Areas (MANNRS), Association of 1890 Research Directors, and the National Association of University Forest Resources Programs, and Society of the American Foresters (SAF) and its career guide. In addition, an electronic flyer will be made and distributed as a PDF file by e-mail to a list of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, 1890, and 1862 Land Grant Institutions. The flyer will emphasize the training aspects of the program and its role in preparing individuals for careers in urban forestry, and graduate research training opportunities in the priority research areas. Since many potential graduate students decide where they will apply by information provided on the web, we will enhance the quality and detail of the SU Urban Forestry graduate program on the web, link and index the site with all major web search services, update regularly with student accomplishment, placements, assistantship offerings, etc.Personal interaction: We believe that one of the most effective means of recruiting students is by way of personal interactions between faculty and prospective students via their mentors. The establishment of strong professional ties to individuals at relevant 1890 and HBCU's is vital to bringing African-Americans and other minorities into the general field of natural resource management. We will build on established linkages the SUBR Urban Forestry Program has with 1890 institutions such as Alabama A&M University, Alcorn State University, Dillard University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, and Tuskegee University. Members of our faculty will travel to these universities to present seminars and recruit students into our program. Efforts will also be made to recruit students at professional meetings such as the Association of 1890 Research Directors, MANNRS, SAF, APS, and local and regional career days and job fairs.Areas of Graduate Research: Once recruited into the program, students will choose a major professor (Thesis/Dissertation Chairperson) and, together, they will follow the graduate school policy and Department requirement to select the graduate committee members. Under the direction of the graduate committee, the students will develop their thesis or dissertation research projects addressing the priority areas. Detailed the priority research training areas are described on pages 11-26 of the proposal.Participation Support: Funds will be utilized to provide participation support for graduate students and faculty advisors to conduct research, make research presentations and host and participate in research symposia.Procedure for Objective 2 - To revise the existing courses and/or develop new graduate courses in Urban Forestry focusing on the above priority areas. The university guidelines and the graduate school policies will be followed to establish graduate courses to incorporate the above priority areas. Faculty will be provided supplies and training for revising the existing and/or developing the new courses. The current PhD in Urban Forestry - Program and Course Description is at http://www.subr.edu/assets/subr/GradSchool/Ph-D-in-Urban-Forestry.pdf And MS in Urban Forestry - Program and Course Description is at http://www.subr.edu/assets/subr/GradSchool/Master-of-Urban-Forestry.pdfProcedurefor Objective 3 - Toprovide graduate research training through the implementation of seven symposia/seminars on the priority areas. The implementation of symposia will be focusing on A) urban forest ecosystem services, (B) climate change - flood impacts on urban trees, C) urban forest influences on UV radiation exposure and temperature, D) urban wetland management, E) invasive species, urban agriculture, pest management, F) technological advancement and applications in urban forest ecosystem and coastal zone management, biomass utilization and bioenergy, and G) urban soil restoration. Detailed the priority research training areas are described on pages 11-26. Each area will have a lead faculty as shown in Fig. 1 on page 2 of the proposal who will develop a symposium/seminar to be delivered once a year.Procedurefor Objective 4 - To enhance the professional development of faculty and students through supporting travel to scientific meetings as well as training workshops and field trips focusing on the above priority areas.To enhance professional development we will support students and faculty advisors through supporting travel to scientific meetings, conferences as well as training workshops and field trips in urban forestry and natural resource arenas, e.g., conferences hosted by The National Society for Minorities in Natural Resources and Related Areas (MANNRS), Association of 1890 Research Directors, and the National Association of University Forest Resources Programs, and Society of the American Foresters (SAF).

Progress 10/01/20 to 09/30/21

Outputs
Target Audience:Graduate students from diverse population; faculty, staff, and scientists in forestry and natural resources management disciplines; professional organizations including 1890 ARD Association, Society of American Foresters, International Society of Arboriculture, Society of Municipal Arborist, Louisiana Forestry Association; state agencies such as Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, LA Department of Environmental Quality (LA DEQ); NAUFRP institutions and 1890 institutions, public and private sectors in urban forestry, forestry and natural resources. LSU Ag Center, SU Ag Center, City of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Park and Recreation Commission, and Louisiana communities. Louisiana coastal residents are most interested in hearing about how environmental issues such as flooding, hurricanes, climate change and coastal land loss are affecting their own communities. Changes/Problems:Southern University appointed and NIFA approved Dr. Zhu Ning as the ATR and project director since May 2020. However, the NIFA reporting system online was not updated to reflect the new ATR and project director. As such, Dr. Ning still cannot access the project reporting portal to upload report. Project Co-PI Dr. Kamran AAbdollahi passed away on March 4, 2021. Project Co- PI Dr. Yemane Ghebreiyessus retired effective February 1, 2021. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?We supported students for training and professional development through attend Society of American Foresters National Convention; International Society of Arboriculture Conference and Trade Show; Tree Care Industry Virtual Summit, Wildfire in Wildland Urban Interface: A Virtual Training Summit; Small Business Development Certification Training; Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certification Training; Diversity in Wildfire Management Summit III, Louisiana Academy of Sciences annual conference; National Association of African American Studies (NAAAS); and Minority Public Administrators (COMPA) conference. Dr. Manrique hosted a Graduate Student Research Symposium. She provided students with experiential learning opportunities in entomology and plant health care. One student worked as an outreach coordinator for a youth program "'Hustle & Grow" with the goal of engaging, promoting interests, and educating high school students about urban farming practices. Dr. Ning, in collaboration with Beattra Wilson of the USDA Forest Service, formulated the virtual "Career readiness through urban forest management and leadership skills training". She implemented five training modules: " Municipal Forestry Policies and Ordinances, Urban Forestry Program Administration and Park Management, ISA Arboriculture Certification Preparation, Leadership and Agriculture Career Building, and Research Procedures and Tree Plotter as Urban Forest Management Tool". In collaboration with the USDA Forest Service, Dr. Ning created and implemented a Student Leadership Apprentice Program. She also organized and hosted the Society of American Foresters 2020 National Convention closing plenary session "Today's Challenges, Tomorrow's Leaders: Empowering the Next Generation of Forestry Professionals". Dr. Abdollahi formulated the "Wildfire in Wildland Urban Interface-A Virtual Training Summit". With the collective efforts of the HBCUs, the Summit was successfully implemented. Drs. Abdollahi and Manrique coordinated a student virtual training session by Barttlet Tree Expert Company. Two of Dr. Twumasi's students got internship with NASA DEVELOP National Program and Texas Commission of Environmental Quality. Dr. Qi provided stipends to students at the entomology lab and Baton Roots Community Farm. A student completed the LSU ASPIRE research internship. One student received Louisiana Nursey and Landscape Association (LNLA) Scholarship for research. One student obtained the ISA Arborist Certification. Dr. Chris Chappell provided student trainees with in-person and virtual learning opportunities to gain hands-on experience in project management. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research results have been disseminated via at least 7 dissertations and theses. PD Dr. Ning and her students have disseminated their research results via 6 publications and 2 presentations. Co-PI Dr. Yaw and his team of students has published 1 peer-reviewed journal article, 2 journal articles accepted for publication, 5 proceedings articles, 3 journal articles in preparation, and 2 accepted conference abstracts. Their journal publications are cited by at least 9 journal articles this year. Co-PI Dr. Manrique and her team of students published 9 publications, and presented 9 papers. She participated as an invited speaker at Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certification (virtual training) in Summer 2021, provided professional service to Entomology Society of America and Louisiana State University, Department of Entomology. Dr. Qi co-authored 2 publications with Dr. Vanessa, and Co-PI Dr. Chappell authored 1 journal articles. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic impacts and project personnel changes (one Co-PI passed away, and one retired), the project will continue the work as planned in the Plan of Research to achieve the goals and objectives. We will continue training, mentor and produce diverse graduate students for the forestry and natural resources workforce. We will continue to equip students with solid research skill training and applied skills in areas critical to the management of the nation's urban forest ecosystems and natural resources. The project faculty will continue working with graduate students to conduct research, publish the results, and encourage students to attend workshops, seminars and conferences. The project will continue enhancing teaching, research, and extension in the priority areas.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Climate change: PD Dr. Zhu Hua Ning leads the research and students training on "Quantify carbon export through vegetation, biomass, and land use change analysis of two contrasting sites across the Mississippi River Delta Plain". The results were reported by two SU students in their dissertation and thesis titled "Quantify Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus in Wetlands soils at Barataria Bay and Wax Lake Delta, Louisiana" and "Vegetation health, Biomass, Carbon Storage, and Land Cover of Wax Lake Delta and Barataria Bay, Louisiana". Co-PI Dr. Yaw Twumasi also leads his graduate students to conduct research on "Integrating Green, Blue, and Grey Infrastructure to Mitigate the Effects of Climate Change: Case Study in Lagos, Nigeria" and "Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Growth and Fruit Production Pepper in Louisiana". Invasive species, urban agriculture, and pest management: Co-PI Dr. Veronica Manrique leads the research and graduate student training on "Managing invasive species affecting urban and natural environments in Louisiana". Partnership was established with Baton Roots Community Farm to develop integrated pest management strategies against insect pests affecting vegetable producers in Louisiana. Students finished two dissertations and one thesis titled "Enhancing Urban Agriculture Though Research and Outreach: Ensuring Food Security in Louisiana"; "Evaluating the Effects of Lilioceris Cheni (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae) as a Biological Control Agent of Air Potato in Louisiana"; and "How Environmental factors in Louisiana Affect the Performance of Lilioceris Cheni (Chrysomelidae), a Biological Control Agent of Air Potato". She obtained three grants and projects from USDA-APHIS PPQ and USDA-Forest Service totaling $197,828. Urban forest influences on UV radiation exposure and temperature: Co-PI Dr. Yadong Qi and her post doc Dr. Vanessa Ferchaud lead the research and graduate student training on dissertation research topics "Effects of Southern Live Oak Tree Canopies on Reduction of Solar Ultraviolet-B (UVB) and Ultraviolet-A (UVA) Radiation in the Urban Environment", "Quantifying Effects of Tree Canopy on UV-A, UV-B and Air Temperature in Urban Environment", and "Quantify tree canopy interception power of direct, diffused, and total photosynthetic active radiation at five specific wavelengths." Technological advancement and applications in urban forest ecosystem and coastal zone management: Co-PI Dr. Yaw Twumasi leads the research and student training on dissertation and thesis topics "Assessment of land Cover, Atmospheric Data, Human Population, and Water Quality Changes: The Case of River Niger Delta" and "Strategic Planning of the Right Tree in the Right Space for a Sustainable Green Solution for Urban Communities". Urban wetland management: Co-PI Dr. Chris Chappell is leading his graduate students to conduct research on "Quantifying the performance of an artificial peat wetland structural soil (JAG Soil) in constructed urban wetlands to reduce flash flood risk". Biomass utilization, bioenergy and urban soil restoration: Co-PI Dr. Kamran Abdollahi led a team of students to create the Bioenergy and Biochar Innovation Initiative that was selected and recognized at the Emerging Researchers in STEM National Convention sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), which resulted in five graduate students receiving monetary awards. The project was featured in the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality publication "Discover", and its results have been disseminated in multiple outlets. CO-PI Dr. Yaw leads his student to conduct research on "Bioenergy: Promoting Efficient Conversion of Agricultural Biomass into Sustainable Renewable Energy" and "Impacts of biochar application on soil processes, properties and activities". Urban forest ecosystem services: PD Dr. Ning and Co-PI Dr. Abdollahi led the research and training that resulted in students successfully finished their dissertations titled "Assessing Urban Forest Effects and Values Using i-Tree Eco Model for the City of Zachary in Louisiana", and "Mapping, Spatial and Temporal Modeling of Urban Heat Island in Baton Rouge, LA". One doctoral student is finalizing her research on "Campus Urban Forests as a Therapeutic Recreation Hub: Exploratory Study of Student's Perception". Recruitment and course contents enhancement: The project provided assistantships that enabled recruitment from diverse ethnic origins and genders to pursue M.S. and PhD degrees in urban forestry and natural resources. We recruited 15 new Ph.D. students which is 33% increase compared to the student number in spring 2020. We recruited 19 new students, which is 150% increase compared to the student number in spring 2020. Research projects are incorporated into graduate classes in both Ph.D. and M.S. level. Faculty members revised and enhanced the course contents of many graduate courses.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Suslu, H., Z. Ning, and K. Abdollahi, 2021. Vegetation Health, Biomass, and Landuse Change of Wax Lake Delta and Barataria Bay. Journal of Forestry, 119 (2).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Ning, Z.H. 2021. Cultural Connection with Land and Natural Resources. Journal of Forestry, 119 (2)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Loh, P., S. Amankwah, F. Owusu, A. Asare-Anash, D. Frimpong, A. Yeboah, J. Oppong, Y. Twumasi, and J. Bosco-Namwamba (SUBR) Impact of Urban Development on Sustainable Urban Forest Management: A land-cover change assessment in Accra, Ghana. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting program, Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 14. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Owusu, F., Asare-Ansah, D., Frimpong, S. Amankwah, A. Yeboah, P. Loh, J. Oppong, Y. Twumasi, J. Bosco Namwamba (SUBR) Assessing the impact of climate change on the yield of pepper production in Louisiana. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting program, Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 14. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Asare-Ansah, A., D. Frimpong, S. Amankwah, A., Yeboah, P. Loh, F. Owusu, Y. Twumasi, J, and BoscoNamwamba (SUBR) Monitoring aerosol concentrations in the Sahara Desert using Google Earth Engine. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting program, Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 14. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Amankwah, S., F. Owusu, A. Boatemaa, D. Frimpong, A. Yeboah, P. Loh, J. Oppong, Y. Twumasi, and, J. Namwamba (SUBR) Monitoring the extent of Illegal Mining (Galamsey) in Ghana. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting program, Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 18. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Majors, S., Z. Ning, and K. Abdollahi, 2021. Assessing Ecological Benefits of Trees in Five Urban Parks in Baton Rouge, LA. Journal of Forestry, 119 (2).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Frimpong, D., A. Asare-Ansah, S. Amankwah, A. Yeboah, P. Loh, F. Owusu, Y. Twumasi, and J. Bosco-Namwamba (SUBR) Urbanization and the emergence of slums: Case Study of Jamestown, Accra. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting program, Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 9. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Ferchaud, V., Qi, Y., Manrique, V., & Chin, K. (2021). Localization and Quantification of Ultraviolet Radiation Absorbing Compounds in Leaves of Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora L.). Microscopy and Microanalysis, 27(S1), 2290-2292. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927621008230 (SCI IF: 4.127)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Ferchaud, V., Qi, Y., & Chin, K. (2020). Localization and Quantification of Total UV Absorbing Compounds in Green Ash (Fraxinus Pennsylvanica). Microscopy and Microanalysis, Volume 26 (S2), 344-347. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927620014336 (SCI IF: 4.127)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Yaw A. Twumasi (2021). Use of GIS and Remote Sensing Data to Track Wildfires from Space. 1890 Land Grant Institution Wildland Fire Consortium: Wildfire in Wildland Urban Interface: A Virtual Training Summit. March 16  17, 2021.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Bosco-Namwamba, J, Y.A. Twumasi, R. Okwemba, B. Osimbo, J. Oppong, and C. Akinrinwoye. (2021). Using Google Earth/ArcGIS for temporal modeling of urban tree benefits, urban heat islands, land cover and flora inventory in East Baton Rouge. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting, Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 9. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Namwamba, J., Y. Twumasi, R. Okwemba, B. Osimbo, C. Akinrinwoye, J. Oppong, and S. Olwochi. (2021). Applying the normal distribution generator to determine tolerance spans of modeled death rates of developed countries. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences .95th Annual Meeting. Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 13. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Loh, P., S. Amankwah, F. Owusu, A. Asare-Anash, D. Frimpong, A. Yeboah, J. Oppong, Y.A. Twumasi, and J. Bosco-Namwamba. (2021). Impact of Urban Development on Sustainable Urban Forest Management: A land-cover change assessment in Accra, Ghana. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting. Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 14. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Owusu, F., Asare-Ansah, D., Frimpong, S. Amankwah, A. Yeboah, P. Loh, J. Oppong, Y.A. Twumasi, J. Bosco-Namwamba. (2021). Assessing the impact of climate change on the yield of pepper production in Louisiana. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting. Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 14. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Oppong, J., Y.A. Twumasi, J.B. Namwamba, R. Okewemba, and C. Akinrinwoye. (2021). Disaster management and risk reduction in slum communities in Accra, Ghana. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting. Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 14. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Twumasi, Y.A., E. Merem, J. Bosco-Namwamba, R. Okwemba, J. Wesley, J. Oppong, C. Akinrinwoye, K. LaCour-Conant. (2021). The Assessment of Dairy Production and Milk Use: The Case Africa Using GIS. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting. Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 14. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Oppong, J., Y.A. Twumasi, J.B. Namwamba, R. Okewemba, and C. Olufunke. (2021). Growth management as a tool for waste management in the Accra metropolitan area in Ghana. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting. Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 14. Website:http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Namwamba, J.B., K. Abdollahi, Y.A. Twumasi, B. Osimbo, C. Olufunke, and J. Oppong. (2021). Spatial and temporal non-casual correlational modeling for atmospheric data and its application in estimating ambient air-cooling benefits by urban trees in urban environments in United States. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting. Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 14. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Oppong, J., Y.A. Twumasi, J.B. Namwamba, R. Okewemba, and C. Akinrinwoye. (2021). Environmental justice concerns in mining communities in Ghana: the case of Kenyashi. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting. Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 15. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Akinrinwoye, C., Y.A. Twumasi, J. Bosco, J. Oppong, B. Osimbo, and R. Okwemba. (2021). An analysis of climate and land cover changes Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting. Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 15. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Amankwah, S., F. Owusu, A. Boatemaa, D. Frimpong, A. Yeboah, P. Loh, J. Oppong, Y.A. Twumasi, and J. Namwamba. (2021). Monitoring the extent of Illegal Mining (Galamsey) in Ghana. Paper presented at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences 95th Annual Meeting. Saturday, March 13, 2021. Online Hosting by Louisiana Tech University. page 18. Website: http://laacademy.org/LAS2021/95_LAS_Program_Final.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Namwamba, J.B., Twumasi, Y.A., B. M. Osimbo, Judith Oppong, R.O. Okwemba and Caroline Akinriwoye. (2021). Caroline Akinriwoye, Mathematical Proof Justifying the Modeling of Predictive Correlational Non-Causal Models and Its Application in Hydrological Data Research. In Proceedings of the National Association of African American Studies - NAAAS & Affiliates 29th Joint National VIRTUAL Conference. February 15-20, 2021 proceedings. Dallas, Texas.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Namwamba, J.B., Twumasi, Y.A., B. M. Osimbo, Judith Oppong, R.O. Okwemba and Caroline Akinriwoye. (2021). Caroline Akinriwoye, Restoration of Surface Water Bodies with Oil Spill Using Environmentally Friendly Equipment. In Proceedings of the National Association of African American Studies - NAAAS & Affiliates 29th Joint National VIRTUAL Conference. February 15-20, 2021 proceedings. Dallas, Texas.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Manrique, V., Charity Schaffer, Felicia Amenyo and Rodrigo Diaz. Title Delivering the goods: Biological control of air potato in Louisiana. Southeastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America, March 29-31, 2021.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Diaz, R., V. Manrique, Dora Sevor and Gregory Wheeler. Title Opportunities for collaboration: Preparing for Biological control of Chinese tallow in Louisiana. Southeastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America, March 29-31, 2021.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Manrique, V., Yadong Qi, Felicia Amenyo and Shivonne Marshall. Title Building bridges: Advocate Entomology at minority serving Institutions. Southeastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America, March 29-31, 2021.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Manrique, V., D. Sevor, C. Omoyele, G. Wheeler, and R. Diaz. Title: Effect of herbivory pressure on Chinese tallow growth in Louisiana: Prospects for Biological Control. Oral presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America (virtual). November 11-25, 2020.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Manrique, V. Title Biological Control of air potato in Louisiana. Oral presentation at North American Invasive Species Association (NAISMA) Conference (virtual). October 28, 2020.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Felicia Amenyo: Poster presentation at Southeastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America, March 29-31, 2021. Title Thermal ecology of the air potato beetle: Implications for biological control along environmental gradients. First place award at Student Competition (PhD Student Session II).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Felicia Amenyo: Oral Presentation at Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America (virtual). November 11-25, 2020. Title: Effect of extreme temperatures on the performance of Lilioceris cheni (Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent of air potato in Louisiana. First place award at ten-minute papers at Student Competition (PIE - Biocontrol 3).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Charity Schaffer: Oral Presentation at Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America (virtual). November 11-25, 2020. Title: Post-release evaluation of the biological control program of air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) in Louisiana.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Shivonne Marshall: Poster Presentation at Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America (virtual). November 11-25, 2020. Title: Use of Pull-Push strategies to manage pests in tomato crops in Louisiana.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Ning, Z. and SAF, 2020. Today's Challenges, Tomorrow's Leaders: Empowering the Next Generation of Forestry Professionals. Nov 3, 2020. Plenary session of the Society of American Foresters 2020 National Convention.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Ning, Z. 2021. Cultivating Leadership and Diversity. 2021 Pacific Northwest Leadership Conference -Forestry: Leadership for the True Social Distancing Profession, February 12, 2021. Invited Speaker.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Twumasi, Yaw A., Jacob B. Annan, Edmund C. Merem, John B. Namwamba, Tomas Ayala-Silva, Zhu H. Ning, Abena B. Asare-Ansah, Judith Oppong, Diana B. Frimpong, Priscilla M. Loh, Faustina Owusu, Lucinda A. Kangwana, Olipa S. Mwakimi, Brilliant M. Petja, Ronald Okwemba, Caroline O. Akinrinwoye, Hermeshia J. Mosby, Joyce McClendon-Peralta (2021). Time Series Analysis on Selected Rainfall Stations Data in Louisiana Using ARIMA Approach. Open Journal of Statistics. (Vol.11 No.5). Page 655-672. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/ojs.2021.115039. Website of the Journal: https://www.scirp.org/journal/ojs/ Website of the Paper: https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=112299
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Manrique, V. Instagram Account featuring research, extension and teaching activities conducted at the Entomology Laboratory, Southern University. https://www.instagram.com/su_entomology_lab/
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Felicia Amenyo, 2021. Dissertation: How environmental factors in Louisiana affect the performance of Lilioceris cheni (Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent of air potato. UMI ProQuest LLC. Advisor: Dr. Veronica Manrique
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Shivonne Marshall, 2021. Thesis: Enhancing urban agriculture through research and outreach: Ensuring food security in Louisiana. UMI ProQuest LLC. Advisor: Dr. Veronica Manrique
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Amenyo, F., V. Manrique and R. Diaz. 2021. Manual for Implementing Biological Control of Air Potato in Louisiana. https://www.suagcenter.com/assets/suag/Entomology_Content/AP-MANUAL_Final.pdf
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Richard Bogren. 2020. Press Release by LSU AgCenter: New bug attacks elephant ear plants. Featuring Dr. R. Diaz (LSU) and Dr. Manrique (SU). https://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/rbogren/articles/page1604612595793
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Manrique, V. Biological control of air potato in Louisiana. Brochure publication. https://www.suagcenter.com/assets/suag/Urban_Forestry/Air-Potato-Brochure-final-version-2020.pdf
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: John Namwamba, 2021. MAPPING, SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL MODELING OF URBAN HEAT ISLANDS IN BATON ROUGE, LA. UMI ProQuest LLC. Advisor: Dr. Kamran Abdollahi.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Charity Schaffer, 2020. Dissertation: Evaluating the efficacy of Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) as a biological control agent of air potato in Louisiana. UMI ProQuest LLC. Advisor: Dr. Veronica Manrique
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Darrell Street, 2020. ASSESSING URBAN FOREST EFFECTS AND VALUES USING i-TREE ECOSYSTEM MODEL FOR THE CITY OF ZACHARY IN LOUISIANA. UMI ProQuest LLC. Advisor: Dr. Kamran Abdollahi.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Hande Suslu, 2020. Vegetation Health, Biomass, Carbon Storage, and Land Cover Change of Wax Lake Delta and Barataria Bay in Louisiana. Doctoral Dissertation. UMI ProQuest LLC. Dr. Zhu Ning-Dissertation Advisor.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Simbrey Majors, 2020. Quantify Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus in Wetland Soils at Barataria Bay and Wax Lake Delta, Louisiana. Masters thesis. UMI ProQuest LLC. Dr. Zhu Ning-thesis advisor.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Diaz, R., V. Manrique, and G. Wheeler. 2020. A new management tool for Chinese tallow trees: Biological control. Timber Tales: 169, 4-5.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Manrique, V., R. Diaz, and R. Valverde. 2020. Die-back of elephant ear in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Aquatic Plant News, The Newsletter of the Aquatic Plant Management Society Inc., Issue 125: 9.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Ning, Z., W. Thomas, and K. Abdollahi, 2021. Quantifying Photosynthesis, Stomatal Conductance and Transpiration of Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) in Response to Flooding. Journal of Forestry, 119(2).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Ning, Z. 2021. Elevating Urban Forestry Education to New Heights. City Trees Journal, 3:11-20.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Majors, S., Z. Ning, and K. Abdollahi, 2021. Comparative Soil Carbon and Nutrient Analyses of Barataria Bay and Wax Lake Delta in Louisiana. Journal of Forestry, 119(2).


Progress 10/07/19 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:Graduate students from all ethnic origins (African-Americans, Asian, Pacific Islanders, American Indians, Hispanics, and Whites) and genders interested in urban forestry and natural resources management; faculty mentors, staff, and scientists in urban forestry and natural resources management disciplines including ecology, environmental science, climate change, physiology, entomology and pathology, soil science, and GIS/RS and hydrology. Park managers, landscapers, conservationists, foresters, farmers, homeowners, entomologists, and pest control specialists. Federal agencies including USDA-NIFA, USDA-NRCS, and USDA-FS; professional organizations including 1890 ARD Association, Society of American Foresters, International Society of Arboriculture, Society of Municipal Arborist, Louisiana Forestry Association; state agencies such as Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, LA Department of Environmental Quality (LA DEQ); NAUFRP institutions and 1890 institutions, public and private sectors in urban forestry, forestry and natural resources. LSU Ag Center, SU Ag Center, City of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Park and Recreation Commission, and Louisiana communities. Louisiana coastal residents are most interested in hearing about how environmental issues such as flooding, hurricanes, climate change and coastal land loss are affecting their own communities. Changes/Problems:Due to COVID-19 Pandemic impact since March 2020, Southern University Urban Forestry Dept has been forced to change from traditional (face-face) instructions toheavily online and hybrid modality. The urban forestry laboratories including the GIS lab wereclosed for cleaning and sanitizing. This delayed access to the labs and other resources in relation to research which require the use of GIS and remote sensing software, and other lab equipment. In May 2020, there was achange in project director for the project from Dr. Yadong Qi, the former Department Chair to Dr. Zhu Ning, the newly elected Department Chair. A Project CoPI Dr. Yemane Ghebreiyessus plans to retirefrom Southern University effective February 1, 2021.We will invite a new soil scientist when hired to join our project team. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As indicated above, the project provided the program faculty, staff, and graduate students training and professional development opportunities through offering training workshops, symposia, seminars, and participating in and presenting at the international, national, and regional conferences in urban forestry and natural resources. One of the highlights was the participation by the project faculty and graduate students at the 2019 Society of American Foresters (SAF) annual convention, Oct. 30 - Nov. 3, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. The convention was the major forestry conference to disseminate the results to about 1,500 - 2,000 participants. Four project faculty members and 13 urban forestry graduate students from SU attended the 2019 SAFNational Convention, and made a total of 16 presentations including five oral and 11 poster presentations. The topics of the presentations covered the up-to-date research in the areas of urban forest ecophysiology, ecology, ecosystem analysis, social science and education, forest fire management, GIS/remote sensing, bioenergy, coastal research, and global climate change. One graduate student was selected as the SAF diversity ambassador. The faculty and students gained professional development and developed professional networks with their peers. In summary, the project has provided graduate assistantships and travel funds to underserved and diverse graduate students to enable them to receive hands-on training in the priority areas, and opportunities to assist in teaching, research and service in urban forestry and natural resources. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Nine graduate students successfully completed their degree requirements, earned their respective degrees during the 2019-2020 academic year. They generated 6 PhD dissertations, 1 MS thesis, and 2 MS capstone projects. The project faculty and staff and graduate students published 6 refereed articles in journal such as: Atmospheric and Climate Sciences journal, Journal of Geographic Information System, International Journal of Geosciences, Microscopy and Microanalysis journal, Aquatic Plant News, and Timber Tales. They attended variouslocal, regional, national and international meetings, made 25presentations, and disseminated information through website, social media, factsheets and educational aids as documented in the Products -publication and Other Products sections. To enhance the national and international awareness and recruitment effort, the "Study Urban Forestry at Southern University and A&M College" advertisement was published by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) College Guide 2019 at https://www.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=625395. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic impact and project personnel change, the project will continue to achieve its goal that is to produce future diverse and inclusive leaders and professionals including all ethnic origins (African-Americans, Asian, Pacific Islanders, American Indians, Hispanics, and White) and genders for government agencies, academia, and private industries that have solid basic training and applied skills in areas critical to the management of the nation's urban forest ecosystems and natural resources. The project will continue to accomplish the four objectives, which are to (1) recruit diverse students including all ethnic origins and genders to pursue M.S. and PhD degrees in urban forestry through financial support (assistantships/other support) for graduate studies that integrate the research training in following priority areas: A) urban forest ecosystem services, (B) climate change - flood impacts on urban trees, C) urban forest influences on UV radiation exposure and temperature, D) urban wetland management, E) invasive species, urban agriculture, pest management, F) technological advancement and applications in urban forest ecosystem and coastal zone management, biomass utilization and bioenergy and G) urban soil restoration; (2) revise existing and/or develop new graduate courses in urban forestry to incorporate the above priority areas; (3) provide graduate research training through implementation of seven symposia/seminars on the priority areas; and (4) enhance professional development of faculty and students through supporting travel to scientific meetings as well as training workshops and field trips focusing on the above priority areas. The project faculty will continue working with graduate students to conduct research and publish the results and to encourage the graduates to attend workshops, seminars and conferences. The project will continue enhancing teaching, research, and extension in the priority areas.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Accomplishments for the Objective (1) - During the first year of the project from October7, 2019 to September 30, 2020, the Department of Urban Forestry and Natural Resources at Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA recruited 13 new graduate students including 6 MS and 7 PhD students. Among the new students, 6 (3 MS and 3 PhD) were admitted for and enrolled in Fall 2019 semester and 7 (3 MS and 4 PhD) were admitted for and enrolled in spring 2020. These students represented diverse ethnic origins including Black (9 students), Asian (1), and White (3), genders (9 female and 4 males), and domestic (10) and international students (3).The project provided partial financial support in the form of graduate assistantships to 7 newly recruited graduate students and 12 existing graduate students. Majority of the urban forestry graduate students have been pursuing their graduate studies that integrate the research and training in the project priority areas including: A) urban forest ecosystem services with 2 MS and 5 PhD students, (B) climate change - flood impacts on urban trees with 1MS and onePhD student, C) urban forest influences on UV radiation exposure and temperature with 4 PhD students, D) urban wetland management with 1MS student, E) invasive species, urban agriculture, pest management with 3 MS and 1 PhD student, F) technological advancement and applications in urban forest ecosystem and coastal zone management, biomass utilization and bioenergy with 1 MS and 4 PhD students, and G) urban soil restoration with 1 MS and 1 PhD student. Accomplishments for the Objective (2) -To enhance the urban forestry curricula for graduate studies that integrate the research training in project priority areas of: E) invasive species, urban agriculture, pest management and G) urban soil restoration, one existing PhD level elective course, UFOR 723 Urban Soil and Urban Trees (3 credits), was revised and elevated to the required core course list of the urban forestry PhD curriculum and one new PhD level course, UFOR 712 Urban Plant Entomology (3 credits), was developed as a core course. In addition, one existing MS level elective course, UFOR 532 Nutrition of Urban Trees (3 credits), was revised and elevated to the required core course list in the urban forestry master's curriculum. All the changes were incorporated into the Southern University 2019-2023 Graduate School Catalog. Accomplishments for the Objective (3) - Project Co-PI Dr. Kamran Abdollahi offered research seminars and training to urban forestry graduate students focusing on the priority area of: A) urban forest ecosystem services through a seminar course entitled "Research Problems in Urban Forestry (UFOR 501)" in fall 2019 semester. He provided research training to graduate students on assessing the urban forest structure and functions using "i-Tree Eco" modeling tool along with PI Dr. Zhu Ning. One PhD student working on the urban ecosystem assessment of the City of Baker, LA successfully graduated with a PhD degree in Fall 2019 under Dr. Abdollahi. PI Dr. Zhu Ning offered research seminars and training to urban forestry graduate students on the priority area (B) climate change - flood impacts on urban trees using ecophysiolocal approaches. One PhD student working under Dr Ning on ecophysiology of crepe myrtle affected by flooding and elevated CO2, successfully graduated with a PhD degree in Fall 2019. Dr. Ning offered the Proposal Development course (UFOR 722) in Spring 2020, through which urban forestry PhD students received rigorous training in research proposal development and technical writing. Project Co-PIs Drs. Yadong Qi and Vanessa Ferchaud offered research seminars and training to urban forestry graduate students focusing on the priority area of: C) urban forest influences on UVB and UVA radiation exposure and temperature, and UV induced DNA damage and genetic consequences. Two PhD students working under Dr. Qi, one on the UV induced DNA damage in selected Southern tree species and the other on flood hazard mitigation practices for a sustainable city in Baton Rouge, successfully graduated with their PhD degrees in summer 2020. Project Co-PI Dr. Christopher Chappell provided research training and seminars to the graduate students in the priority area of D) urban wetland management. His team focused on assessing the potential of urban forested wetlands in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and improving flood resilience in Louisiana. Project Co-PI Dr. Veronica Manrique provided research training and seminars to the graduate students in the priority area of E) invasive species, urban agriculture, pest management. Her team focused on developing cutting-edge research on invasive species affecting Louisiana including biological control of air potato and Chinese tallow, and pest management strategies for urban agriculture. One MS student working under Dr. Manrique on Chinese tallow biological control successfully graduated with a MS Degree in Urban Forestry in Fall 2019. Urban forestry PhD students also gained technical knowledge and training in contemporary topics focusing on various priority areas through Urban Forest Seminar (UFOR 705) course offered by Dr. Manrique in Spring 2020. Project Co-PIs Dr. Yaw Twumasi and Dr. Abdollahi provided research training and seminars in the priority area of F) technological advancement and applications in urban forest ecosystem and coastal zone management, biomass utilization and bioenergy. To understand the tools used in the research, graduate students went through rigorous training via zoom in summer 2020 under Dr. Twumasi to gain hands-on training on GIS and remote sensing software. Two PhD students working under Dr. Abdollahi, one studying the impact of biochar application on urban soil carbon dioxide flux and tree growth, and the other studying the conversion of urban forest cellulosic waste to bioethanol, bio-oil and biochar in Louisiana, were successfully graduated with their PhD degrees in fall 2019. Two MS students working under Dr. Twumasi, one on the impact on water quality in Louisiana due to extreme flooding, and the other on a GIS/RS approach to better understand urban air pollutants, were successfully graduated with their MS degrees in spring 2020. Project CoPI Dr. Yemane Ghebreiyessus focused on priority area of G) urban soil restoration. He offered seminars on urban agriculture and urban gardening through SU Ag Center and provided research training to graduate students on evaluation of plant canopy cover, relationships between soil properties and erosion for the SU's Scott Bluff, the effects of urban trees and compost as soil amendment for Katrina-flooded ninth ward of New Orleans, and the ecological assessment of SU's Mississippi River Bank (Scott's Bluff). Accomplishments for the Objective (4) - The project provided travel funds to support the faculty and graduate students to attend several scientific and professional meetings, present papers and gain professional development opportunities. These meetings included: 1) 2019 SAF National Convention, 2) 77th Professional Agricultural Workers 2019 Conference, 3) 2020 Louisiana Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting, 4) 2020 American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) Annual Conference and International LiDAR Mapping Forum (ILMF), 5) 2020 Annual Meeting of Microscopy and Microanalysis (virtual due to COVID-19 Pandemic), 6) 2020 Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, and so on. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, many meetings and classes were delivered in virtual platforms, as such, project faculty has been receiving training on teaching online courses and participating in numerous trainings including Moodle, LiveText, Quality Matter online teaching, Zoom, MS Teams, Concourse, etc. The faculty and students have attended many on-line seminars and workshops for professional development.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Twumasi, Yaw A., Edmund C. Merem, John B. Namwamba, Tomas Ayala-Silva, Ronald Okwemba, Olipa S. Mwakimi, Kamran Abdollahi, Onyumbe E. Ben Lukongo, Kellyn LaCour-Conant, Joshua Tate, Caroline O. Akinrinwoye. (2020). Modeling the risks of climate change and global warming to humans settled in low elevation coastal zones in Louisiana, U.S.A. Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, volume 10 No.3, pages 298-318. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/acs.2020.103017
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Twumasi, Yaw A., Edmund C. Merem, John B. Namwamba, Ronald Okwemba, Tomas Ayala-Silva, Kamran Abdollahi, Onyumbe E. Ben Lukongo, Joshua Tate, Kellyn La Cour-Conant, Caroline O. Akinrinwoye. (2020). Use of GIS and Remote Sensing Technology as a Decision Support Tool in Flood Disaster Management: The Case of Southeast Louisiana, U.S.A. Journal of Geographic Information System, volume 12 No.2, pages 141-157, DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/jgis.2020.122009
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Twumasi, Yaw A., Edmund C. Merem, John B. Namwamba, Sabrina A. Welch, Tomas Ayala-Silva, Ronald Okwemba, Kamran Abdollahi, Onyumbe E. Ben Lukongo, Kellyn LaCour-Conant, Joshua Tate, Caroline O. Akinrinwoye. Spatial Distribution of Toxic Sites in Louisiana, U.S.A.: The GIS Perspectives. (2020). International Journal of Geosciences, volume 11 no. 4, pages 288-303, DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/ijg.2020.114015
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Manrique, V., R. Diaz, and R. Valverde. 2020. Die-back of elephant ear in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Aquatic Plant News, The Newsletter of the Aquatic Plant Management Society Inc., Issue 125: 9.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Diaz, R., V. Manrique, and G. Wheeler. 2020. A new management tool for Chinese tallow trees: Biological control. Timber Tales: 169, 4-5.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Vanessa Ferchaud, Yadong Qi*, and Kit Chin. 2020. Localization and Quantification of Total UV Absorbing Compounds in Green Ash (Fraxinus Pennsylvanica). Microscopy and Microanalysis, Volume 26 (S2):344-347, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927620014336
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Manrique, V. Developed Fact Sheets of tree insect pests common in Louisiana: 1) Formosan Termite (Coptotermes formosanus); 2) Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis); 3) Asian Ambrosia Beetle (Xylosandrus crassiusculus); 4) Buck Moth Caterpillar (Hemileuca maia); Tea Scale (Fiorinia theae), Crape Myrtle Bark Scale (Eriococcus lagerstroemiae); Southern Yellow Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) at https://www.suagcenter.com/page/Entomology.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Manrique, V, and C. Schaffer. Bugs for my tiny hands. Educational video for K12 students to engage in insect collection and love for nature, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy6D8UQCzFI
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Richard Bogren. 2020. Press Release by LSU AgCenter: New bug attacks elephant ear plants. Featuring Dr. R. Diaz (LSU) and Dr. Manrique (SU). https://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/rbogren/articles/page1604612595793
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: SU Dept of Urban Forestry and Natural Resources, 2019. Study Urban Forestry at Southern University and A&M College, page 9 and page 30. SAF College Guide 2019 https://www.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=61654&i=625395&p=30
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Swathi Kasibhatla. 2020. UV-B Induced DNA Damage in Select Southern Tree Species. 396pp. Ph.D. Dissertation, Southern University, Summer 2020. UMI ProQuest LLC. (Dissertation Advisors/Co-Chairs: Dr. Yadong Qi and Dr. Rao Uppu)
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Alexis Smith. 2020. The Development of Flood Hazard Mitigation Practices for a Sustainable City in Baton Rouge. 222pp. Southern University PhD Dissertation, Summer 2020. UMI ProQuest LLC. (Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Yadong Qi)
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Udaykiran Bhuma. 2019. Conversion of Urban Forest Cellulosic Waste to Bioethanol, Bio oil and Bio char in Louisiana. Southern University PhD Dissertation, Fall 2019. UMI ProQuest LLC. (Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Kamran Abdollahi)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Wilbert Thomas. 2019. Quantifying Photosynthesis, Stomatal Conductance and Transpiration Response of Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) to Flooding at Elevated CO2 Settings. Southern University PhD Dissertation, Fall 2019. UMI ProQuest LLC. (Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Zhu Ning)
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Dorcas Falodun. 2019. Urban Forest Ecosystem Analysis for Baker, LA Using i-Tree Eco Model. Southern University PhD Dissertation, Fall 2019. UMI ProQuest LLC. (Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Kamran Abdollahi)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Olushola Falodun. 2019. Impact of Biochar Urban Soil Amendment on Soil Carbon Dioxide Flux and Shoot Growth of Live Oak Saplings in Louisiana. Southern University PhD Dissertation, Fall 2019. UMI ProQuest LLC. (Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Kamran Abdollahi)
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Dora Sevor. 2019. Studies on plant performance and demographics of Chinese tallow (triadica sebifera), an invasive tree in Louisiana. Southern University MS Thesis 58 pp, Fall 2019. UMI ProQuest LLC. (Thesis Advisor: Dr. Veronica Manrique)
  • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Joshua Tate. 2020. A GIS/Remote Sensing Approach to better Understand Urban Air Pollutants Using Temporal, Quantitative and Georeferenced Data. Southern University MS Capstone Project, Spring 2020. (Capstone advisor: Dr. Yaw Twumasi)
  • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Tevin Huson. 2020. The Impact on Water Quality in Louisiana due to Extreme Flooding. Southern University MS Capstone Project, Spring 2020. (Capstone advisor: Dr. Yaw Twumasi)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Eman El Dakkak, Yadong Qi and Vanessa Ferchaud. 2019. Effects of Quercus virginiana Tree Canopies on Reduction of Solar Ultraviolet-B Radiation in Urban Environment. In 2019 Society of American Foresters (SAF) National Convention, October 30- November 2, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: V. Ferchaud, Y. Qi and K.L. Chin. 2019. Quantification and Localization of Ultraviolet Radiation Absorbing Compounds in Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora L.) Species. In 2019 Society of American Foresters (SAF) National Convention. October 30- November 02, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Journal of Forestry, Volume 118, Issue 2, March 2020
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: L. Dasari, Y. Qi, V. Ferchaud, J. Hanson, W. Gao, G. Hanson, and B. Olson. Assessing Air Temperature Reduction by Single Tree Canopies: A Case Study of Quercus virginiana. In 2019 Society of American (SAF) National Convention. Abstract. October 30  November 02, 2019. Louisville, KY. Journal of Forestry, Volume 118, Issue 2, March 2020
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: O. Okwusi, Y. Qi, V. Ferchaud, W. Gao, G. Janson, B. Olson and G. Heisler. Assessment of Tree Canopy Interception of Photosynthetic Active Radiation: A Case Study of Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) During Clear-sky Days. In 2019 Society of American Foresters (SAF) National Convention, Abstract. October 30  November 02, 2019. Louisville, KY. Journal of Forestry, Volume 118, Issue 2, March 2020
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Twumasi, Yaw A., Edmund C. Merem, John B. Namwamba, Simbrey Majors, Caroline Akinrinwoye and Christopher J. Rogers. (2020). Coupling LiDAR DEM and remote sensing data to support urban flood management in Baton Rouge. Paper Accepted in American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) Annual Conference and International LiDAR Mapping Forum (ILMF). March 23-25, 2020. Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC. USA. Website: https://www.asprs.org
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Yaw A. Twumasi, Edmund C. Merem, John B. Namwamba, Sabrina A. Welch, Kamran Abdollahi, Felicia Amenyo, Obiageli J. Okwusi, Ronald Okwemba, Caroline O. Akinrinwoye, Joshua Tate and Temitope Haastrup. (2019). Changes of urban green spaces and their driving forces: A case study of Lagos, Nigeria. Accepted abstract (ID # 216) to be presented in the Society of American Foresters (SAF) 2019 National Convention. October 30 - November 3, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Website: https://www.eforester.org/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: S. Kashibhatla, V. Ferchaud, Y. Qi and R.M. Uppu, 2020. Ultraviolet B Radiation-Induced DNA Damage in Southern Oak Tree Species"; Presentation at the 59th Annual Meeting of Society of Toxicology; Anaheim, California. March 2020.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: S. Kasibhatla, V. Ferchaud, Y. Qi and R.M. Uppu, 2019. UV-B Induced DNA Damage in Southern Oak Tree Species". Presentation at the SC-SOT Texas Chapter Meeting, in Shreveport, Louisiana, October 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Namwamba, J., Twumasi, Yaw A., Fulbert Namwamba, Thomas Nyatta and Dauda Temitope (2019). Modeling the Potential Impact of Community Gardens on Crime in Baton Rouge. Paper (ID # 224). Presented in the Society of American Foresters (SAF) 2019 National Convention. October 30 - November 3, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Website: https://www.eforester.org/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Namwamba, J., Twumasi, Yaw A., Fulbert Namwamba, Thomas Nyatta, Kamran Abdollahi, and Benir Osimbo. (2019). Evaluating Impact of Deforestation on Non-monetary Opportunity Cost of Temporal Urban Heat Island Changes. Paper (ID # 199) presented in the Society of American Foresters (SAF) 2019 National Convention. October 30 - November 3, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Website: Website: https://www.eforester.org/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Namwamba, J., Twumasi, Yaw A., Kamran Abdollahi, Ronald Okwemba, Yemane Ghebreiyessus and Thomas L. Nyatta. (2019). Modeling of Expansion of a Hole Caused by Soil Loss at the Proximity of Pinchback Hall on Southern University (SUBR) and Number of Years the Hole Will Expand to Touch the Building. Paper Presented at the 77th Professional Agricultural Workers Conference. Building Resilient Communities & Families Through Integrative Partnerships, Sustainable Practices, Policies, and Agricultural Transformations. DECEMBER 8-10, 2019, Auburn Marriot Opelika Hotel and Conference Center Grand National. Tuskeege University, College of Agriculture, Environment Nutrition Sciences. Alabama, U.S.A. Website: http://pawc.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/PAWC19-Prog1.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Bosco, J., K. Abdollahi, Y. Twumasi. B. Osimbo. R. Okwemba, and K. Kiwale. Development of non-causal models between spatial atmospheric data and their application in determining air cooling benefits by urban trees in Baton Rouge. Bulletin of the Louisiana Academy of Sciences. Volume 9. Page 5. (2020 Annual Meeting Abstracts) http://www.laacademy.org/docs/LouisianaScientistVol9.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Okwemba, R., Y. Twumasi, J. Bosco., K. Abdollahi., and C. Akinrinwoye. B. Osimbo. Application of image editing software in the visualization of urban forestry green infrastructure solutions. Bulletin of the Louisiana Academy of Sciences. Volume 9. Page 7. (2020 Annual Meeting Abstracts) http://www.laacademy.org/docs/LouisianaScientistVol9.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Namwamba, J., Y. Twumasi. B. Osimbo. R. Okwemba. T. Nyatta., and C. Akinrowye. Cost-benefits analysis of biogas digester systems for application in 9th Ward, New Orleans, Louisiana, Bulletin of the Louisiana Academy of Sciences. Volume 9. Page 13. (2020 Annual Meeting Abstracts) http://www.laacademy.org/docs/LouisianaScientistVol9.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Manrique, V. Title: Update on Chinese tallow research. Oral presentation at Barataria Terrebonne National Estuary Program Management Meeting (virtual). August 6, 2020.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Manrique, V. Title: Update of Biological control of air potato in Louisiana. Oral presentation at Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Meeting. June 30, 2020.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Manrique, V., V. Ferchaud, C. Chappell, and Y. Qi. Title: Advocate Entomology at minority serving Institutions: Increasing diversity in the discipline. Oral presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, St Louis MO. November 17-20, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: John Bosco Namwamba et al. 2019. Modelling Scenarios of Urban Forest Cover to Boast the Resilience of Nairobi City against Climate Change. Presented in the Society of American Foresters (SAF) 2019 National Convention. October 30 - November 3, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Website: https://www.eforester.org/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Udaykiran Bhuma et al. 2019. Pyrolysis Products Comparison of Willow and Cottonwood Using Induction-Heated Reactor (Advisor: Kamran Abdollahi). Presented in the Society of American Foresters (SAF) 2019 National Convention. October 30 - November 3, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Website: https://www.eforester.org/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kamran Abdollahi et al. 2019. Integration of Wildland Urban Interface Wildfire Science and Technology into Urban Forestry Education. Presented in the Society of American Foresters (SAF) 2019 National Convention. October 30 - November 3, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Website: https://www.eforester.org/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Zhu Ning et al. 2019. Comparative Analysis of Characteristics and Ecosystem Services of Trees in Two Urban Parks. Presented in the Society of American Foresters (SAF) 2019 National Convention. October 30 - November 3, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Website: https://www.eforester.org/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Brian Phillips et al. 2019. Developing Innovative Minority Student Recruitment and Retention Plan of Urban Forest Degree Programs (Advisor: Yadong Qi). Presented in the Society of American Foresters (SAF) 2019 National Convention. October 30 - November 3, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Website: https://www.eforester.org/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Zhu Ning et al. 2019. Quantifying Carbon and Nitrogen Flux from Coastal Wetlands to Coastal Oceans in Louisiana. Presented in the Society of American Foresters (SAF) 2019 National Convention. October 30 - November 3, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Website: https://www.eforester.org/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Dawn Crosby et. Al. 2019. Assessing Student Perceptions of Campus Green Infrastructure (Advisor: Kamran Abdollahi), Presented in the Society of American Foresters (SAF) 2019 National Convention. October 30 - November 3, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Website: https://www.eforester.org/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Darell Street et al. 2019. Assessing Urban Forest Effects and Value Using i-Tree Model for City of Zachary, Louisiana (Advisor: Kamran Abdollahi). Presented in the Society of American Foresters (SAF) 2019 National Convention. October 30 - November 3, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Website: https://www.eforester.org/