Progress 07/01/23 to 06/30/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The primary goal of the Food Safety and Renewable Energy Summer Hands-on Research Experience (FRESH) is to provide undergraduates, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, with a comprehensive research training program designed to prepare them for advanced study and careers in these critical fields. By engaging students in hands-on research projects and classroom lectures, FRESH aims to deepen their understanding of food safety and renewable energy technologies, equipping them with valuable skills for their future careers. Changes/Problems:We under budgeted the housing amount and will need to make an additional request or make some other adjustments within the budget. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The FRESH program offered a comprehensive range of training and professional development opportunities, designed to equip undergraduate students with essential skills and knowledge for their future careers. The key opportunities included: Research Project Development and Execution: Students developed and conducted research projects on innovative topics such as insect protein, pyrolysis of almond shells, and atmospheric cold plasma treatments for spices. This hands-on experience included designing experiments, conducting treatments, and analyzing results, providing practical insights into research methodologies and project management. Resource Utilization and Academic Guidance: Participants were introduced to the resources available at Texas A&M University (TAMU), including research facilities, library resources, and support services. They attended a graduate school information session, which highlighted the benefits of early admission and provided an overview of national fellowships opportunities for undergraduate researchers. Research Skills Development: The program included training in key research skills such as crafting effective research posters, writing clear and concise abstracts, and summarizing research findings. Students received hands-on practice in presenting their research through various formats, which improved their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Professional Networking and Career Insights: Students interacted with faculty and graduate student researchers, gaining insights into career opportunities in food safety and renewable energy. These interactions helped students understand the professional landscape and explore potential career paths, including networking with experts and learning about industry standards. Leadership and Mentoring Training: The program emphasized the development of leadership and mentoring skills. Students participated in workshops and activities designed to enhance their ability to lead research teams and mentor peers, fostering their growth as future leaders in their respective fields. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The FRESH program disseminated research results through multiple channels to effectively reach diverse audiences. Students showcased their projects by creating and sharing individual posts on a dedicated Instagram account, engaging both academic and general communities with accessible content. They also presented their final research posters at the Undergraduate Research Poster Presentation in College Station, TX, where they engaged with peers, faculty, and stakeholders. Additionally, a comprehensive final video presentation was produced and uploaded to the program's website, summarizing the research findings in an engaging format that broadened the reach of their work to those who could not attend the poster session. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We will work on recruiting efforts to ensure we get a good representation again. We will further develop the research projects and streamline methods in order to provide students with more direct guidance. We will analyze survey results to begin to prepare education publications.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Our summer undergraduate research program successfully met its goals and objectives, providing students with hands-on experience and valuable insights into the reuse capabilities of agro-industrial byproducts. Here's a summary of what was achieved: Undergraduate Research Experiences: Broad Knowledge: Eight undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds and universities engaged in research projects that expanded their understanding of food and feed safety, microbial modeling, and bioenergy conversion. Project Highlights: Students worked on a variety of projects, including the exploration of insect protein as a sustainable food source, the pyrolysis of almond shells for bio-oil production, and the treatment of spices with atmospheric cold plasma to enhance their properties. Modeling the Effects of Atmospheric Cold Plasma and Ozone: Food and Feed Quality: The students modeled how atmospheric cold plasma and ozone treatment affect the quality parameters of contaminated food and feed products. This included assessing improvements in safety and quality through experimental treatments. Optimizing Treatment Parameters: Bio-Oil Production: Research was conducted to determine the optimal parameters for using atmospheric cold plasma on bio-oil derived from agro-industrial byproducts, focusing on enhancing the efficiency and quality of the conversion process. Improving Mentoring and Student Leadership Skills: Skill Development: The program emphasized the development of mentoring and leadership skills, with students participating in structured training and workshops designed to enhance their ability to lead and collaborate effectively in research settings. Overall, the FRESH program has successfully provided undergraduate students with valuable research experience, advanced their understanding of critical concepts in food safety and renewable energy, and fostered their growth as future leaders in these fields. Eight students were recruited from four different universities. Number of Males: 3 Number of Females: 5 Universities: Pennsylvania State University (1), North Carolina A&T State University (1), Michigan State University (1),Prairie View A&M University (2), Texas A&M University (3) Black/African American: 6 Caucasian/Asian: 1 Latino/Hispanic: 1 Freshman: 3 Sophomore: 3 Junior: 2
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
LAUNCH Undergraduate Research Summer Poster Session, Abstract Book 2024. https://launch.tamu.edu/getmedia/32fc1f13-5e8a-4f11-a48c-8e3ee194d867/(final)-AbstractBook_2024_SummerPosterSession_1.pdf
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