We hope that everyone’s Autumn 2024 semester is off to a great start. Our success over the summer has really established positive momentum for the CFAES Wooster Campus. In a highly competitive initiative, NSF has funded a $26 million project to establish an Engineering Research Center at CFAES Wooster. This project, led by Dr. Judit Puskas and Dr. Ajay Shah, will focus on developing alternative plant sources for natural rubber and recognizes important public-private partnerships with northeast Ohio’s rubber industry. Dr. Doug Jackson-Smith led a team that was awarded $10 from the USDA-NIFA Sustainable Agricultural System program to develop climate-smart farming through research and community partnerships.
Our campus continues to be a leader in agricultural education and workforce development, with enrollment at ATI increasing 7.7% (33 students) and 22 new graduate students. We wish these students the best as they work towards their degree and help solve critical issues facing our stakeholders.
This month will certainly be busy for students and for our campus as we have many opportunities for interacting and collaborating. On October 5 and 6 from 12-5 PM our campus will be part of the Wayne County Farm Bureau’s Farm Tour (https://ofbf.org/app/uploads/2024/09/2024-Wayne-County-Farm-Tour-Booklet.pdf) to showcase the impact we have for our local community. On October 18 from 5-7 PM at the United Titanium Bug Zoo, we will be hosting a trick or treat event: Pumpkins and Pillbugs (https://entomology.osu.edu/events/pumpkins-pillbugs-halloween-bug-zoo-bash). And don’t forget about Homecoming Week starting on October 20th! Read more about all these events and highlights from faculty, staff and students in this issue. Also, you may notice some highlighted inclusion calendar events on our TV monitors throughout campus.
A special thank you to Malina Chappie, a 2nd year ATI student assisting with this semester’s Campus Connector.
- Dr. Michel and Dr. Boone
