Alcorn State University College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences Awarded Over $1 million by USDA for Research & Programming
From Alcorn State University …
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), awarded Alcorn State University over $1 million for capacity-building efforts related to research and programming needs.
USDA awarded $33 million to support efforts at 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The investment will support 82 research, Extension, and education projects across the United States designated as part of NIFA’s 1890 Capacity Building Grants Program for America’s 1890 Land-grant Universities.
“The College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (CAAS) has intentionally sought funds to support program efforts in the state and beyond,” said Dr. Dexter Wakefield I, interim dean of CAAS. “The USDA has established capacity-building grants designed to strengthen the ability of land-grant institutions to conduct research and extension activities benefiting communities of 50,000 or less. These grants assist us by providing resources to improve our organizational effectiveness, research, and outreach. This year, we were funded for five projects for $1,139,885. I commend the efforts of our faculty and staff for helping the university “grow” its impact and accomplish its mission and goals.”
Dr. Avis Joseph, assistant professor of Agricultural Education, was granted $149,860 for her study “Enhancing Agricultural Education for the 21st Century Global Economy.”
Chair and Professor of Breeding Dr. Victor Njiti received $589,993 to execute his study titled “Crop Genetic Enhancement Through Genome Editing Technology and Future Agricultural Leadership Cultivation.”
“In collaboration with Ohio State University,” said Dr. Njiti, “we plan to develop our capacity in regard to genetics and genetic techniques as well as provide Alcorn students with opportunities for hands-on experiences in these fields.
“We are proud to bring new tools to plant breeding, such as gene editing tools to modify plant genetics,” said Dr. Njiti.
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