Michigan State University researchers have solved a puzzle that could help switchgrass realize its full potential as a low-cost, sustainable biofuel crop and curb our dependence on fossil fuels. Among switchgrass’s attractive features are that it’s perennial, low maintenance and native to many states in the eastern U.S., including Michigan. But it also has a …
The W.K. Kellogg Biological Station Long-Term Ecological Research program at Michigan State University recently received a renewal of its foundational grant from the National Science Foundation, reaffirming its future and status as one of the country’s premier research sites. Established in 1989, the KBS LTER is one of 28 NSF LTER sites nationally and is the …
Brian Wright recently joined the MSU Technologies (MSUT) team as the new Associate Director, reporting to Anne Di Sante, Executive Director. Wright brings more than 20 years of experience to MSUT and believes that with his technology management background, he can help make an immediate, positive impact at MSUT by increasing faculty engagement, building on …
Michigan State University researcher Björn Hamberger, an associate professor, and James K. Billman Jr., M.D., Endowed Professor in the College of Natural Science, have found a new use for an ancient mint plant. Michigan State University researchers, including graduate students Emily Lanier and Abigail Bryson, have conducted a comprehensive study to trace the evolution of …
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a variety of everyday products since the 1940s. These products include nonstick cookware, fast-food wrappers, firefighting foam, and stain-resistant fabrics. Because of their widespread use, PFAS have made their way into our soil, drinking water, and even our blood. …
Although our farmers may feed the world, agriculture can also create waste byproducts that harm our environment. To help make farming a greener practice, Dr. Bahar Aliakbarian, an Associate Professor in the MSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and Director of Development and Research at the Axia Institute, is researching how the industry can …
Younsuk Dong, an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at the MSU Department of Biosystem and Agricultural Engineering (BAE), has created a system that will improve irrigation and plant disease management. Dong’s hardware, entitled the Low-Cost Monitoring System (LOCOMOS), is aimed at helping farmers determine optimal crop water patterns and can help farmers decide when crops …
Stephanie Taylor has recently joined the MSU Innovation Center’s Intellectual Property (IP) team. Taylor will work as a Patent Assistant, working with MSU faculty members and the Innovation Center’s patent attorneys to determine what intellectual property protections are available for the innovations being developed across MSU’s campus. Taylor graduated from Colorado Technical University with a …
Karen Lavery was recently appointed to the role of Financial Analyst of MSU Technologies at the MSU Innovation Center. Lavery attended the University of Phoenix, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Lavery joined the Innovation Center team in June 2022 and assists the IP Finance Coordinator, Jen Folger. “Karen has a great attitude and is …
Michigan State University AgBioResearch Engineer Dana Kirk grew up working on his family’s dairy farm “running around scooping manure,” while simultaneously developing a curiosity for the symbiotic relationship farming has with the environment. Kirk’s interests blossomed into an academic career focused on the development and implementation of waste management systems and waste-to-energy systems for dairy …
