The evans allen (EA) program at central state university (CSU), also known as the agricultural research and development program (ARDP), focuses on critical issues which are also identified and…

The evans allen (EA) program at central state university (CSU), also known as the agricultural research and development program (ARDP), focuses on critical issues which are also identified and reflected in the approved 2024 plan of work (POW). These issues are well aligned with the USDA's strategic goals. The plan addresses four critical areas, including: (I)plant and animal systems, (II) food nutrition and health systems (FNH); (III) natural resources and environmental systems, and (IV) advanced technologies and commercialization systems. To help address these critical areas, 12 faculty members provide leadership through nifa-approved research projects. These active projects further contribute to ensure a safe food supply, improve nutrition outcomes, and the overall growth of the agricultural sector in ohio and beyond. Within the scope of this plan, CSU also supports and trains minority undergraduate students who receive unique experiential learning opportunities, while are also being prepared to effectively engage in the much-needed workforce that can tackle current challenges in food, agricultural, and natural resources faced by our country and the world. As graduate programs continue developing at CSU, research activities are supported by EA program by the inclusion of undergraduate students, R esearch assistants, and post-doctoral student hires. In fact, postdoctoral students (RESEARCHERS) significantly assist our research faculty in advancing research related to sustainable farming practices, carbon sequestration, improved crop varieties, genomic and genetic engineering studies for improving pollinator health, affordable technologies for small and medium-scale farmers, food safety and security, and nutritional sciences that address USDA's priorities. Faculty and students also address research related to forest farming and urban forestry aimed at improving the economy from timber-based and non-timber-based forest products to environmental sustainability in urban forest landscapes in ohio. The EA program at CSU is also designed to provide seed funding for academic faculty to address emerging agricultural issues or support existing research programs, either during the summer or partially, all year round. These new and/or collaborative research projects, through the inclusion of various colleges, directly focus on nifa's strategic goals. As the youngest 1890 land-grant institution, CSU continues building the needed research capacity and infrastructure through its EA program. In fact, CSU is currently erecting its research and demonstration complex(RDC), which physical and human resources will significantly contribute to advance the university's plan of work, and associated USDA's strategic goals. The RDC will concentrate efforts on driving innovation in climate-smart agriculture, promoting equity and opportunity, enhancing food and nutrition security, and training and engaging students to become the future workforce to meet current and future challenges in agriculture. The RDC will provide faculty with state-of-the-art research facilities, equipped with advanced instrumentation and specialized laboratories for cutting-edge research. These enhanced capabilities will in TUM allow CSU faculty to become more competitive, innovative, and resourceful in bringing additional resources (e.g. extramural funding), strategically collaborate with domestic and international partners, and provide innovative solutions in support of regional and national economic development, and global food security. The EA program at CSU is critical to building the research capacity through the strategic addition of capable human capital and key infrastructure needed for the successful achievement of programmatic goals.