The New Faces of MSU AgBioResearch

Bringing collective intelligence research into the 21st century

Steven Gray is taking these core concepts into the 21st century in an effort to address some of the most challenging issues facing the world, including climate change, resource management and coastal hazard planning.

Examining how humans and animals manage chronic infections

Andrew Olive, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, is conducting research associated with the management of chlamydia and other chronic infections.

Producing exceptional tasting, high-quality fruit

Todd Einhorn strives to cultivate trees that will consistently produce the right balance of flowers, fruit and leaves to produce “exceptional tasting, high-quality fruit.

Using technology to improve agriculture

Stephanie E. Vasko is busy exploring ways to use machine-learning approaches in food and agriculture.

Using research to build urban forests with resilience & city planning in mind

Asia Dowtin uses what she knows about how different tree species function in urban environments to help cities plan resilient greenspaces for the future.

Studying pregnancy and its long-term impact on women and their children

Rita Strakovsky, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, is studying the relationship between the mother and the developing fetus.

Helping fruit tree growers flourish

Courtney Hollender is passionate about using research to improve harvesting practices and crop yields for fruit tree growers. She’s on a mission to keep Michigan’s tree fruit production thriving.

Public understanding of food matters

In 2017, MSU introduced a new initiative called Food@MSU that is designed to bring people together to discuss critical food topics that shape the way we eat and live – from food access to food waste.

Safeguarding the foundation of life

Almudena Veiga-Lopez, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Animal Science, is exploring the relationship between chemical exposures during pregnancy and their potential effects on children later in life.

Protecting reproductive and child health

Courtney Carignan works to ensure food, water and consumer goods are safe.

Finding ways to use natural plant adaptations to feed the world

Robert VanBuren, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Horticulture, explores how the mechanisms and characteristics that help plants be resilient to drought could lead to new advances in agriculture.

Understanding the connections between what we eat and chronic diseases

What people eat on a daily basis can increase their risks for certain chronic diseases. Ilce Medina Meza hopes her research can inform eating habits to reduce instances of disease.

From India to MSU – researcher has dedicated his life to agriculture

Maninderpal Singh, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, is studying current and emerging issues in cropping systems to help Michigan farmers improve farm profitability, sustainability and climate resiliency.

MSU AgBioResearch director recognized for leadership in research

MSU AgBioResearch director Douglas D. Buhler will receive an Excellence in Research Leadership Award at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities annual meeting on November 11.

Carrying the LTER torch forward

Nick Haddad saw leading the Long-Term Ecological Research projects as a perfect opportunity to continue the research that has defined his career.

Disentangling the origins of species

Discovering the identities of those species could open the next chapter in fruit breeding, and it’s a challenge that MSU AgBioResearch plant breeder Patrick Edger and his team aim to unravel.

Exploring how climate change will reshape the tourism industry

Michelle Rutty, an assistant professor of sustainable tourism at MSU, works to understand how decisions related to natural resources, including climate change, influence the sustainability of the recreation and tourism sectors.

Enhancing dairy farm performance through a focus on calf health

One area that needs more attention is calf health, according to Angel Abuelo, assistant professor in the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Taking flight: New MSU research center to focus on natural resources research and outreach

On Nov. 28, Michigan State University AgBioResearch will officially open the Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center.

Forging new partnerships

MSU AgBioResearch associate director George Smith talks about the future of the organization and its research priorities.

The new faces of MSU AgBioResearch

To address a broad range of agricultural challenges, MSU AgBioResearch is partnering across the university to expand its network of researchers.

Editor's Note: Science communication can be tricky, and rewarding

Communicating about science isn’t always easy. It requires a delicate balance between making the words understandable, while also scientifically accurate and respectful. But it’s certainly rewarding, as people entrust you with telling their stories.

Exploring the possibilities of stem cell treatments in humans and animals

Yuan Wang, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Animal Science, believes stem cells may hold the answer to some of medicine’s biggest questions.

Studying the impact of diversity in all forms

Entomologist Will Wetzel is trying to understand the consequences of environmental variability for plants and insects, as well as how they cope and survive in the face of it.

Following a passion, from the bright lights of the stage to the forest

Emily Huff is fascinated by the relationship between people and nature, and how people learn, talk about and make decisions about the environment.

Shifting into a higher land-grant gear

Melissa McKendree's research focuses on consumer and producer marketing, production economics and farm management. Through her MSU Extension appointment, she helps farmers improve their processes.

AgBioResearch