College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

News

• 

  Renner receives 2026 CANR Distinguished Faculty Award

  Published on February 2, 2026
  Karen Renner, Ph.D., will receive the 2026 CANR Distinguished Faculty Award during the ANR Awards on Friday, February 27.

• 

  Graduate Student Rachel Drobnak Honored for Excellence in Science Outreach

  Published on January 29, 2026
  PSM Graduate student awarded the MSU Graduate School’s Graduate Award in Science Outreach & Communication

• MSU Turfgrass students bring home the green

  Published on January 23, 2026
  Congratulations to the newest scholarship awardees.

• 

  From drones to data: MSU’s Basso Lab driving next era of regenerative agriculture

  Published on January 21, 2026
  Regenerative agriculture research from Dr. Bruno Basso is helping farmers and partners improve productivity and sustainability through data-driven insights.

• NSF-Funded Team to Study Forest Management and Fungal Biodiversity in Michigan Oak Savannas

  Published on January 19, 2026
  Oak savannas—once widespread across the Midwest—have declined significantly due to land-use changes and fire suppression. “When oak savannas disappear, the fungi that cycle nutrients and support healthy soil are also harmed.”

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Events

• Feb 3

  PSM Open House 2026

  February 3, 2026 – March 5, 2026

• Feb 9

  PLP PhD Candidate Thesis defense seminar: Lexi Heger ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER SPORE TO TRAP

  February 9, 2026 1:30PM – 2:30PM

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In The News

• New lesson plans hope to teach people what mushrooms do for the planet

  Published on November 29, 2025
  

• Regenerative transition costs are tractable

  Published on November 17, 2025
  

• ASA, CSSA and SSSA congratulate the 2025 award recipients and Fellows

  Published on November 4, 2025
  

• MSU opens renovated greenhouse facility to public, aims to benefit MI agriculture

  Published on November 3, 2025 by Michigan Farm News
  

• World Cup watch: MSU students, staff ready for global competition, to showcase sod

  Published on June 3, 2025 by Michigan Farm News
  

Student Research Assistant Spotlight

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  MMG undergrad Alassane Sow enjoys working as a research assistant in PSM

  Published on January 18, 2024
  Microbiology major crosses the street for his part time job as a research assistant in the Bonito lab

Graduate Spotlight

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  December PSM Graduates

  Published on December 14, 2025
  

• PSM Graduate Students earn accolades at Tri Societies 2025 CANVAS conference

  Published on December 5, 2025
  

• Meet the 2025 PSM Fellowship Award recipients

  Published on November 21, 2025