News Archive

TSU agriculture students to attend prestigious AFA Leaders Conference

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Six students in Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture have been selected to participate in the 2017 Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference from Nov. 2-5 in Kansas City, Missouri.   

These students will join 800 top agriculture students in the nation attending the conference, which focuses on personal and professional development and is tailored to the student’s year in college.

  The students selected are Kalie Ellis, a freshman studying Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication, Bobbi Casey, a freshman studying Agribusiness, Emoni White, a sophomore studying Animal Science (pre-vet), CheKenna Fletcher, a junior studying Food Biosciences and Technology, and Justus Watson and Justin McKinnie who are seniors studying Biotechnology.

“These students excel both in scholarship and leadership. I am proud of them for getting selected for this prestigious Leaders Conference,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College. 

The six students were selected as part of the University Growth Initiative, a national grant awarded by the AFA to help bridge agricultural businesses with agricultural colleges and universities. Tennessee State University was selected as well as University of Maryland, College Park, Murray State University, University of Tennessee at Martin, Huntington University, and Texas A&M University.

“True to our mission, each of these campuses demonstrated, through their applications, commitment to building bridges for their student leaders by identifying opportunities such as AFA’s leader development programs, said Ashley Collins, AFA director of Collegiate Relations.

Dr. De’Etra Young, professor and mentor to TSU’s top students, said she actively seeks opportunities outside of the College for TSU students and she is pleased that AFA recognizes the excellence fostered at TSU.

“The six students selected to attend this year’s Leaders Conference were chosen based on their exceptional commitment and passion for a long-standing career in agriculture,” said Dr. Young, who is also coordinator for the honors program Dean’s Scholars. 

“It is essential for us to provide programs and resources to equip our future leaders,” she said. “AFA’s Leaders Conference will provide additional leadership development and networking opportunities for our outstanding students. Currently, the students selected to participate are scholars on the Dean’s List, and active leaders in TSU¹s Student Government Association and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences.” 

Dr. Young will be attending the leadership conference with the students. 


 

peace

peace corps reps Peace Corps representatives visit the College of Agriculture

Representatives from the Peace Corps were on campus Thursday and Friday to inform students and faculty about the educational adventures the Peace Corps offers in other countries around the world. 


Professor featured on Wallethub

Dr. Aliyar Fouladkhah, a food scientist researcher and professor at the College of Agriculture, is one of the resident experts on the website Wallethub where he informs consumers about food safety. 


Professor's research paper wins award

Dr. Aditya Khanal, an assistant professor in agribusiness, has been awarded an Emerald  Literati Award  for his scholarly work determining the impact of internet usage on the small farmer. Read his research results here.


Dean's Scholar student earns scholarship

Environmental Science major Danielle Solomon has won a prestigious National Black Farmers Association scholarship. Congrats Danielle!!  Learn more here.


TSU CHANS gets $500K for goat meat study

TSU says agriculture researchers have noted a demand for goat meat because of a growing population of cultures in the country that consume it, and dietitians say it's healthier than other meats, including chicken and beef. Read more here.


 

Outstanding Award Winners announced Friday

TSU CAHNS celebrated its best and brightest at its annual end-of-the-year award ceremony where faculty, staff, and students were honored for the work. Find out who took honors and see  photos on our Facebook page.


The Spring issue CAHNS Link has hit the virtual newsstand here! 

Spring CAHNS Link

 


 Congrats Grad Students!

Award winners

Congratulations are in order for our sterling graduate students who took first and second place honors for their oral presentations at the 18th Annual Symposium of the Association of 1890 Research Directors April 1-4 in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Joshua O'Hair (left) won first place and Yingde Zhu and Hui Li won second place. TSU Professor Suping Zhou (standing) serves as the students' mentor.

O'Hair talked about "Cellulolytic Thermophiles Isolated from Spray Geyser, Amphitheater Springs, and Whiterock Springs inside Yellowstone National Park." Li presented her work on "Characterization of Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate (PHB) Produced by Bacillus cereus tsu1 with Rapeseed Cake Substrate." Zhu presented his work on "Heat Stress-induced Pollen Infertility in Tomato."


TSU CAHNS celebrates AG Month

TSU CAHNS has events planned throughout the month with the first festivity being the 2017 Collegiate Discussion Meet at 9 a.m. Friday, April 7,  at the Farrell-Westbrook Building at TSU's Agricultural Complex. Come watch our students gather to discuss, not debate, immigration and food labeling policies that affect the agriculture industry. Students are vying to win cash prizes from $100 to $300. No doubt our students will bring their best discussion skills to compete.

Calling all Gardeners!

Time to get your community garden plot ready for growing season. Join the 2017 Community Garden Session, sponsored by the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences Cooperative Extension Program, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 at the AITC Building on the Main Campus. Learn how to grow your own garden on our community plots. For more information, call (615) 963-1827.


Small Farm Expo

Save the date for the Annual Small Farm Expo on July 20, 2017.  Nominations for Small Farmer of the Year are open!


Third Tuesday Workshops
The 2017 schedule for the Extension Third Tuesday Workshops is available. Great plant, animal, gardening, and landscape instruction is waiting for you.


New Poultry and Egg Education Project class now online

PEEP Logo

CAHNS is excited to announce that the new Poultry and Egg Education Project curriculum is now online for children and young adults. Learn how to handle poultry products safely.


New class now offered for remote sensing

Remote Sensing scientists can earn up to $120,000 a year. Learn more about this course and the online Professional Master's Science Program here.  


 Study: Celebrity chefs don't star in food safety practices

"Kansas State University food safety experts Edgar Chambers IV and Curtis Maughan, along with Tennessee State University’s Sandria Godwin, recently published “Food safety behaviors observed in celebrity chefs across a variety of programs” in the Journal of Public Health." Read about it in the Insurance Journal.


Professor's research highlighted in new textbook

RFD-TV interviewed Associate Professor Dr. Jason de Koff about being one of 20 people featured in a new agronomy textbook.


TSU CAHNS research in food safety is noted at Foreign Affairs website.


CYFAR highlight's assistant professor's project in 2015 report

Congratulations to Rita Fleming, assistant professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, for having her research efforts in a collaborative project with TSU, University of Minnesota and University of Kentucky highlighted in the 2015 report from the Children, Youth and Families at Risk program funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 

 


 The fall issue of our newsletter  CAHNS Link is on the virtual newsstand today. Enjoy!  


New Farmer Academy Registration Open!

Want to become an agricultural entrepreneur? We can teach you how to start your own agricultural enterprise in the TSU New Farmer Academy.  Visit the New Farmer Academy website for full information.  


Master Gardeners honored for speakers program

The Knox County UT/TSU Extension Master Gardeners has won second place for the International Search for Excellence Awards for Master Gardeners. The organization was recognized for its excellent work with the Knox County Extension Master Gardeners Speakers Program, which offered about 12 presentations annually in 2014 and now offer up to 80 presentations a year. They expect that 1,500 residents will participate in the speakers program this year. Barbara Bunting and Marsha Lehman, the co-chairs of the program, will represent the UT/TSU Extension program at the 2017 International Master Gardeners conference July 10-14 in Portland, Oregon.


First black USDA Administrator, first women CSU president inducted to Hall of Fame

Hall of Famers for TSU CAHNSTSU CAHNS inducted two more members Thursday night at its 19th Annual Agriculture and Home Economic Hall of Fame and Induction Ceremony in the Magnolia Ballroom at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. TSU grads Dr. Evelyn Maria Thompson, the first woman to be appointed president of Coppin State University, and Hubert Hamer, the first black man to be appointed as a USDA director and administrator, were officially inducted into the Hall of Fame. Congratulations TSU graduates and now Hall-of-Famers! You make us Tiger Proud. View more


TSU CAHNS student places first in speech competition

Tariq Muhammed

Congratulations to Tariq Muhammad, a Dean's Scholar and CAHNS ambassador, who won first place in the MANRRS Regions 2 & 3 Cluster's Impromptu Speaking Contest during the first weekend of October. Muhammad had 20 minutes to pick a topic and prepare an oral presentation at the regional competition held during the MANRRS Cluster and Career Fair in Atlanta, Georgia. He will now move on to Nationals to compete this spring in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

 


 Dean's Scholar awarded seat at the Monsanto 1890s Student Leadership Event

Angelina Bernardini

We are excited to announce that stellar student Angelina Bernardini has been selected to participate in the Monsanto 1890s Student Leadership Event. Bernardini, a Dean's Scholar at TSU CAHNS, will travel to Monsanto World Headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri on from Oct. 16-18 to participate in a leadership workshop and interview for internship and Co-op positions. Travel and accommodations are being provided by Monsanto. Good luck Angelina! We know you will make us Tiger proud. 


TSU CAHNS professor featured in agronomy book

Professor Jason de Koff

Professor Jason de Koff, Ph.D., is featured in a new book about agronomy, which is the science of using plants for fuel, food, fiber and land reclamation. You can buy the book here: http://bit.ly/2d3tif8


 Agribusiness major wins National Black Farmers Association Scholarship

Photo of Danielle Solomon

Danielle Solomon has won a $5,000 scholarship from the National Black Farmers Association and the FCA Foundation. Solomon, a Dean's Scholar and Agribusiness major at TSU CAHNS, was one of 21 students in the United States to receive this honor. Congratulations, Danielle!


TSU project on best nursery practices selected for federal funding

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – A Tennessee State University project to promote best management practices in the nursery production system for the Mid-South region is one of 45 across the nation selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to share $26.6 million for innovative conservation initiatives.


 TSU's Goat Producer Program recognized in USDA annual report

TSU CAHNS Master Meat Goat Producer Program has helped make Tennessee the second largest goat producer in the nation.

USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture recognized TSU CAHNS Master Meat Goat Producer Program, offered by TSU Cooperative Extension, in its 2015 Annual Report: "Over the last 10 years, the program has led Tennessee to become the second largest goat-producing state in the country with more than 5,000 producers," the report stated. 


TSU CAHNS' research into amaranth makes headlines

TSU CAHNS' research into the superfood amaranth continues to make headlines. Channel 5 Reporter Rebecca Schleicher talks to Dr. Matthew Blair about the importance of this food crop of the future. Watch Channel 5's report now.

 


  NPR is talking about us!

Dr. Matthew Blair stands in an amaranth germplasm field located at TSU's College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences. Amaranth is considered a food crop of the future.

Nashville Public Radio's Assistant News Editor Emily Siner interviewed Dr. Matthew Blair, professor at TSU's College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences, about his research into amaranth, an ancient Aztec crop now deemed a food of future. Listen and  learn here. Photo by Emily Siner. 


  USDA Deputy Under Secretary tours TSU College of Agriculture

Jonathan Cordone, USDA deputy under secretary for Farm and Foreign Agriculture, visited TSU's College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016.

Jonathan Cordone, USDA Deputy Under Secretary of Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, visited campus Thursday touring our labs and learning about the exciting research happening here. See a slideshow on our Facebook page


NPR visits College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences

Dean Chandra Reddy is interviewed by NPR Assistant News Editor Emily Siner.

Emily Siner, assistant news director from Nashville Public Radio, visited TSU CAHNS today to speak with Dr. Chandra Reddy about agriculture's future and the college's role in creating leaders in that field. She also interviewed Dr. Matthew Blair about amaranth, one of the nutritional food crops of the future. Together, Blair and Siner toured an amaranth germplasm field on campus. We look forward to hearing her/our story soon on NPR.


News

TSU's Goat Producer Program recognized in USDA annual report

TSU CAHNS Master Meat Goat Producer Program has helped make Tennessee the second largest goat producer in the nation.

USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture recognized TSU CAHNS Master Meat Goat Producer Program, offered by TSU Cooperative Extension, in its 2015 Annual Report: "Over the last 10 years, the program has led Tennessee to become the second largest goat-producing state in the country with more than 5,000 producers," the report stated. 


  TSU CAHNS' research into amaranth makes headlines

TSU CAHNS' research into the superfood amaranth continues to make headlines. Channel 5 Reporter Rebecca Schleicher talks to Dr. Matthew Blair about the importance of this food crop of the future. Watch Channel 5's report now.

 


  NPR is talking about us!

Dr. Matthew Blair stands in an amaranth germplasm field located at TSU's College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences. Amaranth is considered a food crop of the future.

Nashville Public Radio's Assistant News Editor Emily Siner interviewed Dr. Matthew Blair, professor at TSU's College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences, about his research into amaranth, an ancient Aztec crop now deemed a food of future. Listen and  learn here. Photo by Emily Siner. 


  USDA Deputy Under Secretary tours TSU College of Agriculture

Jonathan Cordone, USDA deputy under secretary for Farm and Foreign Agriculture, visited TSU's College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016.

Jonathan Cordone, USDA Deputy Under Secretary of Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, visited campus Thursday touring our labs and learning about the exciting research happening here. See a slideshow on our Facebook page


NPR visits College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences

Dean Chandra Reddy is interviewed by NPR Assistant News Editor Emily Siner.

Emily Siner, assistant news director from Nashville Public Radio, visited TSU CAHNS today to speak with Dr. Chandra Reddy about agriculture's future and the college's role in creating leaders in that field. She also interviewed Dr. Matthew Blair about amaranth, one of the nutritional food crops of the future. Together, Blair and Siner toured an amaranth germplasm field on campus. We look forward to hearing her/our story soon on NPR.


International Amaranth Institute Conference begins

Attendees at the International Amaranth Institute Conference at TST's College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences

Attendees at the Amaranth Institute Conference gather in the front lobby of the new Biotechnology Building at TSU's College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences. Participants will spend two days sharing their latest research findings and other information about amaranth, an ancient food crop deemed a crop of the future.See morephotos. 


TSU CAHNS professor honored for work in Extension and Outreach

Professor Jason de Koff was honored in July for his work with Extension and Outreach.

A Tennessee State University professor, known for his work with farmers and Extension agents throughout Tennessee, has received multiple awards from the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists and the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.

Jason de Koff, associate professor in the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences, received an Early Career Award, Achievement Award and Communication Awards from TAAA&S. At the end of July, he travelled to Little Rock, Arkansas, to receive an Achievement Award and the Search for Excellence in Crop Production Award at theNACAA annual meeting.

"I am quite honored by the awards and was proud to help represent Tennessee at the NACAA annual meeting in July," de Koff said. "I plan to continue to represent TSU and Tennessee by providing my research and experiences to those who need them."

De Koff has a research program focused onswitchgrass and winter canola production for bioenergy.  As part of his Extension program, he directs the mobile biodiesel demonstration for farmers and Extension agents. 

International Amaranth Conference

TSU College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences is hosting the International Amaranth Conference August 3 through August 5.

Educators, researchers, farmers, and food industry experts will be on campus to learn about an ancient Aztec grain that is considered a crop of the future. Please join us for the International Amaranth Conference Aug. 3-5 at TSU's College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences. Register here.


Small Farm Expo

Join us for the 2016 Small Farm Expo on Thursday July 21 at the TSU Agricultural Research and Extension Center!


USDA Director to Speak a
Dr. Ali Mohamad will speak on two topics:  "Food , Energy and Water: Natural Resources and Environmental Perspective" and "An Overview of Small Business Innovation Research Grants". July 20, 2:00-4:00 in the AITC. 



Fashion Merchandising Alum in Paralympic Games
Markeith Price, a 2012 Family and Consumer Sciences graduate is one of 66 athletes chosen for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.


xFarm Credit Partners with CAHNS 
Farm Credit haspartnered with the college to enhance the future of sustainable agriculture in the US. 


Blair Featured
Matthew Blair's Cuban bean research was recently featured in an article in CSSA.  


Earth Day Turtle Count

Earth Day
Participate in our earth Day Turtle Count!

 


Students, Faculty and Staff Recognized CAHNS Week
The 8th Annual CAHNS Week was held April 8-15, 2016.  Visit the CAHNS Week page to learn about the award-winning members of our college!


Student at legilature CANHS Students Present Research at Capitol 
Three Agricultural and Environmental Sciences students, Brittany Hogan, Danielle Solomon, and Matthew Edwards recently participated in the Posters at the Capitol Event.  Learn more here.  


Men's Health FeatureGodwin  
Professor Sandria Godwin from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences discussed proper food handling and safety in an informative article by Men's Health. Read the article here.


TSU Extension on Channel 5 
Rutherford County Extention agent Misty Layne-Watkins was featured on Channel 5 News for her efforts in diabetes outreach and education. Watch the segment here.



National Black Farmers LogoScholarship Recipients 
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences students Danelle Solomon (Nashville, TN) and Kristen Stigger (Memphis, TN) have been awarded $5,000 scholarships from the National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program. Solomon and Stigger are among 19 students nationally to receive NBFA scholarships.


Congratulations 
AES Students Olusha Moses, Cosmas Muasya, Oluwatosin Ogunmayowa, Junie Nkonge and Sierra Washington have been invited to the Monsanto Student Leadership Event.  This expense-paid trip to Monsanto's World Headquarters is a three-day learning event including professional development, student social activities, business presentations and interviews for internship and co-op opportunities.


book Book Published 
Sustainable  Horticultural Systems a book edited by Dr. Dilip Nandwani, Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, has been published by Springer. 


Dr. Blair Featured on PBS Show 
The NPT Volunteer Gardener show recently highlighted Dr. Matthew Blair's research on legumes.  See the episode here.  Dr. Blair's segment begins at about the 6:00 minute mark.


Two New Fact Sheets 
TSU Extension has published two new fact sheets for the nursery industry.  Click for information on Maple Shoot Borer andJuniper Tip Blight.


Godwin Featured in USDA Seminar 
The USDA Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition recently featured Dr. Sandria Godwin in its monthly on-line seminar series of experts in the food sciences. Dr. Godwin presented on “Identifying Food Safety Risk Factors and Educational Strategies for Consumers Purchasing Seafood and Meat Products Online”.


deKoffdeKoff Honored
Dr. Jason deKoff, Assistant Professor in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, has received the Early Career Professional Award from the American Society of Agronomy. 


Japanese Maple Scale 
A new publication on controlling Japanese Maple Scale has been produced by TSU.  It is available here.


Recycler Of The Year  Recycle Award
The TSU Nursery Research Center has been named Recycler of the Year for its innovative plastic recycling program for the nursery industry.

New Publication on Insect Control
Flatheaded appletree borer is a problem in nursery production and landscapes.  A newpublication is available on the best way to control this damaging insect.


New Farmer Academy 
We have a new program that is directed toward owners and potential owners of small acreages who desire information on how to best utilize their land and other resources to develop agricultural enterprises.On-line PSM in Applied GIS Announced


What Weed Is That?
Dr. Jason de Koff has published two new weed identification guides, for cool-season weeds and warm-season weeds.    


  Broad mite damage Broad Mites Got You Down? 
Our new publication on broad mite control provides you with information on the diagnosis and control of this tiny, but damaging pest. 


New Biotechnology Concentration Biotech
The Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has added a concentration in Biotechnology.  Students with training in biotechnology enjoy exciting careers that help feed, fuel and heal the world.  


New Graduate Concentrations 
The Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has added two new Masters Degree concentrations –Agribusiness Management and Analysis andFood Marketing and Supply Chain Management.  Explore how these high demand areas can enhance your career.


Dean Reddy Recognized 
Dr. ReddyDr. Chandra Reddy, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Natural and Human Sciences, has beenrecognized as a top professor at affordable Historically Black Colleges by Affordable Colleges Online. Congratulations Dr. Reddy!


What To Do When Food Is Recalled
Learn what to do when a food recall is issued or if you suspect food tampering with our publication on What To Do If A Food Product is Recalled 


Too Much Water in Your Garden?
sad veggiesOur new publication, Can I Salvage My Flooded Garden?, tells you how to safely utilize produce from home gardens that have been flooded. 

 



Agricultural Impacts  Agricultural Impacts
Learn about how how our researchis helping to improve the lives of Tennesseans, Americans, and people around the world. 


Extension Impacts 2013 Extension Impacts Cover
See how our Extension agents and faculty are having an impact on the lives of people around Tennessee