1890 Partnerships Hub

Are you an 1890 land-grant university faculty member in search of a new ARS research partner? The 1890 Partnerships Hub lists ARS scientists who are interested in hosting 1890 faculty members in their labs through the 1890 Faculty Research Sabbatical Program. This page will be updated on a rolling basis – please come back to visit again!

Find ARS scientists by research area:

• Animal Production and Protection

  The following is a list of ARS scientists in Animal Production and Protection research who are interested in hosting 1890 faculty members in their labs through the 1890 Faculty Research Sabbatical Program. This page will be updated on a rolling basis – please come back to visit again! Marina Ascunce (Gainesville, Florida) marina.ascunce@usda.gov, 352-374-5706 Researcher's statement: I am broadly interested in all aspects of genetics, genomics, microbiome and host-parasite interactions of arthropod pests. I am located at the Imported Fire Ant and Household Insects Research Unit at the Center for Medical, Agriculture, and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE), Gainesville, Florida. Our work is focused on invasive ants. Current projects include the analysis of genetic diversity of invasive and native ants, and the identification of microbes that could be used for biocontrol. I am particularly interested in developing new projects using single cell technology, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). Brad Bearson (Ames, Iowa) brad.bearson@usda.gov; 515-294-0209 Researcher’s statement: Investigation of Salmonella colonization and pathogenesis in swine and turkeys for development of interventions (vaccines, probiotics, prebiotics, immunomodulators, bacteriophage therapy) to enhance animal production. Genomic and phenotypic characterization of a pork outbreak-associated, multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar I 4,[5],12:i:- isolate containing Salmonella Genomic Island 4 (SGI-4), a metal tolerance island. Modification of an attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium vaccine strain as a platform for expression of foreign antigens and immunization of food-producing animals against disease. Benjamin H. Beck (Auburn, Alabama) benjamin.beck@usda.gov; 334-887-2983 ext. 112 Researcher’s statement: The catfish industry is the largest segment of US aquaculture and shrimp production represents a smaller, but important sector. Improving the health of catfish, shrimp, and other warmwater species is important for long-term sustainability of these industries because losses due to disease are a significant impact to production. There is a need to develop new and improved vaccines as well as to identify feed additives that may boost immune readiness of fish and shrimp. Research is needed to determine how different feed amendments influence growth, performance, immune parameters and survival of fish and shrimp following pathogen challenge. This research will increase our understanding of the host immune responses governing disease outcomes and will aid in the development of safe and efficacious vaccines and feed additives for the prevention of disease in aquaculture. Seth Britch (Gainesville, Florida) seth.britch@usda.gov; 302-388-3655 Researcher’s statement: Our research program consists of two complementary domains, (i) investigating the environmental limits of pesticide efficacy and developing novel integrated vector management (IVM) systems, and (ii) investigating historical associations between climate variation and population dynamics of disease vector mosquitoes and sand flies to develop predictive systems protecting endemic and emerging regions from severe vector borne disease. In (i) we conduct field and laboratory research in an array of ecological regions at field sites in Kenya, Thailand, Greece, California, South Carolina, and Florida, targeting a range of natural and laboratory reared populations of disease vector mosquitoes and sand flies with diverse combinations of application technology and botanical and synthetic adulticides, larvicides, and spatial repellents. A substantial focus in (i) is protecting U.S. military war fighters in austere field environments from severe nuisance and disease vector insects by the use of innovative IVM applications of military field materials and equipment and development of a Mobile Pesticide App decision support system. In (ii) we collaborate closely with NASA and DoD partners to develop landscape scale predictive models of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) activity in endemic regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and link these predictions through transport pathways to high-risk areas of the United States highlighted by historical climate-mosquito dynamics and seasonal environmental signals. A substantial focus of (ii) is analyzing >60 years of U.S. mosquito collection records and long-term normalized difference vegetation indices and other remotely sensed climate data. Joan Burke (Booneville, AR) joan.burke@usda.gov; 479-849-5399 Researcher’s statement: Research focuses on sustainable production for small and mid-size farmers including organic and grass-fed production systems, the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep including alternatives to synthetic anthelmintics, nutrition, and genetic selection for parasite resistant animals. Katrina Counihan (Wyndmoor, PA) katrina.counihan@usda.gov, 215-233-6420 Researcher’s statement: My research focuses on developing assays for the detection, quantification, and characterization of foodborne pathogens. I am currently investigating the use of next generation sequencing technology for pathogen identification. Abasiofiok Mark Ibekwe (Riverside, California) mark.ibekwe@usda.gov; 951-369-4828 Researcher’s statement: Dr. Ibekwe is an internationally recognized expert on the following research areas with active research: (1) Microbial ecology and metagenomics of plant-microbe interactions with human enteric pathogens; (2) metagenomics based bacterial source tracking and constructed wetlands for the removal of contaminants for water quality evaluation; (3) persistence of human enteric pathogens in the pre-harvest environment; (4) metagenomics of antimicrobials in agroecosystems; and (5) characterization of soil microbial community as a critical component of soil quality and health. John Keele (Clay Center, Nebraska) john.keele@usda.gov, 402-762-4251 Researcher's statement: Interested in horn flies on cattle, detecting and counting horn flies on cattle in images using machine learning or artificial intelligence, estimating heritability and genetic correlations for the whole genome or regions of the genome, DNA pooling and analysis of DNA pooling results based on SNP microarrays or DNA sequencing. Andrew Li (Beltsville, Maryland) andrew.li@usda.gov; 301-504-5401 Researcher’s statement: General research area - Tick biology and control; Specific research topics include (1) tick artificial feeding systems and feeding physiology, (2) tick behavioral response to repellents and attractants, and (3) pesticide bioassays. Amanda Lindholm-Perry (Clay Center, Nebraska) amanda.lindholm@usda.gov; (402) 762-4189 Edmund Norris (Gainesville, FL) edmund.norris@usda.gov; (708) 363-3223 Researcher’s statement: Edmund Norris, PhD is a permanent Research Chemist/Entomologist at the Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology for the United States Department of Agriculture in Gainesville, FL. Dr. Norris’ research focuses on the development of novel mosquito and biting fly repellents and insecticidal formulations that may circumvent insecticide resistance, while primarily relying on natural products as his inspiration. His research aims to better understand the mechanisms of novel insecticidal, repellent, and synergistic agents using a variety of electrophysiological, pharmacological, and biochemical techniques. William Oliver (Clay Center, Nebraska) william.oliver@usda.gov; (402) 762-4206 Researchers’ statement: Our research priorities include identification of molecular markers that underlie feed efficiency in cattle and swine. Projects in our labs include those that identify or validate DNA variants (SNPs), changes in gene expression, metabolic markers, and variation in gut or fecal microbial populations. We are also interested in projects to integrate these types of large -omics datasets to produce robust profiles of highly feed efficient animals. Monika Proszkowiec-Weglarz (Beltsville, Maryland) monika.weglarz@usda.gov; 301-504-9403 Researcher’s statement: Overall, our research focusses on understanding the host-microflora interactions that influence gut health and that are critical for developing strategies to increase the efficiency of broilers chicken without antibiotic growth promoters (AGP). Our project establishes how practical alternative strategies to AGP can direct a change in the microflora and metabolite milieu to maintain or even increase the stability of the gut under bouts of stress. Specifically, my research focuses on microbiome development in broiler chickens. Kyoung Ro (Florence, SC) kyoung.ro@usda.gov; 843-250-6046 Researcher’s statement: My research focuses on 1) the development of innovative thermochemical processes (pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization) in converting agricultural and livestock wastes to value-added products and 2) assessment of fugitive gas emission from animal feeding operations using open-path lasers and micrometeorological techniques. Ben Rosen (Beltsville, Maryland) ben.rosen@usda.gov; 530-574-4761 Researcher’s statement: My lab focuses on the assembly and annotation of ruminant genomes. We are interested in cataloging genetic diversity from SNPs to structural variants. We have data from both long and short read sequencing platforms and would also like to begin comparative genomic studies across ruminant species. Perot Saelao (Kerrville, Texas) Perot.saelao@usda.gov, (830) 792-0327 Researcher’s statement: I am broadly interested in all aspects of genetics and genomics of arthropod pests. Specifically, I am interested in exploring methods that can be developed computationally to mitigate tick and tick-borne diseases. This includes the development of vaccine targets using reverse vaccinology, application of bioinformatic tools to identify resistant/susceptibility loci, and investigations population genetic differences. I would love to partner with any molecular or application scientists to complement my bioinformatic skills. Glen Scoles (Beltsville, Maryland) glen.scoles@usda.gov; (301) 504-5166 Researcher’s statement: Research falls under the new Project Plan entitled “Ticks and Human Health.” One of the goals of the project is to develop improved tools for management and control of ticks that feed on people and transmit pathogens such as Lyme disease and babesiosis. Ticks will be collected from various sites in the field and transported to the laboratory where we will use molecular approaches to determine the tick species and the pathogens carried by each individual tick. Another goal will be to refine methods for the molecular identification of host remnant blood meals in questing ticks. These studies will lead to an improved understanding of the natural enzootic cycles of tick-borne pathogens, which will aid the development of control strategies. Katie Lynn Summers (Beltsville, Maryland) katie.summers@usda.gov; 301-504-8760 Researcher’s statement: My laboratory investigates the weaning transition in piglets to identify potential antibiotic alternatives to promote optimal growth. Our research focuses on the microbiome, with an emphasis on the mycobiome, and uses a combination of in vivo and in vitro systems to investigate important microbes and their interactions. Steven Trabue (Ames, Iowa) steven.trabue@usda.gov; 515-294-0201 Researcher’s statement: Our research focuses on the impact animal production systems have on both the animal and environment. Our group has active research into the following areas: 1) Determining the impact indoor air quality has on swine growth and performance; 2) Calculating nutrient inventories for C, N, and S from gas emissions, manure, and animal retention based on animal and feed inputs (i.e., mass balance approach); 3) Monitoring N and S loss during pumping and field application of manure; and 4) Determining the impact swine diet formulation has on manure and gas emissions. William C. Wilson (Manhattan, Kansas) william.wilson2@usda.gov; 785-410-3003 Researcher’s statement: The mission of the Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Laboratory is to provide scientific information to protect U.S. livestock from domestic, exotic, and emerging arthropod-borne animal and zoonotic pathogens. Rapid field-based genetic detection and characterization systems are being developed. The project would be to optimize a field-base genetic characterization system for unbiased characterization of viral RNA isolated from mosquitoes and/or animals. Vivian Wu (Albany, CA) vivian.wu@usda.gov; 510-559-5829 Researcher’s statement: My research focuses on food safety and animal health. My research team conducts fundamental and applied research to improve the safety of the nation's food supply and develop diagnostic detection to prevent the spread of animal diseases. We utilize genomic methods to elucidate the interplay between bacteriophages and their bacterial hosts in the environment to enhance the safety of food products and prevent the emergence of foodborne pathogens. We develop novel interventions to remove or minimize contamination by pathogenic microorganisms in foods. We advance molecular-, genomic-, and nanotechnology-based biosensors and diagnostic methods for the detection of pathogens.

• Crop Production and Protection

  The following is a list of ARS scientists in Crop Production and Protection research who are interested in hosting 1890 faculty members in their labs through the 1890 Faculty Research Sabbatical Program. This page will be updated on a rolling basis – please come back to visit again! Ebrahiem Babiker (Poplarville, MS) ebrahiem.babiker@usda.gov; 601-916-0467 Researcher’s statement: I am interested in genetic, genomics and breeding of blueberry and muscadine grape. My lab integrates principles of plant breeding, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics to develop molecular tools and locate genomic regions associated with fruit quality and phenology related traits in blueberries and muscadine grape. Raman Bansal (Parlier, CA) raman.bansal@usda.gov; 559-596-2768 Researcher’s statement: I am a Research Entomologist, and my research focuses on generating and utilizing knowledge about insect physiology and toxicology to improve the pest management. I am particularly interested in insect pests of tree nuts (almond, pistachio, walnut). Research methodologies include, but are not limited to, generating molecular resources through big data approaches, developing novel genomics approaches such as gene silencing and gene editing, bioassays for toxicological responses, development of novel treatments, and comparative transcriptomics using RNA-seq and quantitative PCR. Seth Britch (Gainesville, FL) seth.britch@usda.gov; 302-388-3655 Researcher’s statement: Our research program consists of two complementary domains, (i) investigating the environmental limits of pesticide efficacy and developing novel integrated vector management (IVM) systems, and (ii) investigating historical associations between climate variation and population dynamics of disease vector mosquitoes and sand flies to develop predictive systems protecting endemic and emerging regions from severe vector borne disease. In (i) we conduct field and laboratory research in an array of ecological regions at field sites in Kenya, Thailand, Greece, California, South Carolina, and Florida, targeting a range of natural and laboratory reared populations of disease vector mosquitoes and sand flies with diverse combinations of application technology and botanical and synthetic adulticides, larvicides, and spatial repellents. A substantial focus in (i) is protecting U.S. military war fighters in austere field environments from severe nuisance and disease vector insects with the use of innovative IVM applications of military field materials and equipment and development of a Mobile Pesticide App decision support system. In (ii) we collaborate closely with NASA and DoD partners to develop landscape scale predictive models of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) activity in endemic regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and link these predictions through transport pathways to high-risk areas of the United States highlighted by historical climate-mosquito dynamics and seasonal environmental signals. A substantial focus of (ii) is analyzing >60 yr of U.S. mosquito collection records and long term normalized difference vegetation index and other remotely sensed climate data. Rodney Cooper (Wapato, WA) rodney.cooper@usda.gov; 509-439-5170 Researcher’s statement: I am a Research Entomologist with the Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit in Wapato, WA. My research focus is on plant-insect associations of Hemiptera pests of tree fruits and potatoes, including pear psylla, leafhopper vectors of x-disease Phytoplasma, potato psyllid (vector of Liberibacter solanacearum), and beet leafhopper (vector of Phytoplasma trifolii and beet curly top virus). I am using molecular gut content analysis to identify non-crop sources of insect pests and infective vectors of plant pathogens. A long-term goal of my research is to improve landscape level management of insect pests and vectors, and to develop pest risk forecast models based upon the early spring occurrence of insects on non-crop host or shelter plants. Georgia Eizenga (Stuttgart, AR) georgia.eizenga@usda.gov; 870-672-6104 Researcher’s statement Our lab focuses on genetic improvement of cultivated rice using diverse rice species. The rice ancestral species which are closely related to the cultivated rice as it is grown today, contain genes lost during the domestication process. The ultimate aim of this research is to identify these "lost" genes and incorporate them into currently grown U.S. rice varieties. To rediscover these genes, we are examining a collection of ancestral rice species (Oryza species), the cultivated African rice and selected lines of the "Rice Diversity Panel 1", a collection of 424 rice varieties from around the world. Studies are being performed to identify genes associated with yield, disease resistance, seedling cold tolerance and salt tolerance using genome-wide association mapping studies (GWAS), biparental mapping populations and chromosome segment substitution lines with SNP genotyping to identify candidate genes. Alan Franzluebbers (Raleigh, NC) alan.franzluebbers@usda.gov; 919 208-9344 Researcher’s statement: Research conducted in the Soil Ecology and Management Lab focuses on conservation approaches to achieve agricultural sustainability. Current field-based projects are on silvopasture management (https://cefs.ncsu.edu/field-research/farming-systems-research-unit/), and on-farm trials investigating improved N management of field crops. Lab protocols emphasize soil health determinations, including total C and N and soil microbial activity. Mary Guttieri (Manhattan, KS) mary.guttieri@usda.gov; 785-347-2234 Researcher’s statement: My research program conducts winter wheat germplasm enhancement (breeding) using marker-enabled breeding technologies. Our primary breeding targets are improved resistance to important diseases of wheat, including the rust diseases and wheat streak mosaic virus, and improved nutritional quality for human consumption. We have a major breeding effort to incorporate the diversity of the tetraploid wheat ancestor, Triticum dicoccoides (wild emmer), into winter wheat. Our research is conducted in the laboratory, greenhouses, seed house, and multiple field sites. Ryan Hayes (Corvallis, OR) ryan.hayes@usda.gov; 541-738-4125 Researcher’s statement: Forage, turf, and cover crop species are widely grown in the U.S. and are critical components of sustainable landscapes and agroecosystems. Most of the cool season grass seed used to plant these crops is grown in the Pacific Northwest due to the mild winters and dry summers that are ideal for their production. Research in disease resistance, plant pathogen diversity, development of plant disease decision aids, invertebrate pest population dynamics, and agronomy is conducted to support grass seed production. Breeding and genetics research to improve annual ryegrass as a cover crop, including crop termination and root exudate traits, is conducted to expand the crop’s use and support soil conservation across the U.S. Louis Hesler (Brookings, SD) louis.hesler@usda.gov; 605-693-5228 Researcher’s statement: I am a Research Entomologist, and my current research interests include host-plant resistance to insects in various crops, with experience mainly in soybean and wheat. I have also conducted research on beneficial insects, principally predators of insect pests, and I’m working to develop a research component dealing with insect pollinators as well. My ARS research assignment broadly includes various strategies for managing arthropod crop pests, so there is plenty of latitude for establishing research ties with 1890 faculty. Md Islam (Canal Point, FL) md.islam@usda.gov; 561-926-5227 Ext. 123 Researcher’s statement: Identifying gene and genomic regions along with associated molecular markers for key disease resistance, sugar and yield related traits in order to facilitate selection using molecular markers physically associated with superior alleles of traits will result in Saccharum genotypes with improved disease resistance, sugar content and consequently yield. High throughput phenotyping methods and robust genotyping using next generation sequencing technique are currently being used in our lab. We are also conducting genomic selection, cataloging the genomic variants for disease resistant and sugar metabolism gene for sugarcane breeding. Developing improved cultivar for commercial sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybrid) for sustainable and higher sugar production. Jean-Luc Jannink (Ithaca, NY) jeanluc.jannink@usda.gov; 607-255-5266 Researcher’s statement: My research focuses on statistical approaches to analyze and interpret the increasing quantity of DNA data available to breeding programs in combination with the phenotypic diversity these programs traditionally excel at putting to use. High throughput methods for collecting phenotypes are also developing so that we also need new approaches to leverage this high-dimensional data to accelerate gain from selection. Given this increased emphasis on data, we also work on information technology that makes it easier for breeders to handle more, and more diverse, data. In some way, all the analyses we work on aim to enable programs to make better selection decisions more rapidly. Rebecca Schmidt-Jeffris (Wapato, WA) rebecca.schmidt@usda.gov; 509-454-6556 Researcher’s statement: The biological control of arthropod pests of tree fruit by predators and parasitoids. We study conservation of resident natural enemies through development of selective pesticide programs, landscape manipulation, and supplementary food products. We are also developing best practice guidelines for purchasing and releasing commercially available natural enemies for pest control, including timing and release rates and testing efficacy of drone releases. My team also studies the basic biology of natural enemies, including predatory mites, earwigs, spiders, predatory bugs, ladybeetles, and parasitoid wasps (Trechnites insidiosus, Ganaspis brasiliensis, and Leptopilina japonica). Peishih Liang (Hilo, HI peishih.liang@usda.gov; 808-959-4349 Researcher's Statement: I am a Research Agricultural Engineer, and my research focuses on applying spectroscopy, imaging, sensors, and x-rays in postharvest food quality and safety, and pest management. My past and current projects include using near infrared spectroscopy/hyperspectral imaging for monitoring the quality/safety of persimmons, potatoes, tree nuts, etc., developing x-ray methods for Sterile Insect Technique programs, and using multispectral imaging for plant phenotyping. While stationing in Hilo, Hawaii, I'm particularly interested in implementing these technologies in insect pest-related applications. Mali Mahalingam (Madison, WI) mali.mahalingam@usda.gov; 608-890-0300 Researcher’s statement: Understanding the molecular basis of tolerance to abiotic stresses (heat and drought) in plants, particularly in barley. Our lab uses genetics, phenomics, genomics and biochemical approaches to decipher the function of key genes invovled in abiotic stress signaling. Another aspect of our research invovles the identification of key genes and their functions associated with malting quality in barley. Chris Mattison (New Orleans, LA) chris.mattison@usda.gov; 504-286-4392 Researcher’s statement: My research is focused on the primary and secondary prevention of peanut and tree nut allergies. We purify and characterize peanut and tree nut allergens to better understand how they cause food allergy. My lab uses molecular and cellular biology techniques to study antibody-allergen interactions, elucidate allergen structure-function relationships, and characterize peanut and tree nut allergens prior to and following commercial processing steps. James Polashock (Chatsworth, NJ/HQ Beltsville, MD) James.polashock@usda.gov; 609-726-2523 Researcher’s Statement: I am a Research Plant Pathologist. My program focuses on diseases of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and cranberry (V. macrocarpon). Our lab is based in southern New Jersey in the heart of the Pine Barrens, where the majority of blueberry and cranberry production in the state is based. Our lab is dedicated to generating molecular resources for these species that can be used in breeding programs for crop improvement, with emphasis on resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors. Our approaches include whole genome sequencing, genetic mapping, pathogen characterization, QTL analyses, transcriptomics, hyperspectral imaging, etc. We are also pursuing gene silencing and gene editing techniques as well as characterization of the ‘berryland’ soil microbiome. Our multidisciplinary program involves lab, greenhouse and field work as well as close collaborations with the local grower community. I am based in Chatsworth, NJ, and headquartered out of the Genetic Improvement of fruits and Vegetables Lab (GIFVL) in Beltsville, Maryland (NEA). Jose Ramirez (Peoria, IL) jose.ramirez2@usda.gov; 309-681-6195 Researcher’s statement: Dr. Ramirez’s research include the study of multipartite interactions (insect-pathogen-symbiotic microbe interactions) to identify factors that influence pathogen infection in the arthropod host. Current efforts also involve the isolation and characterization of entomopathogenic microbes to develop novel microbe-based biopesticides to control arthropod vectors and the pathogens they transmit. Brian Rector (Reno, NV) brian.rector@usda.gov; 775-784-6057 Researcher’s statement: My research is focused on classical biological control of invasive weeds; natural enemies (e.g. insects, mites, fungi) from the native range of an invasive weed species are evaluated in the laboratory/greenhouse and petitioned for release into the invaded range if they are found to be both damaging and highly host-specific. In addition to scientific literature searches, field surveys, and biological studies of weed natural enemies, research activities may also include taxonomic descriptions of new species and molecular genetic studies of weed and/or natural enemy populations, depending on one’s interests and expertise. My research program focuses on important weeds of the arid western United States, but I would also be interested in collaborating on a study of an invasive weed from the applicant’s home region, which they could then continue at their home university after their sabbatical ends. Erin Scully (Manhattan, KS) erin.scully@usda.gov, 785-776-2710 Researcher’s statement: My work focuses on improving genomic resources for stored product insects and identifying genes and mutations that are associated with the ability to detect and respond to pheromones, kairomones, and other volatiles and the ability to tolerate biotic and abiotic stresses. I use a combination of bioinformatics approaches, such as genome assembly, RNA-Seq, and proteomics, and functional genomics approaches, such as RNAi, to address these topics. I also have a broad range of expertise in plant, insect, and microbial genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and plant-insect-microbial interactions. Gordon Selling (Peoria, IL) gordon.selling@usda.gov; 309-681-6338 Researcher’s statement: We are developing novel uses for high amylose corn starch inclusion complexes where the ligand is either a biobased fatty acid or fatty amine salt. These biodegradable complexes are best made using steam jet cooking (commonly used in the paper industry), or microwave heating. Yields are quantitative and use very safe reagents. We have published articles showing the value for these complexes in controlling pests and pathogenic fungi or other microbes. As the technology is very safe and uses commercially available materials/processes, it is suitable for scale-up globally. Anna Testen (Wooster, OH) anna.testen@usda.gov, 330-641-2862 Researcher’s statement: Research in my lab focuses on developing sustainable disease management strategies for specialty crops produced in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems, ranging from high tunnels to vertical farms. Major areas of research include developing disease management strategies for soilborne diseases in high tunnel vegetable production and synthetic pesticide-free methods to manage diseases in greenhouse vegetable production. We work to improve diagnosis of CEA pathogens and determine the impacts of management strategies on beneficial microbes. Roger Thilmony (Albany, CA) roger.thilmony@usda.gov; 510-559-5761 Researcher’s statement: My group’s research is focused on crop biotechnology. Genetic engineering is performed on a diverse set of plant species including rice, wheat, switchgrass, Brachypodium, tomato, tobacco, Arabidopsis and citrus and we are open to working on other plant species as well. Sophisticated plant molecular biology techniques are developed and utilized to create useful molecular tools for precisely performing genome engineering in plants. Recently a highly effective gene stacking technology called GAANTRY was developed and shown to efficiently engineer 10 or more genes into plants. Also, a suite of novel promoters, terminators and insulator sequences have been identified that control green tissue-specific, root-specific, seed/fruit-specific and pollen- or reproductive-specific expression in plants. Kristin Trippe (Corvallis, OR) kristin.trippe@usda.gov; 541-738-4181 Researcher’s statement: The mild, marine climate in the Willamette Valley of Oregon supports a broad diversity of seed crop rotations, including grass, clover, meadowfoam, and hemp. Crop management practices within this production system are equally diverse. While some farmers employ conventional practices that involve frequent tillage and bailing of crop residues, other farmers use one or more practices that are thought to improve the health of the soil including returning crop residues to the soil, infrequent tillage, and frequent rotations. Little is known about how these differing practices effect soil health, soil microbiomes, or pest and pathogen populations. The aim of our research program is to deepen this understanding and to determine if conservation farming practices improve yield or decrease costs. Joshua Udall (College Station, TX) joshua.udall@usda.gov; 979-213-0137 Researcher’s statement: Crop germplasm research focuses on cotton, pecan, sorghum, and warm season grasses. As a scientist, my primary interest is in the genetic diversity and domestication of cotton. Here we maintain the National Germplasm Collection of cotton. I use genomic approaches (genome sequencing) to identify regions of the cotton genomic that impact fiber and agronomic characteristics. Christina Walters (Fort Collins, CO) christina.walters@usda.gov Researcher’s statement: My lab works on questions related to preserving viability of pollen or seeds and predicting shelf-life using various biochemical or biophysical tools. There are two major preservation platforms that we target: freezer (-20C) and cryogenic (-170 to -196C). We work on many different species; some of our favorites are oaks, citrus, coffee, cocoa and nut crops (cryogenic storage) or lettuce, sunflower, Brassica sp, soybean, pea and peanut (freezer storage). We are currently conducting research on feasibility of cryogenic storage or microbe collections. Jacob Washburn (Columbia, MO) jacob.washburn@usdsa.gov; 573-355-4786 Researcher’s statement: My lab works on understanding the genetic and physiological basis of plant phenotypes and adaptations to both environmental (drought, heat, etc.) and human imposed conditions (fertilizer, density, monoculture, etc.). We use traditional phenotyping, drones, rovers, physiological instruments, and other methods to evaluate plants in the field, greenhouse, and growth chamber. We apply quantitative genetics, physiological models, and machine/deep learning to biological, evolutionary, and agricultural systems. Martin (Marty) Williams (Urbana, IL) martin.williams@usda.gov; (217) 244-5476 Researcher’s statement: A Lead Scientist in USDA-ARS’s Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit in Urbana, Illinois, Dr. Williams leads the unit’s weed science thrust in addressing critical obstacles in crop production systems by conducting research to define principles and develop improved practices for crop production, including research on weed biology and ecology, issues related to herbicide use, and multi-tactic weed management systems.  He is recognized for delivering solutions to vegetable seed and food processing industries in the U.S. and beyond.  Jennifer Wilson (Wooster, OH) jennifer.wilson3@usda.gov; 330-263-9715 Researcher’s statement: Our lab focuses on viral diseases of corn and soybean, especially those transmitted by insect vectors. We examine many aspects of virus-host-vector interactions, combining knowledge from the disciplines of plant virology, entomology, and molecular biology. We use a combination of classical and cutting-edge techniques from electropenetrography (EPG) to microscopy to next generation sequencing. I also work closely with an ARS plant geneticist, Erik Ohlson, who focuses on host resistance to viruses and we’d be happy to host a faculty member on any project related to viruses of corn and soybean.   Chenghai Yang (College Station, TX) chenghai.yang@usda.gov; 979-571-5811 Researcher’s statement: My research has focused on the development and application of remote sensing technologies for precision agriculture and pest management. Specific research objectives include: 1) develop and evaluate remote sensing technologies for detecting and mapping crop growth and pest conditions (i.e., pathogens, arthropods, and weeds); 2) develop GIS-based prescription maps for site-specific ground and aerial applications of crop production and protection materials; and 3) compare different remote sensing platforms (i.e., satellites, aircraft, and unmanned aircraft systems) for assessing the performance and efficacy of aerial and/or ground applications for pest control and other crop management practices.

• Nutrition, Food Safety and Quality

  The following is a list of ARS scientists in Nutrition, Food Safety, and Quality research who are interested in hosting 1890 faculty members in their labs through the 1890 Faculty Research Sabbatical Program. This page will be updated on a rolling basis – please come back to visit again! Fadi Aramouni (Manhattan, KS) Fadi.Aramouni@usda.gov; 785-307-5040 Researcher’s statement: My research focuses on food uses of sorghum.  Specifically I am working on fermented sorghum drinks using various bacterial and yeasts inoculums. The objective is to improve digestibility of sorghum proteins and add value to sorghum to benefit growers and consumers. John Beaulieu (New Orleans, LA) john.beaulieu@usda.gov; 504-286-4471 Researcher’s statement: Scientists in the Food Processing and Sensory Quality Research unit in New Orleans, LA use applied research and new technologies for converting rice and rice co-products into high value products. Dr. John C. Beaulieu performs independent and collaborative investigations with rice beverage formulations, including characterizing a developed green processing regime for germinated brown rice. Several horticultural and physicochemical attributes of developing beverages have been assessed. These include general quality attributes and rapid visco analyser (RVA), particle size properties, phytic acid, proximate analyses, total phenolics, γ-aminobutyric acid, arsenic and inorganic arsenic, protein characteristics, and lipid/oil characterization in raw materials through post-enzyme treatments in developed beverages. A goal is to formulate processing approaches and enzymology to deliver naturally fortified and flavored rice beverages. Further physicochemical characterization of macro and health-promoting nutrients in industrially sprouted/germinated brown rice, high-protein rice, colored bran rice and other grains, high protein crops, and high-value microgreens is planned into the future project (2020-2025) for additional value-added product development. Atanu Biswas (Peoria, IL) atanu.biswas@usda.gov; 309-681-6406 Researcher’s statement: For 38 years, Dr. Biswas has made significant contributions to fields ranging from polymer/analytical/medicinal chemistry, to food research, and bio-energy. Dr. Biswas is internationally recognized for pioneering polymer synthesis and modifications and contributions to development of bio-based plastics, coatings, films, hydrogels, absorbents, and bio-lubricants derived from agricultural feedstocks such as polysaccharides, vegetable oil, protein, edible beans, cotton, agricultural byproducts. Techniques have included microwave, ionic liquid, enzyme, and extrusion, among others. Beginning in 2014, Dr. Biswas was awarded the prestigious Science Without Border Fellowship by the government of Brazil, affording funds for post-doc fellows, travel, and related research funds for polysaccharide research. In 2018, he was the keynote speaker for the Brazilian Soybean Growers Association conference, an event attended by more than 2,000 growers, processors, marketers, and research scientists. More recently (2019), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) awarded Dr. Biswas a fellowship (3.5 months) in Spain to lead and collaborate on BioPackaging for Food. Daren Brown, (Peoria, IL) daren.brown@usda.gov; (309) 681-6230 Researcher’s statement: I am a fungal molecular biologist and chemist.  Research is my lab in the Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research Unit is focused on limiting the impact fungal toxins have on food safety.  Our approach is multipronged with the goal to develop new strategies to secure a safer food supply.  Our first, longstanding approach is to understand the genes involved in synthesizing fungal toxins and the genes that protect fungi from their own toxins.  Our second approach is to understand how corn plants talk to fungi through oxylipins, in particular how these oxygenated fatty acids influence the production of the mycotoxin fumonisin. Finally, we are developing a biocontrol agent that uses a natural fungal meiotic drive element to help decrease fumonisin contamination of corn in the field. Bor-Sen Chiou, (Albany, CA) bor-sen.chiou@usda.gov; (510) 559-5628 Researcher’s statement: My research focuses on developing novel value-added products from agricultural by-products using processing and chemical methods. I am a chemical engineer with a background in polymer science and engineering. I am currently working on a) developing novel fibers, foams, and composites from proteins such as gelatin and gluten for packaging and controlled-release applications, b) developing products based on fibers such as milkweed floss for controlled-release applications, c) pyrolyzing biomass to develop biochar and torrefied materials for soil amendment and polymer composite applications, and d) extraction of sugars and phenolic compounds from almond hulls to produce a natural sweetener. I have experience in extrusion, compression molding, pyrolysis, and other processing technologies and would be happy to host an 1890 land-grant university faculty member. J.P. Dubey, (Beltsville, MD) jitender.dubey@usda.gov; (301) 820-8128 Research statement: I am a veterinarian—parasitologist by training, and have worked on food safety and on parasitic zoonotic diseases (Toxoplasma, Sarcocystis, Cyclospora). I would like to partner on research involving these topics. Kervin Evans (Peoria, IL) kervin.evans@usda.gov, 309-681-6436 Researchers Statement: My research focuses on producing value-added bioproducts through chemical, enzymatic, or physical processes.  Currently I am researching the use of functionalized lipids and sugar-based biopolymers/oligosaccharides to create nanoparticles via high pressure homogenization.  The goal is to adapt these nanoparticles as nanocarriers and thin films for agri-based bioactives for nutritional, pharmaceutical, food safety, and disease control applications.  Alison Gerken (Manhattan, KS) alison.gerken@usda.gov; 785-537-5503 Researcher’s statement: My research focuses on the quantitative ecology of stored product insect pests from on-farm storage to transportation of grains and processed products to the consumer. I am interested in both empirical and modeling research focused on life history and reproduction, behavior, spatial variability in insect infestations, and population genetics. Research in my lab uses a variety of bioassays including physiology, behavior in response to pheromone lures, insect monitoring using traps and grain collection, and modeling using R, SAS, and Python. Insects used in assays include, but are not limited to, the red flour beetle, Indianmeal moth, rice and maize weevils, warehouse beetle, and sawtooth grain beetle. Anthony E. Glenn (Athens, GA) anthony.glenn@usda.gov; 706-410-7605 Researcher’s statement: The Toxicology & Mycotoxin Research Unit (TMRU) addresses agricultural and food safety concerns involving fungi that produce harmful metabolites (mycotoxins) that cause human and animal diseases.  Plant pathology research within TMRU focuses on the adaptive fitness of Fusarium verticillioides and related mycotoxin-producing species. We investigate the physiology of these fungi, with a particular interest in the molecular genetics, genomics, and evolution of the biochemical mechanisms controlling how the fungi cope with xenobiotic compounds and environmental stress, especially as it impacts mycotoxin production, virulence, and endophytism. Louis Hesler (Brookings, SD) louis.hesler@usda.gov; 605-693-5228 Researcher’s statement: I am a Research Entomologist, and my current research interests include host-plant resistance to insects in various crops, with experience mainly in soybean and wheat.  I have also conducted research on beneficial insects, principally predators of insect pests, and I’m working to develop a research component dealing with insect pollinators as well.  My ARS research assignment broadly includes various strategies for managing arthropod crop pests, so there is plenty of latitude for establishing research ties with 1890 faculty. Hong-Sik Hwang (Peoria, IL) hongsik.hwang@usda.gov; 309-681-6584 Researcher’s statement: Development of 1) oleogels that can replace saturated and trans fats in foods and 2) natural antioxidants that can protect frying oil from oxidation and improve shelf-life of oil-containing food products. Particularly, I am interested in developing these materials from food processing by-products or waste. The anticipated outcomes are health-promoting food products with low saturated fats, natural antioxidants replacing synthetic antioxidants, and value-added materials from food processing co-products or waste. I am also interested in oxidation mechanisms, identification of oxidation products using NMR and other modern instruments, and the development of new analytical methods that can accurately measure oil oxidation. Abasiofiok Mark Ibekwe (Riverside, CA) mark.ibekwe@usda.gov; 951-369-4828 Researcher’s statement: Dr. Ibekwe is an internationally recognized expert on the following research areas with active research: (1) Microbial ecology and metagenomics of plant-microbe interactions with human enteric pathogens; (2) metagenomics based bacterial source tracking and constructed wetlands for the removal of contaminants for water quality evaluation; (3) persistence of human enteric pathogens in the pre-harvest environment; (4) metagenomics of antimicrobials in agroecosystems; (5) characterization of soil microbial community as a critical component of soil quality and health. Charlene R. Jackson (Athens, GA) charlene.jackson@usda.gov; 706-546-3604 Researcher’s statement: Dr. Jackson’s research focuses on mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and molecular typing of diverse bacterial groups, particularly commensal bacteria (Enterococcus, Staphylococcus) from food animals.  The primary aim of the research is to study the presence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria at various points during production to better understand the mechanisms associated with the development and transfer of antimicrobial resistance among different classes of antimicrobials including those used in human health. The goal of the research is to reduce or eliminate bacteria from animal feces and the environment that are resistant to antimicrobials.  Tony Jin (Wyndmoor, PA) tony.jin@usda.gov; 215-836-6904 Researcher’s statement: My research area is nonthermal processing and active packaging. Specifically, development and application of pulsed electric field (lab, pilot and commercial scale PEF facility available on site) and antimicrobial packaging for various foods and ensure food safety, improve food quality, extend food shelf-life and reduce food waste. Siqing Liu (Peoria, IL) siqing.liu@usda.gov; 309-681-6566 Researcher’s statement: Dr. Liu studies production of fuels and chemicals through microbial fermentations. Her work deals with screening and genetic manipulations of a range of microbes including E. coli, lactic acid bacteria and Clostridia species. Specific topics including tolerance and production of biofuels ethanol/butanol, lactic acid, butyric acid from lignocellulosic biomass as well as recombinant production of antibacterial polypeptides/bacteriocins/enzymes from renewable feedstocks. Chris Mattison (New Orleans, LA) chris.mattison@usda.gov; 504-286-4392 Researcher’s statement: My research is focused on the primary and secondary prevention of peanut and tree nut allergies.  We purify and characterize peanut and tree nut allergens to better understand how they cause food allergy.  My lab uses molecular and cellular biology techniques to study antibody-allergen interactions, elucidate allergen structure-function relationships, and characterize peanut and tree nut allergens prior to and following commercial processing steps.     Xiangwu Nou (Beltsville, MD) xiangwu.nou@usda.gov; 301-504-8991 Researcher’s statement: My research area is in fresh produce microbial food safety. Research interests in our laboratory include foodborne bacterial pathogens (Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli) and their transfer, survival, growth, and mitigation during postharvest packing, processing, and distribution. Special research focus also include biofilm formation and inactivation, microbiome and pathogen interactions, and recently controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Jose Ramirez (Peoria, IL) jose.ramirez2@usda.gov; 309-681-6195 Researcher’s statement: Dr. Ramirez’s research include the study of multipartite interactions (insect-pathogen-symbiotic microbe interactions) to identify factors  that influence pathogen infection in the arthropod host. Current efforts also involve the isolation and characterization of entomopathogenic microbes to develop novel microbe-based biopesticides to control arthropod vectors and the pathogens they transmit. Gordon Selling (Peoria, IL) gordon.selling@usda.gov; 309-681-6338 Researcher’s statement: We are developing novel uses for high amylose corn starch inclusion complexes where the ligand is either a biobased fatty acid or fatty amine salt. These biodegradable complexes are best made using steam jet cooking (commonly used in the paper industry), or microwave heating. Yields are quantitative and use very safe reagents. We have published articles showing the value for these complexes in controlling pests and pathogenic fungi or other microbes.  As the technology is very safe and uses commercially available materials/processes, it is suitable for scale-up globally. B.K. Sharma (Wyndmoor, PA) Brajendra.Sharma@usda.gov; 215-233-6459 Researcher’s statement: My research interests include biobased materials like biolubricants, biobased asphalt binders, biobased additives and chemicals, biofuels, and alternative fuels; Utilization of waste materials, like plastics, MSW, agricultural residue, food waste, coal, and MSW ashes. Martha Vaughan (Peoria, IL) martha.vaughan@usda.gov, 309-681-6295 Researcher’s statement: Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by fungi that infect and contaminate crops. I am a molecular biologist/ chemical ecologist with interdisciplinary training in plant stress physiology, defense signaling, and secondary metabolism. I am investigating the effects of abiotic stress on cereal crop-fungal pathogen interactions and how these effects influence downstream mycotoxin contamination grain. My goal is to identify sustainable and climate resilient strategies to eliminate mycotoxin contamination in grain and enhance food safety.  Vivian Wu (Albany, CA) vivian.wu@usda.gov, 510-559-5829 Researcher’s Statement : My research focuses on food safety and animal health. My research team conducts fundamental and applied research to improve the safety of the nation's food supply and develop diagnostic detection to prevent the spread of animal diseases. We utilize genomic methods to elucidate the interplay between bacteriophages and their bacterial hosts in the environment to enhance the safety of food products and prevent the emergence of foodborne pathogens. We develop novel interventions to remove or minimize contamination by pathogenic microorganisms in foods. We advance molecular-, genomic-, and nanotechnology-based biosensors and diagnostic methods for the detection of pathogens.

• Natural Resources and Sustainable Agricultural Systems

  The following is a list of ARS scientists in Natural Resources and Sustainable Agricultural Systems research who are interested in hosting 1890 faculty members in their labs through the 1890 Faculty Research Sabbatical Program. This page will be updated on a rolling basis – please come back to visit again! Bill Anderson (Tifton, Georgia) bill.anderson@usda.gov; 229-386-3170 Research statement: Research areas include: 1) Warm season grass forage breeding and evaluation; 2) Winter cover crop testing (lupin and rye); and 3) Winter bioenergy feedstock evaluations and production testing. Ray Anderson (Riverside, California) ray.anderson@usda.gov; 951-369-4851 Researcher’s statement: Dr. Anderson is an ecohydrologist and soil scientist who studies crop water use and evapotranspiration, particularly under stress. He primarily uses eddy covariance, in situ soil sensors, and satellite remote sensing to understand abiotic controls on crop water use and productivity. Potential faculty members who are interested in working with Dr. Anderson would have access to an extensive archive of eddy covariance and soil sensor data as well as ongoing field projects. Ray Bryant (University Park, Pennsylvania) Ray.Bryant@usda.gov, 814-280-2152 Researcher’s statement: Research conducted in our Lab focuses on nutrient management and effects on water quality. Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and sediment are the leading causes of water quality impairment in the Northeast. We develop 1.) strategies for managing nutrients to prevent their loss in runoff, 2.) treating manures to remove nutrients, 3.) enhanced efficiency fertilizers, and 4.) conservation practices to prevent nutrient and sediment movement to sensitive water bodies. Our work in the Northeast focuses on protecting and enhancing water quality in local streams and rivers, the Chesapeake Bay, and Lake Champlain, but the underlying principals are applicable to global water quality challenges. Amitava Chatterjee (Oxford, MS) Amitava.Chatterjee@usda.gov; (662) 607-2273 Researcher’s statement: A research soil scientist at Water Quality and Ecology Lab unit at National Sedimentation Lab, Oxford, MS. My research is focused on soil health, greenhouse gas emissions and cover crops. I conduct field and laboratory studies to determine the influence agricultural management practices on soil biogeochemical processes like carbon and nitrogen mineralization. I am looking for someone with interest/background in crop modeling/greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural fields located in the Mississippi Delta. Gary Feyereisen (Saint Paul, Minnesota) gary.feyereisen@usda.gov; 612-625-0968 Researcher’s statement: We are researching practices to reduce nutrient losses from tile-drained corn-soybean croplands in the Upper Midwest. We have tile drainage flow and nutrient concentration/load data from a 1-mile-square watershed in southern Minnesota; there are at least two possibilities for collaboration using this data. First, a unique and large multi-bed woodchip bioreactor exists to treat a portion of the drainage water. We envision modeling the hydraulics and nitrate-nitrogen removal of the system using existing data to calibrate and validate the model, and then optimizing the design of such systems. Second, there are also a wealth of high temporal resolution hydrologic data available at the outlet that could be used to calibrate a watershed crop model, with an objective of identifying nutrient loss hot spots in the study area. Jose Franco (Madison, Wisconsin) Jose.Franco@usda.gov, 608-215-0639 Researcher’s Statement: My research focus is at the intersection of cover crop systems and precision agriculture. I explore methods to increase cover crop performance and inclusion in dairy forage rotations. An essential part of this work is evaluating value-added benefits of cover crops in addition to the potential suite of ecosystem services they provide. Additionally, my research strives to create multifunctional agricultural landscapes through the use of cover crops and alternative forages, and utilizes a systems framework to evaluate the combination of precision and conservation management practices and their impact on long-term dairy system sustainability. Alan Franzluebbers (Raleigh, North Carolina) alan.franzluebbers@usda.gov; Researcher’s statement: Research conducted in the Soil Ecology and Management Lab focuses on conservation approaches to achieve agricultural sustainability. Current field-based projects are on silvopasture management (https://cefs.ncsu.edu/field-research/additional-research/agroforestry/), long-term farming systems management (https://cefs.ncsu.edu/field-research/farming-systems-research-unit/), and on-farm trials investigating improved N management of field crops. Lab protocols emphasize soil health determinations, including total C and N and soil microbial activity. Javier M. Gonzalez (West Lafayette, Indiana) javier.gonzalez@usda.gov; 765-494-6596 Researcher’s statement: Research interest: (1) Water quality: find solutions to water contamination by using readily-available materials (e.g. carbonaceous material) to remove contaminants from water. (2) Conservation practices to improve soil health, including gypsum and cover crops. (3) Effects of conservation practices and soil amendments on corn and soybean grain quality. Karen Harris-Shultz (Tifton, Georgia) karen.harris@usda.gov; 229-386-3906 Researcher’s statement: My lab works on warm season grass improvement. We have several projects in the lab. These include identifying genes involved in drought tolerance in bermudagrass, determining the effect of ploidy on agronomic traits and pollinators in centipedegrass, identifying QTLs for root-knot nematode resistance and sugarcane aphid resistance in sorghum, developing sweet sorghum cultivars with root-knot nematode and sugarcane aphid resistance, and genotype monitoring of sugarcane aphid samples collected each year in the United States. Ryan Hayes (Corvallis, Oregon) Ryan.hayes@usda.gov; 541-738-4125 Researcher’s statement: Forage, turf, and cover crop species are widely grown in the U.S. and are critical components of sustainable landscapes and agroecosystems. Most of the cool season grass seed used to plant these crops is grown in the Pacific Northwest due to the mild winters and dry summers that are ideal for their production. Research in disease resistance, plant pathogen diversity, development of plant disease decision aids, invertebrate pest population dynamics, and agronomy is conducted to support grass seed production. Breeding and genetics research to improve annual ryegrass as a cover crop, including crop termination and root exudate traits, is conducted to expand the crop’s use and support soil conservation across the U.S. Glenn Moglen (Beltsville, Maryland) Glenn.Moglen@usda.gov, 301-504-8745 Researcher’s statement: Research conducted in the Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory (HRSL) focuses on two national programs: NP211: Water Availability and Watershed Management and NP212: Soil and Air. The mission of the Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory is to conduct nationally oriented basic and applied research on the use of remote sensing in addressing water and soil resource concerns related to the production of food and fiber, climate change and the conservation of natural resources. HRSL’s research is both international and national in scope and scale. HRSL along with the Sustainable Agricultural Systems Laboratory and the Adaptive Cropping Systems Laboratory conducts research related to ARS’ Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network, supporting numerous study sites and investigations as part of the Lower Chesapeake Bay site node. Matt Moore (Oxford, Mississippi) matt.moore@usda.gov; 662-232-2955 Researcher’s statement: Research interests include phytoremediation of nutrients and pesticides using vegetated treatment systems (drainage ditches and wetlands); denitrification capability of management practices (vegetated ditches, filter socks, bioreactors); and water quality comparisons (nutrients, sediments, pesticides). Michele Reba (Jonesboro, AR) michele.reba@usda.gov; 870-819-2708 Researcher’s statement: Protecting water quality and ensuring water availability for agriculture while sustaining crop yield, crop quality, and return on investment guides the unit’s research objectives and priorities. Specific objectives address the need to measure and model water resources in response to conservation practices that sustain yield and reduce environmental impacts under existing and future climate conditions. Irrigation efficiency research in major row crops that quantifies multiple co-benefits of improved irrigation practices is the unit’s primary focus. These co-benefits include but are not limited to greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient management. Pamela Rice (Saint Paul, Minnesota) pamela.rice@usda.gov; 612-624-9210 Researcher’s statement: In general my research evaluates the occurrence of pollutants and organic chemicals in the environment, the use of management practices to reduce contaminant transport or availability, and evaluation of the environmental impact and toxicological significance of contaminants. Specific projects include developing strategies to reduce the transport of pesticides and fertilizers in runoff from agronomic and horticultural systems; and evaluation of urban environments and agricultural inputs to identify contaminants of concern, their sources and their environmental fate in urban agriculture. Heathcliffe Riday (Madison, WI) heathcliffe.riday@usda.gov; 608-890-0077 Researcher’s statement: I am a Forage Legume Breeder, and my research focuses on developing new red clover, alfalfa, kura clover, bridsfoot trefoil, and winter annual legume cover crop varieties.  Target breeding traits include increased biomass production, increased plant persistence, improved forage feed value, increased winter survival, improved seed yield, and elimination of hard seed and shatter.  I have an extensive field based plant breeding program involving plant evaluation, plant pollination and seed production, and variety testing.  The breeding program also has molecular genetic lab components and other lab based plant trait evaluation components. Kyoung Ro (Florence, SC) kyoung.ro@usda.gov; 843-250-6046 Researcher’s statement: My research focuses on 1) the development of innovative thermochemical processes (pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization) in converting agricultural and livestock wastes to value-added products and 2) assessment of fugitive gas emission from animal feeding operations using open-path lasers and micrometeorological techniques. Upendra Sainju (Sidney, Montana) upendra.sainju@usda.gov; 406-433-9408 Researcher’s statement: The Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory is equipped with four research farms in dryland and irrigated cropping systems in eastern Montana and western North Dakota as well as excellent laboratory facilities for soil, plant, and gas analysis. The 1890 FRSP program participant would be engaged in a collaborative Unit Program on determining soil carbon and nitrogen sequestration and net greenhouse gas emissions in response to tillage and crop rotation in dryland and irrigated cropping systems. Kurt Spokas (Saint Paul, Minnesota) kurt.spokas@usda.gov; 612-626-2834 Researcher’s statement: My current research areas include the impacts of biochar additions to soils, gaining a more fundamental understanding of microbial and soil processes that affect net greenhouse gas emissions, agricultural management practices that reduce movement of agrochemicals to ground and surface waters, and the development of computer tools that transfer scientific knowledge to end users. My USDA-ARS research unit is co-located at the University of Minnesota. Peter C. Smiley Jr. (Columbus, OH) rocky.smiley@usda.gov; 614-292-9806 Researcher’s statement: Broadly my research interests encompass community ecology, restoration ecology, stream ecology, and wetland ecology. My research program is a multi-faceted research program focused on providing the quantitative information required for developing conservation and restoration plans that will benefit the biota and improve the physical and chemical quality within agricultural headwater streams. My past and current field research projects examined relationships of the aquatic biota with physical and chemical habitat conditions or evaluated how habitat changes that occur as a result of the implementation of specific conservation practices influence the biota. My research typically focuses on fishes, but I also work with amphibians, reptiles, and crayfishes. Ripley Tisdale (Raleigh, North Carolina) ripley.tisdale@usda.gov Researcher’s statement: Research mainly focuses on answering the question of whether elevated ozone impacts crop root exudates and soil ecosystems by altering crop physiology. This leads to sub-projects to: (1) develop root exudate collecting system to investigate exudate changes under elevated ozone; (2) analyze soil microbial allocation under abiotic stresses; and (3) identify root metabolite changes under ozone stress. The visiting scholar may participate in one of the sub-projects based on interest. Steven Trabue (Ames, Iowa) steven.trabue@usda.gov; 515-294-0201 Researcher’s statement: Our research focuses on the impact animal production systems have on both the animal and environment. Our group has active research into the following areas: 1) Determining the impact indoor air quality has on swine growth and performance; 2) Calculating nutrient inventories for C, N, and S from gas emissions, manure, and animal retention based on animal and feed inputs (i.e., mass balance approach); 3) Monitoring N and S loss during pumping and field application of manure; and 4) Determining the impact swine diet formulation has on manure and gas emissions. Kristin Trippe (Corvallis, Oregon) kristin.trippe@usda.gov; 541-738-4181 Researcher’s statement: The mild, marine climate in the Willamette Valley of Oregon supports a broad diversity of seed crop rotations, including grass, clover, meadowfoam, and hemp. Crop management practices within this production system are equally diverse. While some farmers employ conventional practices that involve frequent tillage and bailing of crop residues, other farmers use one or more practices that are thought to improve the health of the soil including returning crop residues to the soil, infrequent tillage, and frequent rotations. Little is known about how these differing practices effect soil health, soil microbiomes, or pest and pathogen populations. The aim of our research program is to deepen this understanding and to determine if conservation farming practices improve yield or decrease costs. Rod Venterea (Saint Paul, Minnesota) rod.venterea@usda.gov; 612-624-7842 Researcher’s statement: My primary interest is soil nitrogen (N) cycling and associated losses of reactive N to the environment, with a focus on (i) quantifying gaseous N emissions from intensively fertilized cropping systems, (ii) developing practices to reduce those losses, and (iii) improving methods for quantifying them. My program uses a combination of field and lab studies as well as model development and testing.

To learn about other ARS research not included in this list, please visit the ARS Office of National Programs.