Progress 06/01/24 to 05/31/25
Outputs
Target Audience:TARGET AUDIENCE Undergraduate and graduate students from underserved and underrepresented groups K-12 students and educators in both rural and urban regions Extension professionals, agricultural educators, and environmental specialists Community stakeholders and industry/government collaborators Changes/Problems:CHANGES / PROBLEMS Lincoln University: Experienced faculty transitions due to retirement; resolved with timely replacement and onboarding CSU, MST, TAMU: No major issues reported; programs continued as planned What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Lincoln University (LU) Lincoln University participated in national symposia and mentorship programs, where graduate students presented at the USDA Forum and engaged in cross-disciplinary collaborations in soil and plant science. Faculty supported these efforts through one-on-one mentorship and skill-building workshops. As a result, students improved their academic confidence and communication skills, with several student-authored abstracts accepted at national conferences. These experiences empowered students to pursue graduate education or USDA careers with a stronger scientific identity and an expanded professional network. "As a graduate scholar, I advanced my work in genetics and molecular biology while maintaining a 4.0 GPA through 18 credit hours of coursework." -- LU graduate student Central State University (CSU) Central State University supported professional engagement and graduate school transitions by encouraging students to present at MANRRS and participate in USDA-hosted virtual career fairs and symposia. The university also organized internal resume workshops and mock interviews to build students' professional skills. As a result, several students received graduate admission offers and gained greater confidence in their presentation abilities. These efforts helped create smoother transitions into graduate-level education and federal internship pathways, particularly for first-generation college students. "The support of the NextGen grant allowed me to attend the national MANRRS conference and participate in an oral research competition. It also enabled me to continue research in the Li-Byarlay lab. Both experiences were critical to my development and graduate school acceptance." -- CSU undergraduate student "Attending the USDA forum was life changing. It helped me see my role in shaping the future of agriculture." -- CSU undergraduate student Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST) Missouri University of Science and Technology provided students with GIS certification and career-track research opportunities through faculty-guided training and bioremediation projects. Students also attended technical sessions and discipline-specific seminars to deepen their expertise. All participants completed GIS certification modules and gained hands-on experience directly applicable to environmental careers. These efforts enhanced student employability and strengthened their readiness for competitive fellowships and internships in agricultural technology. Texas A&M University (TAMU) Texas A&M University advanced public science communication and project leadership by engaging students in mentoring K-12 learners using CRISPR, AI, and composting concepts. Students also presented posters at regional sustainability summits, building their presentation skills and leading independent community-based research initiatives. These experiences prepared students for leadership roles in sustainability and increased their engagement and recognition in applied agricultural research. "I gained hands-on experience in agricultural science and built lasting connections with mentors and peers. The NEXTGEN program gave me clarity and confidence for my future career." -- TAMU undergraduate student How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Lincoln University (LU): LU led a robust dissemination strategy by launching a dedicated website, www.plantingnextgen.com, to highlight multi-institutional updates and student accomplishments. The university extended its reach to underserved communities through newspaper articles, Extension-led food demonstrations, and public events. Students also contributed by presenting at national symposia and publishing newsletters and videos that showcased their research and outreach efforts. Central State University (CSU): CSU emphasized visibility through campus-based efforts, displaying student achievements in academic buildings and during open house events. Outreach materials such as flyers, posters, and social media content were widely used. CSU students also participated in national conferences, increasing institutional presence and attracting new student interest in agriculture and STEM. Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST): MST focused on engaging local communities by organizing hands-on training sessions in drone imaging, GIS, and environmental science for K-12 students and educators. The university also contributed to the multi-campus newsletter and supported student participation in national symposia to highlight technical learning outcomes. Texas A&M University (TAMU): TAMU led school-based outreach through sustainability-focused events and student mentorship in CRISPR, composting, and AI applications. Students presented their work at regional sustainability summits and national forums, reinforcing the university's role in agricultural innovation. TAMU also utilized flyers, social media, and public events to enhance its local and regional visibility. Collective Outcome and Impact: Across all institutions, these dissemination activities broadened public engagement, increased visibility of agriculture and STEM programs, and encouraged new student participation. Together, they strengthened public trust in agriculture-related education and built stronger connections between universities and the communities they serve. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Lincoln University (LU): LU will expand its outreach efforts and further integrate research into student learning opportunities. The focus will be on underserved communities and underrepresented students. This will be achieved by strengthening Extension programming, increasing participation in hands-on projects, and recruiting a more diverse student body. These efforts aim to enhance workforce development and prepare students for impactful careers in agriculture and environmental sciences. Central State University (CSU): CSU plans to finalize the launch of its Master of Science program in Agricultural Sciences and expand opportunities for student engagement. The primary beneficiaries will be undergraduate and early graduate students interested in STEM careers. The university will broaden summer camp enrollment and increase access to competitive internships. These initiatives are expected to strengthen academic pipelines and boost student preparedness for graduate education and professional success. Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST): MST will roll out additional GIS course modules and deepen partnerships with industry leaders in environmental and agricultural technology sectors. Students in STEM and environmental fields will be the primary participants. The university will facilitate applied learning through hands-on GIS training and collaborative projects with industry. This will enhance students' technical skillsets and improve their readiness for high-demand careers. Texas A&M University (TAMU): TAMU will continue its graduate student recruitment efforts while expanding sustainability programming in urban schools. Target groups include K-12 students, educators, and early-career graduate students. Planned activities include launching new composting programs and delivering guest lectures on sustainability and agricultural science. These initiatives aim to foster environmental stewardship, promote agricultural literacy, and support student leadership development in urban communities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
GOAL 1: Lincoln University:Five scholarships were awarded, including three for graduate students and two for undergraduates, who participated in field-based and laboratory training in silviculture, UAV-based forest inventory, molecular biology, and environmental sciences. These students engaged in hands-on research activities such as UAV imaging, metabolomics, soil sampling, water quality testing, hemp genetics, and contaminant monitoring. Through these experiences, they developed strong research competencies that contributed to academic publications and helped build competitive portfolios for future graduate and professional opportunities. This effort further strengthened Lincoln University's leadership in preparing underrepresented students for careers in agroforestry and environmental biotechnology by expanding access to high-impact research opportunities. Central State University:Nine scholarships were awarded, with several students receiving national recognition as Cargill Thrive Fellows and MANRRS Gold Scholars, and multiple internships were secured. Students interned at institutions such as Purdue and Ohio State, where they focused on pollinator health and plant biology. Central State University also continued developing its curriculum toward the establishment of a new Master of Science program in Agricultural Sciences. As a result, scholars were admitted into graduate programs and demonstrated strong academic performance, helping to establish a solid foundation for a pipeline to advanced education. These efforts significantly expanded CSU's capacity to advance agricultural education among underrepresented students and supported the university's progress toward institutional growth in graduate programming. "Overall, focus, persistence, the ability to adapt, being teachable, knowing that limited opportunities can change your life for the better are some of the life-altering things that I learned and sharpened while interning at NSERL." -- CSU summer intern Missouri University of Science and Technology:Scholarships and field training were awarded in geospatial technology and environmental restoration. Students participated in bioremediation research and used drone-based mapping to analyze agricultural land. To further enhance their qualifications, coursework in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was developed and delivered. Participants successfully completed GIS certification and gained practical experience applicable to careers in environmental fields. These efforts equipped students with industry-relevant tools and technical knowledge, strengthening their readiness for the workforce in environmental and agricultural engineering sectors. Texas A&M University:Three student scholarships were awarded, including two for PhD students and one for an undergraduate, with all recipients actively engaged in K-12 sustainability outreach. These students led school-based composting projects, integrated CRISPR and AI into sustainability initiatives, and mentored younger students through science communication efforts. Through these activities, the scholars demonstrated leadership, scientific inquiry, and public engagement skills, while also fostering strong partnerships between faculty and local schools. These efforts advanced institutional sustainability goals and supported community education, resulting in replicable models of STEM outreach and increased agricultural awareness. GOAL 2: ELP Lincoln University: Provided hands-on experiential learning opportunities through student involvement in UAV imaging, soil sampling, water testing, molecular biology, and metabolomic analysis. These activities supported both field and laboratory research, directly contributing to students' thesis projects and the development of technical skills. As a result, students strengthened their research competencies and academic confidence. These experiences helped elevate LU's role in preparing underrepresented students for advanced study and careers in environmental biotechnology and agroforestry. Central State University: Facilitated impactful summer internships at Purdue University and Ohio State University, where students worked on projects related to pollinator health, sustainability, and plant biology. Students were actively involved in research methods and presented their findings at academic conferences. These experiences improved student exposure to real-world scientific practices and enhanced their presentation skills. The initiative helped build a pipeline for future graduate education and promoted CSU as a training ground for competitive STEM professionals. Missouri University of Science and Technology: Equipped students with advanced research experience in nanoparticle-based bioremediation, phyto-forensics, and precision agriculture. Participants used sophisticated instrumentation such as LC-MS and ICP-MS and were enrolled in newly developed courses in drone imaging and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students gained both technical certifications and real-world application experience. These efforts significantly increased their employability and positioned MST as a leader in integrating cutting-edge technology into agricultural and environmental education. Texas A&M University: Engaged students in experiential learning through capstone projects conducted in partnership with the University of Houston-Downtown and through school-based composting programs in Houston. Graduate students served as mentors to high school participants, guiding them through sustainability-themed projects. This approach not only built student leadership and professional communication skills but also cultivated a deeper understanding of community-based environmental practices. TAMU's model fostered meaningful cross-age mentoring and advanced its mission to promote sustainability and educational equity in urban settings. GOAL 3:OEP Lincoln University: Participated in high-visibility STEM education events and developed immersive youth camps that engaged over 2,000 individuals, primarily underserved youth and families across Missouri. The university hosted interactive booths at the St. Louis Science Center Expo, coordinated regional STEAM fairs, and led nature-based summer camps. These efforts increased awareness of agricultural careers and inspired enthusiasm among diverse K-12 participants, laying the groundwork for broader future engagement in agriculture. Central State University: Hosted on-campus science camps and early STEM engagement programs that welcomed over 85 students, including 60 middle school and 25 high school participants. The university provided lab-based hands-on workshops, career panels, and campus tours centered on food and agricultural sciences. These initiatives helped cultivate a future talent pool for food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences fields, while also strengthening community trust in CSU as a hub for youth agricultural education. Missouri University of Science and Technology: Delivered drone imaging and GIS workshops for K-12 educators, students, and rural community members in central Missouri. These university-led community workshops provided hands-on access to precision agriculture tools and GIS demonstrations. The initiative promoted applied STEM learning and helped local participants make meaningful connections between agricultural careers and real-world technology and research. Texas A&M University: Led outreach programs in urban schools with a focus on sustainability and environmental science, engaging K-12 students and teachers in the Houston area through both in-class and after-school initiatives. Activities included composting workshops, the launch of the Water Warrior initiative, and support for student-led sustainability projects. These efforts cultivated environmental stewardship among students and increased awareness of agricultural and life science careers within urban communities.
Publications
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
0
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Progress 06/01/23 to 05/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience: HBCU faculties, college and high school students, farmers (especially those small farmers coming from previously underserved and underrepresented communities and minority groups), Extension specialists, local communities,federal and state agencies (USDA, EPA, NSF, MDNR, etc.), academia,Agricultural Professionals, Industry, stakeholders and residents. Changes/Problems:At Lincoln University of Missouri (LU), the program underwent Co-PI changes with the departure of Drs. Bin Hua and Sean Zeiger. Despite these changes, their associated students and research projects will continue with minor adjustments, and no major issues are expected in achieving the project's goals. At Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), Dr. Fateme Rezaei, a Co-PI, left in January 2024 and was replaced by Dr. Jee-Ching Wang from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biochemical Engineering, ensuring a smooth transition. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The NextGen Program has made great progress in community outreach and engagement. Outreach materials, such as brochures, flyers, posters, YouTube videos, and local media interviews, were created and disseminated to raise NextGen awareness, while school districts and high school principals were actively contacted to promote the program. The activities have promoted Ag awareness and enhanced student recruitment. Hands-on workshops and research experiential learning programs engaged students and professionals, with sponsored students conducting experiments, providing regular progress reports and showcasing their research at international and domestic conferences. Multiple manuscripts are being prepared for submission to peer-reviewed journals. Students also communicated research progress to sponsors and professional societies via newsletters. The program used satellite sites to share research and collaboration results with farmers, particularly those from underrepresented and underserved communities. State and local newspapers further expanded outreach, and student achievements were highlighted through participation in Undergraduate Research Day and local symposiums. A dedicated website is under construction, featuring student activities and conference travels. Posters were displayed on campuses, and radio interviews helped promote the program. Overall, the NextGen Program's outreach has successfully combined digital media, publications, hands-on learning, and public events to raise awareness and foster collaboration across various communities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Outreach materials, including brochures, posters, website, recruitment flyers, YouTube videos, local newspapers, radio interviews, news report, newsletters, news releases, were reached out to students, high schools, and communities through social media, mail, email, phone call, in-person visit and presentation, and community events. Sponsored students regularly communicate with and submit progress reports to faculty supervisors and present their work at national, international and regional or local conferences and workshops, meanwhile multiple manuscripts are in preparation for journal submission and publication. Outreach and Extension office throughout Missouri to communicate the NextGen program and share relevant research and collaboration results and experiences with farmers, especially those underrepresented groups, small farmers and underserved communities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The NextGen Program will focus on several initiatives in the next reporting period to broaden its impacts, especially among minority and underserved communities. A key goal is the improvement and launch of a dynamic website to streamline communication across campuses. Outreach efforts will be bolstered by Cooperative Extension programs and satellite sites to connect with minority groups and develop graduate programs, particularly in soil health, along with new graduate-level courses. Recruitment of minority students remains a priority, with partnerships and experiential learning opportunities aimed at attracting a diverse student body. The program is also developing "Fast Track" pathways from bachelor to master programs, ensuring a skilled future agricultural workforce. Efforts to disseminate research will continue through campus participation, conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and annual symposiums. Future plans include new internship and scholarship opportunities, as well as summer camps for high school and undergraduate students. These will provide research training and exposure to academic programs. In 2024, outreach will expand with activities like the Water Ambassador Scholarship and participation in events such as the Science Farm Review. To oversee the program's success, a technical and advisory board will be formed, consisting of investigators and experts to ensure progress and high-level coordination.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The project team made significant efforts in promoting the NextGen project and outreach to local schools and communities for student recruitment, including the 2023 Missouri State Fair, where Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) engaged over 2,000 attendees to promote agricultural education (Goal 3: Outreach and Engagement Projects). This outreach effort extended to local high schools across Missouri to foster recruitment and raise awareness about opportunities in agriculture (Goal 3). The program successfully increased the visibility of agricultural careers, with one visitor remarking, "The booth at the fair opened my eyes to how impactful agriculture programs can be, and it's exciting to know students are getting these opportunities." The NextGen program also targeted over 30 high school students with USDA-NASA STEAM Summer Camp, designed to promote Ag awareness and interest in agricultural science, with fields like forest ecology and aquaculture covered in hands-on sessions (Goal 3). One participant shared, "This camp gave me a new appreciation for agriculture. I now see myself pursuing a career in agricultural sciences." Missouri S&T and CSU also hosted camps where high school students explored forestry and aquaculture through similar projects (Goal 3). These camps introduced students to agricultural science at an early stage, fostering a pipeline for future leaders in the field. Workshops on waste management technology at Texas A&M attracted over 50 professionals and students, exposing participants to sustainable agricultural practices (Goal 2). A student attending the workshop commented, "I never realized how much technology could transform sustainable practices." This exposure to advanced waste management techniques not only enhanced participants' technical expertise but also encouraged them to consider sustainability in their future careers. The project supported 20 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs through scholarships and hands-on learning opportunities (Goal 1: Student Scholarship Projects and Goal 2: Experiential Learning Projects). These scholarships allowed students to focus on their studies without financial worries, as one student shared, "The USDA NextGen scholarship has given me the financial freedom to fully focus on my education and research without the burden of debt." The scholarship not only enabled this student to pursue a master's degree but also opened doors to further opportunities like a potential doctorate (Goal 1). In the USDA Agricultural Export Market Challenge, students gained practical insights into export processes and market analysis (Goal 2). One student remarked, "This experience showed me how vast the agricultural field is. I now feel more confident in pursuing a career in ag exports." These hands-on learning experiences broadened students' perspectives and prepared them for real-world challenges in agriculture. Research experiential leaning opportunities were a key focus, with the program recruiting students to work on advanced research methodologies, and minority graduate students trained in using tools like UHPLC-MS/MS for water and soil analysis (Goal 2). One Missouri S&T PhD student reflected, "The hands-on training I received prepared me for any challenge in environmental research." These experiences expanded students' technical skills and knowledge, preparing them to solve critical environmental and agricultural issues. Student achievements were highlighted at national conferences. Three LU students attended the USDA NEXTGEN Spring Summit in Washington, DC, where they networked with professionals and explored USDA career paths (Goal 3). One student shared, "Before the summit, I didn't know how many career options existed in the federal sector for someone like me. Now, I'm seriously considering a career with the USDA." CSU students were recognized at MANRRS (Goal 3), where one student reflected, "Speaking on that panel was revolutionary. It made me realize the power of my voice and the importance of being a leader in agriculture." These experiences opened new career opportunities for students, inspiring many to consider federal roles. The beekeeping workshop at CSU, attended by 20 Ohio beekeepers, the former State Apiarist of Ohio, and CSU students (Goal 3). The workshop provided hands-on training on queen breeding and grafting, equipping participants with vital skills in the beekeeping industry (Goal 2). Three undergraduates visited the USDA ARS labs at Purdue University to present research posters and explore entomological research (Goal 2). One participant, Joel Barhorst, shared, "This internship helped me to understand how to be a better scientist. It taught me more about how reading is fundamentally important for science... It helped me gauge my strengths and weaknesses and reminded me that science is a big learning process." Missouri S&T partnered with Bayer Crop Science to identify chemical markers for corn seed vigor, while TAMU students participated in a food waste composting project in Houston (Goal 2). One high school participant shared, "This project showed me how I can make a difference in my community through science." These research collaborations demonstrated the real-world applications of agricultural science, with students gaining hands-on experience that directly impacted their communities. Supporting underrepresented students remained a priority throughout the program. Minority students from LU attended the 2023 ACS Fall Meeting, where they learned about the latest advancements in agricultural science (Goals 1 and 3). One attendee shared, "This conference expanded my horizon." Across the board, the program helped students grow both academically and personally, providing them with the resources and opportunities to excel. One Missouri S&T student remarked, "NextGen gave us the resources to excel, and we couldn't have done it without their support." Overall, the NextGen Program advanced agricultural education through a combination of outreach (Goal 3), research (Goal 2), and experiential learning (Goal 2), equipping students with the tools and skills needed to address future challenges in the agriculture industry. As one student noted, "This program didn't just provide financial support; it opened doors I didn't know existed and gave me a community of like-minded individuals." The program is positioned to continue expanding its impact through future high school summer camps and research partnerships, helping to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders. CSU's Career Expo and LU's Career Fair provided students opportunity majoring in STEAM and Sustainable Agriculture with valuable exposure to USDA careers (Goal 3). Partnerships with MANRRS supported student activities such as plant sales, recycling, meetings, and advising sessions (Goal 3), fostering a sense of community and professional development among students. Undergraduate student Keara Clarke maximized these opportunities by participating in both the USDA 100-year Outlook Forum and the USDA NEXTGEN Spring Student Summit in Washington, DC. She conducted research on pollinator health with co-PI, Dr. Li-Byarlay (Goal 2), later reflecting, "This experience at the USDA forum was truly life-changing. It opened my eyes to the possibilities and potential within the agriculture industry." With all these impacts across research, professional development, leadership, and community engagement (Goals 1, 2, and 3), the NextGen Program is truly setting the stage for training the next generation of leaders in the agricultural sector.
Publications
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