Keith Edmisten is a Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at NC State University, serving as Extension Cotton Specialist and Director of Undergraduate Programs. He holds a BS, MS from NC State University, and a PhD in Crop Physiology from Virginia Tech (1987). His career includes faculty roles at Mississippi State University and Auburn University before joining NCSU in 1992. His research focuses on cotton and industrial hemp agronomy, germplasm evaluation, and regulatory science in agriculture. Notable awards include Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year (1997) and Cotton Physiologist of the Year (2015). He teaches courses on biotechnology, seed science, and regulatory frameworks, and advises students in the Plant and Soil Science biotechnology concentration. Edmisten's program integrates applied research with extension efforts, emphasizing sustainable input management, variety trials, and on-farm experimentation. Collaborations span departments like Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Agricultural Economics. Publications highlight fertilizer management, weed science, and crop modeling in cotton and hemp systems.
Jooyeoun Jung is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science & Technology at Oregon State University. She holds affiliations with the university's Food Science and Techno Headquarters and has been part of the OSU Main Campus since 2016. Her career includes roles as a Senior Researcher and Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2018-2021) before returning to Oregon State in 2022. Educated at Oregon State University with a Ph.D. in Food Science & Technology, her research focuses on sustainable food processing, value-added food product development, and innovative food packaging solutions. Key areas include edible coatings using nanocellulose, antimicrobial packaging technologies, and utilization of agricultural byproducts for eco-friendly materials. Her work emphasizes enhancing food shelf-life through advanced coating technologies, improving packaging functionality, and addressing challenges in food preservation such as mold control, lipid oxidation, and microbial inhibition. She has pioneered studies on hazelnut processing, blueberry anthocyanin stabilization, and fruit pomace valorization. Jung teaches courses like Introduction to Sustainable Food Processing (FST327) and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving food safety, material science, and agricultural engineering. Her research has led to innovations in molded pulp packaging, radiofrequency pasteurization, and functional food film development. Professional affiliations include the Institute of Food Technologists, reflecting her commitment to advancing food science through industry collaboration and academic rigor.
Wayne A Fuller is a Research Professor at Iowa State University , specializing in survey methodology and sampling statistics. His work focuses on advanced techniques for handling missing data, small area estimation, and measurement error models, with applications to agricultural surveys and public health research. Education: PhD in Statistics from Iowa State University Research Interests: Fuller's work bridges theoretical and applied statistics through: Development of fractional hot deck imputation methods Bootstrap techniques for variance estimation Small area prediction under constrained models Measurement error correction in health and agricultural data Time series analysis with autoregressive components Integration of administrative data with survey samples Publication Trends: His recent work emphasizes computational approaches to small area estimation (2016-2025), including bootstrap prediction intervals and benchmarking techniques, alongside methodological advancements in imputation and measurement error correction (2004-2015). Contact: Email: waf@iastate.edu Phone: 515-294-5830 Location: Ames, Iowa
California State University, Long BeachUnited States
Dr. Yali Ling serves as an Assistant Professor in the Fashion Merchandising and Design program within the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at California State University, Long Beach's College of Health and Human Services. Her research bridges traditional textile engineering with cutting-edge sustainable material innovation. Education: Ph.D. in Textile Technology Management, North Carolina State University (2021-2024) M.S. in Fashion Design and Engineering, Wuhan Textile University (2018-2021) B.S. in Fashion Design, Wuhan Textile University (2014-2018) Research Focus: Dr. Ling's work pioneers sustainable textile production through hemp/cotton blends and recycled materials, while advancing digital fashion technologies via 3D body scanning applications. Her expertise spans yarn engineering for performance textiles and functional apparel design addressing ergonomic challenges in diverse populations. This dual focus creates synergies between eco-conscious manufacturing and precision garment engineering. Publication Trends: Her 15 most recent publications (2019-2025) reveal three converging trajectories: (1) Sustainable material innovation (hemp textiles, eco-spinning), (2) Triboelectric wearable technology development, and (3) Anthropometric-driven apparel design. These strands collectively address industry demands for environmentally responsible production while enhancing human-technology interfaces in textile applications. Scientific Recognition: 2024 Best Poster Presentation at Textile Research Open House (NCSU) 2022 VF Graduate Student Impact Award ($5,000) 2021 Wuhan Textile University Special Graduate Scholarship ($1,500) 2020 Chinese Ministry of Education National Scholarship ($3,000) 2020 CNTAC "Maker China" Innovation Excellence Award 2019 China Natural Dialectics Research Association Symposium Prize Professional Engagement: Dr. Ling maintains active industry partnerships through her sustainable textile research while mentoring undergraduate students in the Fashion Merchandising and Design program. Her current work focuses on scaling hemp-based textile production and developing AI-integrated pattern generation systems. Research Infrastructure: While specific laboratory facilities aren't detailed in available materials, her publications indicate collaborations with Wilson College of Textiles' advanced manufacturing facilities and access to 3D body scanning technologies for anthropometric research.
Dr. Emmanuel C. Omondi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering at Tennessee State University's College of Agriculture. His research focuses on industrial hemp agronomy, sustainable agriculture, and conservation practices. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Agronomy from the University of Wyoming and a B.Sc. in General Agriculture from the University of Nairobi. His research explores industrial hemp’s role in crop rotations, reduced tillage systems, and economic viability in Tennessee. Key projects include USDA-funded studies on organic farming impacts, soil health, and hemp production economics. He has led over $6.8 million in grants, including a USDA NIFA project on organic hemp assessment and a William Penn Foundation initiative on soil health and water quality. Awarded the Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society and multiple fellowships, Dr. Omondi’s work spans international development, including conservation agriculture projects in Kenya and Uganda. He has authored 20+ peer-reviewed articles on topics like soil carbon dynamics, organic farming profitability, and phytoremediation potential of hemp. Education: Ph.D. (Agronomy, University of Wyoming), M.Sc. (Agronomy, University of Wyoming), B.Sc. (General Agriculture, University of Nairobi) Grants: Over $6.8 million in funding for projects on hemp agronomy, soil health, and sustainable farming systems. His honors include the A.K. Dobrenz Student Paper Competition First Prize (2011) and recognition for international academic excellence. Current initiatives focus on bridging agricultural innovation with environmental stewardship through collaborative research.
Juan Solomon serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agriculture, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno. His research lab operates from Building FA, Room 226d (Mail Stop 202), with direct contact via (775) 784-6888 or juansolomon@unr.edu. Education: B.S. in Agriculture, University of Guyana (2000) Graduate Diploma in Education-Science, University of Guyana (2005) M.S. in Agriculture, Mississippi State University (2010) Ph.D. in Agriculture, Mississippi State University (2013) Research Focus: Dr. Solomon's work centers on grassland ecology and sustainable pastoral systems for ruminant livestock, with emphasis on grazing management, forage quality evaluation, and drought-tolerant crop development. His research program investigates water use efficiency in semiarid forage systems, nutrient cycling dynamics, and climate-resilient crop screening—particularly for native and improved forages in arid western environments. Field studies often integrate ecosystem service valuation with practical livestock production metrics. Publication Trends: Recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates concentrated expertise in alternative forage systems, with 15 high-impact studies examining teff double-cropping, industrial hemp varietals, and cover crop nutrient cycling in Nevada's semiarid landscapes. Key methodological approaches include deficit irrigation analysis, nitrogen optimization trials, and biomass decomposition modeling—all targeting resource-efficient agricultural solutions for water-limited regions.
Dr. Derek Brake is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Animal Sciences within the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Ruminant Nutrition from Kansas State University. Dr. Brake teaches courses in Ruminant Nutrition (AnSci 4332/7332) and Beef Production (AnSci 4975/4975W/7975). His research program focuses on fundamental and applied aspects of ruminant nutrition with particular emphasis on: Nutrient utilization efficiency in beef and dairy cattle Small intestinal starch digestion mechanisms Application of computer vision and AI for precision livestock management Metabolic adaptations to different feed sources Sustainable forage and crop utilization systems Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong research focus on: Innovative feed evaluation methods Metabolic interventions for improving cattle productivity Sustainable grazing and forage management systems Advanced technologies for livestock monitoring Mycotoxin mitigation strategies Dr. Brake maintains active collaborations with the beef and dairy industries with research aimed at simultaneously improving livestock productivity, economic returns for producers, and environmental sustainability of cattle production systems.
Dr. Alexandra M. Revynthi serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) in Homestead, Florida. Her position focuses on agricultural acarology and pest management within Florida's vital ornamental crop industry. Dr. Revynthi earned her PhD in acarology from the University of Amsterdam with specialization in behavioral ecology of predatory mites. This academic foundation supports her research in mite biology, predator-prey relationships, and sustainable pest management approaches. Her research program centers on developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for ornamental crops, with particular expertise in acarine pests and invasive species. Dr. Revynthi investigates arthropod behavior, population dynamics, and chemical ecology to create practical solutions that balance agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability. Her work addresses critical challenges facing Florida's horticultural industry, including newly introduced pests that threaten economically important crops. Dr. Revynthi's publication record demonstrates expertise across multiple pest systems including mites, weevils, and invasive snails. Her research shows a consistent pattern of addressing emerging agricultural threats through both fundamental studies of pest biology and practical extension solutions that directly benefit growers. This dual focus ensures scientific rigor while maintaining relevance to real-world agricultural challenges. Dr. Revynthi actively collaborates with growers, extension agents, and regulatory agencies including the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. She participates in compliance agreements for regulated pests and develops practical management recommendations that growers can implement immediately. At TREC, Dr. Revynthi contributes to the Agricultural Acarology Workshop and co-hosts 'Tropical Insights,' a podcast focusing on agricultural and environmental topics impacting southern Florida. Her laboratory conducts research on pest biology, behavior, and management strategies, with particular emphasis on finding sustainable solutions for Florida's unique agricultural challenges.
Cassandra Swett is an Associate Professor in Cooperative Extension at the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on fungal pathogen ecology in vegetables and field crops, particularly investigating how adaptive water use strategies impact plant-pathogen interactions. She examines the effects of deficit irrigation, soil salinity, and water recycling on disease dynamics in crops such as tomatoes, hemp, strawberries, and nursery plants. Her work bridges fundamental microbial ecology with applied agricultural solutions to address challenges posed by water scarcity and climate change. Key research areas include: (1) managing Fusarium wilt and root-knot nematode complexes in tomatoes under water-stressed conditions, (2) optimizing irrigation practices to reduce soil-borne disease risks in nursery crops, and (3) identifying resistance-breaking pathogen strains threatening California agriculture. Swett collaborates closely with growers to translate scientific findings into practical management strategies. Her lab (http://swettlab.faculty.ucdavis.edu/) develops disease forecasting tools, evaluates water conservation techniques, and explores symbiotic microbial interactions that enhance crop resilience. She emphasizes co-management approaches that balance disease control with sustainable resource use.
Jared L. Anderson serves as the Alice Hudson Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Iowa State University, where he leads an active research group focused on advancing separation science and analytical chemistry. His laboratory develops innovative approaches to chemical measurement and analysis using ionic liquids, polymeric ionic liquids, and magnetic ionic liquids for applications in pharmaceutical analysis, environmental monitoring, and nucleic acid diagnostics. Dr. Anderson's research interests center on separation science with particular emphasis on the application of ionic liquids in chromatographic separations and sample preparation. His group has pioneered techniques using magnetic ionic liquids for nucleic acid extraction, developed novel stationary phases for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography, and created polymeric ionic liquid-based sorbent coatings for solid-phase microextraction. These innovations address critical challenges in pharmaceutical quality control, particularly in the analysis of genotoxic impurities in active pharmaceutical ingredients. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on practical analytical solutions, with research trending toward point-of-care diagnostic applications using smartphone technology, 3D printed extraction devices, and advanced nucleic acid analysis techniques. The work bridges fundamental chemistry with real-world applications in food safety, environmental monitoring, and clinical diagnostics. Dr. Anderson actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with several former trainees securing competitive academic positions and industry roles. His group maintains collaborations with academic research groups across Europe, South America, North America, and Asia, as well as numerous industrial partners in the pharmaceutical sector. The laboratory participates in the ACS Project SEED program, providing research opportunities for underrepresented high school students. The Anderson Research Group operates state-of-the-art facilities for developing and testing novel separation methodologies, with particular expertise in gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and microextraction techniques. Current projects focus on creating tunable solvents for specific analytical challenges, with applications spanning from pharmaceutical quality control to environmental monitoring and clinical diagnostics.
Dr. Rodrigo Werle is an Associate Professor and Extension Cropping Systems Weed Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on integrated weed management in corn, soybean, and small grains, emphasizing sustainable practices and water quality protection. He leads the WiscWeeds program, which evaluates herbicide strategies and cover crop adoption in Wisconsin farming systems. Education: B.S. in Agronomy, São Paulo State University, Brazil (2009) M.S. and Ph.D. in Agronomy (Weed Science), University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2012, 2016) Research Interests: Agroecologically-based approaches to sustainable weed management, herbicide resistance evolution, and the ecological impacts of weed management on agroecosystems and food security. Awards: North Central Weed Science Society Outstanding Young Scientist Award (2021) Alfred Toepfer Faculty Fellow Award (2020-2021) Second Mile Award (2020) Extension & Outreach: Develops practical weed management recommendations for Wisconsin growers and agricultural professionals. Leads herbicide efficacy evaluations and collaborates with farmers on field research. Labs/Teams: Directs the WiscWeeds program, fostering interdisciplinary research on cropping systems and weed science.
Dr. Naidu Rayapati is a Professor of Virology at Washington State University (WSU), where he serves as Director of the Prosser Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center. He is affiliated with the Department of Plant Pathology within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. Dr. Rayapati leads the Grape Virology program at WSU-IAREC in Prosser, focusing on management strategies for virus diseases impacting fruit quality and vine health in Washington's wine grape industry. Dr. Rayapati's research focuses on virus diseases of horticultural, vegetable and food crops, with particular emphasis on virus characterization, diagnostics, plant-virus-vector interactions, and development of integrated crop improvement strategies. His current work centers on virus diseases of grapevines and vegetables, addressing critical challenges for Washington State's agricultural industry. He has established an integrated program of research, extension, and education through the Grape Virology program at WSU-IAREC. Analysis of Dr. Rayapati's recent publications reveals a strong focus on grapevine viruses, particularly Grapevine leafroll-associated viruses and Grapevine red blotch virus. His research spans molecular characterization of plant viruses, epidemiology of viral diseases, development of diagnostic tools, and management strategies for virus diseases in agricultural settings. There is also significant work on emerging viruses in legumes and other vegetable crops, reflecting his broader interest in plant virus diseases across multiple cropping systems. Scientific Awards: CAHNRS Land Grant Mission Award (2020) WSU's Top Industry Engaged Researchers (2017) International IPM Excellence Team Award, The 6th International IPM Symposium (2009) International Service Award, American Phytopathological Society (2007) Dr. Rayapati actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with current lab members including Sridhar Jarugula, Sudarsana Poojari, Tefera Mekuria, Linga Reddy Gutha, and Olufemi Alabi. His research program has received funding from various sources, supporting interdisciplinary collaborations that draw expertise from multiple institutions. Through his extension work, Dr. Rayapati translates scientific knowledge into practical applications for the grape and wine industry stakeholders and regulatory agencies. Dr. Rayapati leads the Grape Virology Program at WSU-IAREC, which employs a 3-D approach: Discovery of knowledge, Development of tools and techniques, and Deployment of knowledge-based strategies. The program works closely with the Washington State Grape and Wine Industry to address virus disease management as a key research priority for achieving the industry's goal of tripling economic value. His team conducts fundamental and applied research on wine grape virus diseases through interdisciplinary collaborations, creating experiential education opportunities for Viticulture and Enology students.
Rachel Schendel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Her research program focuses on the structural analysis of plant cell wall carbohydrates and their relationship to fermentation behavior, with applications in food ingredient development and agricultural waste utilization. Dr. Schendel's research interests include: Structural analysis of plant cell wall carbohydrates Relationship between carbohydrate structure and fermentation/digestion behavior Development of novel sources of prebiotics as food ingredients Utilization of agricultural and food processing waste products Her recent publications demonstrate a growing focus on hempseed polysaccharides, bourbon production byproducts, and mare milk composition, reflecting an expanding research portfolio that bridges traditional food chemistry with emerging agricultural applications. Her work combines advanced analytical techniques including NMR, LC-MS, and HPAEC-PAD for comprehensive structural characterization. Dr. Schendel has received recognition through two American Association of Cereal Chemists International fellowships: Endowment Fund Fellowship recipient (2013-2014) Elvira A. Tarleton Fellowship recipient (2012-2013) She serves on the Bioactives Committee of the American Association of Cereal Chemists International and is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists. Her mentoring experience includes advising eight diploma students and five bachelor thesis students during her time at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, in addition to teaching laboratory classes in GC-MS analysis.
Raghuwinder (Raj) Singh is a Professor and Director of the Plant Diagnostic Center at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, part of the Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology. His roles include leading plant disease diagnostics, extension outreach, and managing the Plant Diagnostic Center. He holds a D.P.M. from the University of Florida, M.Sc. from the University of Reading, and B.Sc. from Punjab Agricultural University. Research interests focus on plant pathology diagnostics, biotic/abiotic stress management, and horticultural crop diseases. He specializes in identifying and managing diseases affecting palms, citrus, ornamentals, vegetables, and turfgrass. Key areas include phytoplasma diseases, whitefly-transmitted viruses, and emerging pathogens like Rose Rosette virus. Education: Doctor of Plant Medicine, University of Florida (2004) M.Sc. Crop Protection, University of Reading (2001) B.Sc. Agriculture (Hons), Punjab Agricultural University (1999) His publications emphasize diagnostic methodologies, disease distribution studies, and management strategies for crops like cotton, soybean, and citrus. Over $251K in current grants support plant diagnostics and disease surveillance networks, while past grants totaled $893K. He has received multiple awards including the 2020 IPM Educator Award and National Early Career Professional Award. His work extends to developing diagnostic manuals and training programs for agricultural agents and growers. Led the Plant Diagnostic Center since 2008, managing over 20,000 plant samples annually. Active in professional societies including APS and the National Plant Diagnostic Network, he chairs key committees like the Diagnostic and Disease Detection groups.
Mark Burow is a Professor of Peanut Genetics at Texas A&M University's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. His research program focuses on developing new peanut cultivars with enhanced yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance, particularly targeting drought, heat, and salt stress conditions. Through international collaborations in Ghana and Burkina Faso, his work contributes to the global Peanut and Mycotoxin Innovation Lab/USAID project. Research interests center on genomic technologies for crop improvement, with emphasis on traits like high oleic oil content, early maturity, and resistance to pests/diseases including leafspot, nematodes, and Sclerotinia blight. Current projects utilize molecular tools to advance peanut breeding efficiency.
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