Growing food in space is fraught with daunting challenges, including extreme environmental stressors like radiation and microgravity. Qingwu (William) Meng, an assistant professor of controlled-environment horticulture, is an expert on plant growth and light, which, as you’ll remember from your elementary school science or Ms. Frizzle’s Magic School Bus, is an essential component in turning a seed into a mature plant.

The symposium gave young researchers a chance to summarize their work, often to a visitor without prior knowledge of the subject. Awards were given in each of the college’s five unique strength research areas.

As climate change continues to impact food production and supply chains in sub-Saharan Africa, it will be critical for the region to address these food security challenges by enhancing agricultural production.

Plant and soil sciences graduate student Shem Elias conducts research on ginger to take home to Tanzania.