The College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (CAAS) at Alcorn State University announces over $1.7 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
Dr. Dexter Wakefield, interim dean and director of land grant programs, expressed his pride in the college’s achievements, “I am immensely proud of the recognition our college has received through these grants. This funding underscores our commitment to pioneering research and impactful education. It empowers us to tackle critical agricultural challenges head-on and further our mission to drive innovation and excellence in every facet of our work.”
These grants will support research and educational initiatives, reflecting ASU’s commitment to addressing pressing challenges in agriculture and technology.
Dr. Emran Ali, horticulture specialist for Extension Programs, has been awarded a grant for $349,998. This funding will be used to enhance horticultural research and extend outreach programs aimed at improving agricultural practices.
“This grant represents a tremendous opportunity for us to advance our research in horticulture and broaden our extension services,” said Ali. “By integrating new technologies and approaches, we will provide better support to our community and foster the development of more effective horticultural practices.”
Dr. Chunquan Zhang, associate dean for research and director of the Experiment Station, received a $500,000 grant for his project, “Enhancing Crop Stress Tolerance Through Beneficial Microbes and Future Agriculture Workforce Development.” This project will assist in improving crop resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses through the use of beneficial microbes and develop the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“This funding will enable us to explore innovative methods to enhance crop tolerance and establish robust training programs for faculty and students,” said Zhang. “Our collaboration with The Ohio State University will play a crucial role in achieving these goals.”
Dr. Jingfang Zhang, assistant professor of agricultural economics, has been awarded $499,135 for his project, “Strengthening Food Systems in an Era of Extreme Weather.” This research will address the impacts of extreme weather events on food security and socioeconomically vulnerable communities.
“The increasing frequency of extreme weather events poses a significant threat to our food systems,” Zhang said. “This grant will allow us to conduct a comprehensive analysis of these impacts and develop effective strategies to protect our food supply and support disadvantaged communities.”
Professor and Chair Dr. Victor Njiti has been awarded $299,990 for his project, “1890-HSI Partnership to Enhance Graduate Competitiveness and Faculty Knowledge in Tropical Agriculture.” This project will create a multicultural educational internship and experiential learning program in partnership with the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Center for Education and Training in Agriculture and Related Sciences.
Njiti noted, “The grant will facilitate valuable partnerships and enhance our educational programs in tropical agriculture. By increasing student engagement and faculty knowledge, our goal is to prepare our students to address global agricultural challenges.”
Azali Muhammad, drone program director, has received $99,950 for professional development in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which will support advanced training in drone technology and the acquisition of additional drones for educational and practical use.
“This grant will enable us to deepen our expertise in drone technology and expand our training capabilities,” Muhammad said. “We look forward to using this knowledge to benefit our students and local farmers, enhancing agricultural practices and fostering technological innovation in rural Mississippi.”
The College remains dedicated to advancing research, education, and technology in agriculture.
These grants reflect the university’s ongoing commitment to addressing critical issues in food security, sustainable agriculture, and technological advancement. The funding will support various initiatives designed to benefit the academic community, farmers, and other stakeholders.
