Researchers take findings to Atlanta

Fifteen Southern University researchers and seven students presented 28 research projects at the 15th Biennial Association of Research Directors’ Symposium. Students, faculty, and staff from the nation’s historically black land-grant universities converged in Atlanta, Georgia, March 28-April 1.

Three presentations were made in the emerging technologies category, 11 in renewable resources, four in food safety, one in human nutrition and health, and nine in small farms and rural development. Researchers from Southern University Ag Center made five oral presentations in two categories. All symposium attendees were sponsored by the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

In the Renewable Energy and Environmental Stewardship category were LaShunda Anderson,Ph.D., on “Cash for Conservation: Potentially Increasing Small Landowner Income via Wildlife and Native Grass Environmental Stewardship Educational Outreach”; Daniel Collins, Ph.D., on “Training the Next Generation of Agricultural Scientists in Plant Biosecurity”; Yadong Qi,P h.d., on "Application of Paclobutrazol Tree Growth Regulator into Urban and Utility Forest Management.”

In the Small Scale Agriculture and Rural Development category were Sebhatu Gebrelul, Ph.D., on “Influences of Forage Quality and Quantity on the Performance of Goats and Cattle under Mixed-Species Grazing Systems” and Yemane Ghebreiyessus, Ph.D., on “Effects of Joint Cattle and Goats Grazing System on Soil Physical Properties.”

Researchers also displayed posters in various categories including:

“GIS Analysis of Environmental Factors and Socio-climatic Factors Relating to Tapeworm Infection in the State of Bahia, Brazil from 2002-2005” by Fulbert Namwamba, Ph.D;

“The Effect of Mixed Species Grazing in the Determination of Gastro-intestinal Infections of Haemonchus contortus in Spanish Does” by Renita Marshall, DVM;

“An Empirical Analysis of Nutritional Knowledge and Importance Rankings of the Dietary Guidelines for Sodium Intake” by Patricia McLean-Meyinsse, Ph.D.,;

“Impact of Tree Based Mulch on the Growth and CO2 Uptake of Quercus nuttallii” by Zhu Ning, Ph.D.;

“Application of Sonic Tomography Technology into Detection of Internal Decay in Water Oak (Quercus nigra L.)” by Yadong Qi, Ph.D.;

“Hibiscus, (Hibiscus sabdariffa) species grown in Louisiana” by Kit Chin, Ph.D.;

“The Performance of Brangus Calves under Mixed-Species Grazing Systems” by Sebhatu Gebrelul, Ph.D.;

“Improving UV protection of Cotton Fabrics Through Digital Textile Printing” by Grace Namwamba, Ph.D.;

“A Comparison between Regular Sugar Cookies and Hibiscus Cookies” by Fatemeh Malekian, Ph.D.;

“Mixed Species and Grazing Practices Effects on the Yield and Quality of Forage Crops," by Veera Bachireddy, Ph.D.;

“Roselle Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Research at Southern University by Kit Chin, Ph.D.;

“Assessment of Food Safety Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices Among College Students” by Janet Gager; and

“Nanotechnology Application in Forest Health Management” by Yadong Qi, Ph.D.

The purpose of the symposium was to showcase the land-grant commitment to teaching and research by sharing research information, and highlighting research accomplishments.

By Bridget Udoh, Ph.D.
Communications Specialist