Source: UNIV OF HAWAII submitted to NRP
CULTIVATING THE NEXTGEN OF DIVERSE BIOSECURITY PROFESSIONALS THROUGH A PACIFIC-CONTINENTAL NETWORK (PACON)
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1030731
Grant No.
2023-70440-40179
Cumulative Award Amt.
$7,405,165.70
Proposal No.
2022-11937
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jun 1, 2023
Project End Date
May 31, 2028
Grant Year
2023
Program Code
[NEXTG]- NEXTGEN Program
Recipient Organization
UNIV OF HAWAII
3190 MAILE WAY
HONOLULU,HI 96822
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The protection of US food, agricultural, and wilderness resources against invasive pathogens and pests is crucial. Indigenous communities are especially vulnerable to these threats, and it's important to involve them in efforts to build a strong biosecurity system. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to train a new generation of scientists with the skills and knowledge necessary to address these challenges. In Pacific Island Communities, including Hawaii and other areas, biosecurity and climate change are the significant threats to their way of life. Individuals from Pacific Island and Trabal Native American communities often lack access to the education required for biosecurity positions. To directly address the critical need for cultivating diverse cohorts of biosecurity professionals, we propose to initiate PaCoN, a Pacific Continental Network dedicated to biosecurity education. The goal of PaCoN is to create a pipeline for Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders and Trabal Native Americans to pursue careers in biosecurity. Graduates of PaCoN will be equipped to safeguard their ancestral lands and communities and integrate indigenous knowledge into government agencies focused on biosecurity efforts and policy. This will have a significant impact on regional and national agriculture, land conservation, the natural environment, and water resources. PaCoN graduates will also serve as role models for future generations of biosecurity professionals from underserved communities.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
21240993020100%
Knowledge Area
212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
4099 - Microorganisms, general/other;

Field Of Science
3020 - Education;
Goals / Objectives
Biosecurity programs are crucial to safeguard US food, agricultural, and wilderness resources from invasive pathogens and pests. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the susceptibilities of indigenous communities, emphasizing the crucial need for a new generation of scientists with expertise to operate within the essential branches of the biosecurity system. Therefore, the goal of this project is to create a biosecurity career pipeline for Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NHPI) and TNAs through Pacific Continental Network (PaCoN) dedicated to biosecurity education. The specific objectives are: 1) recruit, train, and motivate graduate students to become future leaders in agricultural biosecurity; 2) recruit, train, and motivate undergraduate and community college students from underserved communities; 3) recruit, train, and motivate high school students through summer training programs and interactions with biosecurity professionals. The biosecurity professionals emerging from PaCoN will be ideal candidates to safeguard their ancestral lands and communities and also ensure that indigenous knowledge and perspectives become integrated into government agencies charged with biosecurity efforts and policy. These PaCoN graduates will have a broad and profound impact on regional and national agriculture, land conservation, the natural environment, and water resources. Moreover, they will serve as role models for future generations of biosecurity professionals from these underserved communities.
Project Methods
Objective 1: Recruit, train, and motivate graduate students to become future leaders in agricultural biosecurity. The recruits from NHPI and TNA will be educated through well-established curricula, summer training sessions, national and international internships, seminars, and visits to biosecurity facilities in Hawaii and the continental U.S.Objective 2. Recruit, train, and motivate undergraduate and community college students from underserved communities. Highly motivated UG students from NHPI and TNA will be the recipients of financial support and resources. They will learn current biosecurity research activities and be aware of biosecurity career opportunities.Objective 3. Recruit, train, and motivate high school students through summer training programs and interactions with biosecurity professionals. High school students from NHPI and TNA communities will be recruited and exposed to the modern principles and tools of biosecurity and interact with biosecurity professionals and graduate students within the biosecurity network.Graduate Recruitment and Activities: Communities and organizations with prospective NHPI and TNA students will be identified, and potential candidates will be made aware of the program through university channels and the internet, and through direct contact from program PIs. An advertisement clearly describing the goal and objectives of the NextGen PaCoN Program will be prepared and sent to professional societies. Telephone and Zoom discussions and written references will be collected to confirm the applicants' motivation, learning skills, critical thinking, communication and social skills, and potential for success in the program. A total of 30 students will be recruited and graduated during the 5-year period. The activities will involve a biosecurity core course curriculum, participation in a summer exchange program between the University of Hawaii and Oklahoma State University, national and international internships, a biosecurity workshop at Kansas State University, presentations at national and international conferences, seminars, and other career development activities.Undergraduate Recruitment and Activities: Underserved community students will be recruited through community colleges. A total of 100-124 students will be recruited during this program. The activities will involve an experiential learning program, a two-year associate degree program, an allied undergraduate program at UHM, undergraduate research experience, and a summer internship program.High School Recruitment and Activities: In Hawaii at LCC, high school students interested in biosecurity will be recruited for a summer experience, primarily from Waipahu High School and other Leeward District schools that serve socioeconomically underserved communities. At OSU, high school students interested in biosecurity will be recruited in collaboration with the Oklahoma 4-H program and The Division of Institutional Diversity. A total of 32 and 40 high school students will receive training under this program at UHM/LCC and OSU, respectively. The students will be exposed to biosecurity practices and inspired to pursue careers in biosecurity, microbial forensics, and food safety by entering the UG programs supported by this project.

Progress 06/01/23 to 05/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this reporting period includes graduate, undergraduate, and high school students; community college students in the UH System; Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPI); Tribal Native Americans (TNA); federal and state agencies; USDA APHIS; Hawaii Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources; Hawaii Invasive Species Council; Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species; University of Guam and other universities on the mainland; Northern Marianas College; participants of the American Phytopathological Society's Annual Meeting 2023; participants of Biosecurity workshop at Kansas State University, and NextGen PaCoN seminar participants from various national and international universities and institutes. Changes/Problems:Recruitment Challenges and Plans: We faced recruitment challenges at all three institutions due to delayed funds and the lengthy process of finalizing the subaward to Oklahoma State University (OSU). UHM: Recruitment was limited (only 3 were recruited) due to the short time available for advertising. However, UHM is set to achieve its proposed numbers in Year 2. OSU: Received the subaward in mid-December 2023, preventing student recruitment for Year 1 but plans to recruit in Year 2. LCC: Dr. Neupane and his team filled 11 out of 16 seats for the Summer ELP 2024. So far, they have successfully recruited 39 out of 40 candidates and are on track to meet their Year 2 goals. In conclusion, we anticipate no further issues and expect to make the proposed progress in the coming years. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?At the graduate level: In Year 1, we recruited only three students (3 MS and 1 PhD) due to a delay in funding. However, all three students were exposed to various career development opportunities. Three students participated in a week-long Biosecurity Workshop at KSU, where they experienced experiential learning. They were exposed to different techniques used in biosecurity and gained experience working in a containment facility. They met with leading experts in biosecurity and developed a network with other participants from across the globe. All three students also participated in the NextGen USDA Agriculture Outlook Forum, where they learned about different career opportunities at USDA. Two students participated in a four-day Bioinformatics Data Science Workshop at the University of Hawaii Manoa, where they were introduced to bioinformatics and R modules. PaCoN students also took a career development course under Dr. Bingham to learn about job opportunities and how to prepare for the job market. Dr. Bingham's course is part of the PaCoN curricula. At the undergraduate level: Students exposed to the field of food biosecurity while also focusing on their personal growth and development, preparing to become future leaders in their field. They took leadership in developing event activities, showcasing their skills while learning deeply about food biosecurity. One student applied classroom knowledge to real-world issues, enhancing professional writing and mentoring others, amplifying the impact. Students also learned to communicate their work to professional scientists, envisioning a future science career and gaining valuable networking opportunities. They participated in conferences and meetings and submitted their research outcomes to the scientific meetings. At the high school level: Participation was limited to the Summer ELP at Leeward Community College, where high school students worked alongside undergraduates. They engaged in biosecurity-related activities through lab experiments and field visits to agricultural farms, state agencies, and surveillance programs. This exposure provided them with hands-on experience and insights into biosecurity practices. A Testimonial from a NextGen PaCoN Student: "My time beginning the NextGen PaCoN program, my world and the life I've been living has changed rapidly, and in my opinion for the better. The NextGen PaCaN has provided me with opportunities I could've only dreamed of just a few months ago. In just a few short months, I've not only gained invaluable knowledge about agricultural biosecurity, but I've also had the chance to connect with USDA officials and peers in our field. This has allowed me to see the broader impact of our work on both a national and global scale. One highlight was the week-long workshop at the Biosecurity Research Institute at Kansas State University, where I received hands-on training in a containment facility and had the unique opportunity to meet world leaders in biosecurity--an experience that was truly one-of-a-kind. Additionally, the three-week Summer Exchange Program at the Institute of Biosecurity and Microbial Forensics at Oklahoma State University provided me with cutting-edge training and skill development, preparing me to contribute meaningfully to the field. The NextGen PaCoN program has not only broadened my horizons but has also empowered me to pursue my passion for agriculture". How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results were disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations in scientific meetings and workshops. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Year 2 Plan: Monthly Leadership Meetings: Continue monthly leadership meetings to review project progress/challenges and hold meetings with the Steering Committee and Evaluation Committee in Fall 2024. Recruitments: We have finalized 10 graduate students who will soon join the program. At LCC and OSU, we have a strong pool of undergraduate applicants, and high school applications for the Summer ELP program at LCC are high. OSU is still receiving applications, and we are confident in achieving our recruitment goals for Year 2. We will continue our recruitment efforts for Year 3. Summer Exchange Program at OSU: A three-week summer exchange program at OSU will begin on July 8, 2024, with all graduate students from UHM participating. National Internships: We are coordinating with collaborators for six-week national internships for our two-year MS students. International internships for PhD students will take place in 2026. Biosecurity Workshop: In summer 2025, all PG students (about 10) will participate in biosecurity workshop at KSU. Annual Meeting Presentations: All postgraduate students and two undergraduate students will present at the APS Meeting 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. USDA Opportunities: We will continue to explore USDA opportunities for NextGen students, planning to send students to participate in upcoming USDA-organized events. Seminar Series: We will invite eight national and international speakers for the Fall 2024 seminar series and another eight for Spring 2025. Publications: Multiple research articles are in preparation and will be communicated in Year 2.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The NextGen PaCoN Kickoff Meeting: The kickoff meeting was organized at the 2023 APS Meeting in Denver, CO. The PD, Co-PDs, members of the Steering and Evaluation Committees, and other key personnel of the project attended. The meeting was a great success, during which the framework and execution plan of the project were discussed in detail. Attendees engaged in productive discussions, outlined specific goals and milestones, and established clear roles and responsibilities. The collaborative atmosphere fostered a shared vision and commitment to the project's objectives, setting a strong foundation for future progress. Project Leadership Meeting (Monthly): The project's monthly meetings are led by PD Dr. Arif. All Co-PDs and key personnel participate to discuss progress made over the past month, address any challenges faced, and plan for the upcoming month. These discussions ensure alignment with the project's overall goals and milestones. The meetings foster collaboration, provide updates on each member's contributions, and facilitate strategic planning to keep the project on track and moving forward efficiently. Project Website, Logo, and Social Media Accounts: The NextGen PaCoN project website was designed and launched to showcase project goals and activities, and to foster recruitment efforts. A logo design competition resulted in over 100 submissions, from which the final logo was selected. Social media accounts on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn have been established to disseminate information and engage a broader audience. These platforms are actively used to promote the project, share updates, and attract prospective students, significantly enhancing the project's visibility and impact. Project Website: https://www.paconbiosecurity.net/ Project Website OSU: https://agresearch.okstate.edu/centers-institutes/bio-security/pecon/ Recruitment and Advertisement: Over the past year, several dynamic activities were conducted to recruit students for the NextGen PaCoN project. A central project flyer, alongside those from Leeward Community College and Oklahoma State University, were distributed via social media, emails, university professors, collaborators, state agencies, APS meeting job boards, and various workshops and meetings. Additionally, PaCoN recruitment surveys were developed for UG/PG students, and active engagements with students at colleges and universities were pursued. Participation in conferences and workshops, further enhanced visibility. Strategic trips to Guam and Northern Marianas College resulted in two new student recruits. Networking with other project leaders from NIH- and NSF-funded initiatives expanded our outreach. One notable achievement includes a student-supported initiative at Leeward Community College, where a Registered Independent Student Organization (RISO) called the Food Biosecurity Club was established. This club provides field-related exposure through networking, field activities, and volunteering, effectively educating and inspiring prospective students to join PaCoN. The LCC Office of Planning, Policy, and Assessment (OPPA) also highlighted PaCoN grant activities in their newsletter, boosting the program's profile. Curricula Development: The development of specialized curricula for the 1-Year MS, 2-Year MS, and PhD programs as part of the NextGen PaCoN program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Oklahoma State University has significantly enhanced the academic framework for students pursuing careers in agriculture and biosecurity. These curricula combine rigorous theoretical knowledge with practical applications, equipping students with the skills needed to address real-world challenges. The inclusion of undergraduate courses, such as "Agrosecurity and Food Safety," and graduate courses like "Molecular Diagnostics: Principles and Practices," fosters student engagement and cultivates critical thinking. Additionally, hands-on experiences in summer programs further bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands. The curricula are designed to inspire students and prepare them for meaningful contributions in biosecurity, increasing their job opportunities both in the U.S. and internationally. PaCon Seminar Series: Launched in Fall 2023, the PaCoN Seminar Series features renowned national and international scientists who share their expertise and engage directly with students, fostering an interactive learning environment. This initiative has significantly enhanced the program's visibility among leading researchers and institutions, creating a robust professional network. It effectively promotes the program to a diverse student audience, attracting interest and participation from various educational institutions. By facilitating interactions between students and experts, the seminars enrich the academic and professional networks of participants, further elevating the program's impact. In conclusion, the PaCoN Seminar Series is an important element of the educational experience, especially for graduate students. It provides them with access to expertise, fosters critical professional networks, and prepares them for future career success. This initiative not only enhances the academic quality of the program but also positions students to excel in their respective fields. According to students, the seminars are helping them broaden their understanding, better design their research objectives, and expand their professional networks, which could assist them in securing jobs in agriculture. In Fall 2023, four speakers presented seminars via Zoom, including Dr. Tiffany Lowe-Power (UC Davis) on Ralstonia wilt pathogens, Jonathan M. Jacobs (Ohio State University) on Xanthomonas surveillance, Dr. Christian D. Cruz (Purdue University) on sensor and modeling, and Dr. Andres Espindola (Oklahoma State University) on bioinformatics tools for detection. In Spring 2024, eight speakers participated, including Dr. Yasmin Rivera (USDA) on diagnostics, Dr. Grant Smith (New Zealand) on myrtle rust's threat to biodiversity, Dr. Erica Goss (University of Florida) on pathogen emergence, Dr. Edel Perez-Lopez, (Canada) on food security, Dr. Guillaume Bilodeau (Canada) on surveillance, Dr. Sanjay Antony Babu (Texas A&M University) on wilt microbiomes, Dr. Francisco J. Flores (Ecuador) on banana wilt and Dr. Jeff Chang (Oregon State University) on evolution. Summary of Accomplishments: All the proposed project activities are on track. Our recruitment efforts are progressing well. Although MS/PhD recruitment hasn't fully met our targets in Year 1, undergraduate and high school student recruitment has been satisfactory. At Leeward Community College, the Summer ELP filled 11 out of 16 seats; LCC URE/Peer Mentors combined for the Fall and Spring semesters filled 4 out of 4 seats; and LCC Undergraduate Tuition Awards combined for the Fall and Spring semesters filled 24 out of 20 seats. Therefore, 39 out of 40 awards were allocated during this Year 1. Students have shown great enthusiasm for this program and provided excellent feedback. Some of their feedback states "The NextGen PaCoN program has not only broadened my horizons but has also empowered me to pursue my passion for agriculture", "PaCoN truly opened doors for me in and out of the classroom", "I learned that Food Biosecurity is very important to our life and did not realize different areas of careers and everyday life could link back to Food Biosecurity" etc. Our seminars attract a good number of attendees, leading to productive discussions with each speaker. Our team is committed to fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment, ensuring that students gain valuable exposure and practical experience in biosecurity. As we continue to build on our successes, we remain focused on enhancing our recruitment efforts, expanding our reach, and strengthening the impact of the NextGen PaCoN program.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Marabella M, Howard J, Bhandari S, Do S, Montoya-Pimolwatana M, Dou Y, Dobhal S, Arizala D, Montesinos S, Andreason SA, Ochoa-Corona F, Bingham JP, Odani J, Jenkins D, Ma LM, Fletcher J, Stack JP, Arif M (2024). Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay for reliable detection of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vasculorum. BioRxiv. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.02.07.579270
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Arif M (2024) Emerging Strains and Multi-Trophic Interactions: A Serious Threat to Food Safety and Biosecurity? at Plant Biosecurity in Theory and Practice workshop, Biosecurity Research Institute, Kansas State University, on May 24, Manhattan, KS
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tamayo EP, Abes Z, Neupane K, Kae H. (2024). Isolation and characterization of a Pectobacterium isolate from a radish (Raphanus sativus) root in Hawaii. Presented at the 2024 ASM-HI at John A. Burns School of Medicine on April 27, 2024, Honolulu, HI.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tamayo EP, Abes Z, Neupane K, Kae H. (2024). Isolation and characterization of a Pectobacterium isolate from a radish (Raphanus sativus) root in Hawaii. Presented at the 2024 INBRE Biomed Research Symposium at John A. Burns School of Medicine on April 19, 2024, Honolulu, HI.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Arif M, Stack JP (2023). Advancement in plant pathogen diagnostics in high-throughput sequencing era. Presented at ICPP 2023, Lyon, France.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Syhlman D, Arizala D, Dobhal S, Alvarez AM, Arif M (2024). Pan-genome analysis reveals a high diversity in the chromosome and megaplasmid of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum. (accepted for presentation at the APS Plant Health 2024, July 27-30, Memphis, Tennessee).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Krakowiak S, Dobhal S, Arif M (2024). Genomic Insights into Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vasculorum: causative agent of sugarcane gumming disease. (accepted for presentation at the APS Plant Health 2024, July 27-30, Memphis, Tennessee).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Arif M, Dobhal S, Ma LM, Stack JP (2024). Emerging strains and their multi-trophic interactions threatening food safety and biosecurity (presenting at the XX International Plant Protection Congress, July 1-5, Athens, Greece).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: *Tamayo EP, *Abes Z, Neupane K, Kae H. (2024). Isolation and characterization of a Pectobacterium isolate from a radish (Raphanus sativus) Root in Hawaii. Accepted for Presention at the APS Plant Health 2024, July 27-30, Memphis, Tennessee.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Abes Z, Neupane K, Kae H. (2024). Exploring the nature of the symbiotic relationship between methylotrophic bacteria on native hawaiian plants. Accepted for presentation at the APS Plant Health 2024, July 27-30, Memphis, Tennessee.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Opportunities in Biosecurity, at Plant Biosecurity in Theory and Practice workshop, Biosecurity Research Institute, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Arif M, Stack JP, Dobhal S, Bingham J-P, Fletcher J (2024). Fostering research in graduate teaching: the excitement of transforming theoretical foundations into peer-reviewed publications. (presenting at the APS Plant Health 2024, July 27-30, Memphis, Tennessee).