By Dee Shore
A recent NC State University symposium provided a window into the bold ways graduate students are collaborating across academic fields to solve a range of agricultural challenges, from poor soils to pest damage.
On March 12, eight pairs of students from disciplines — ranging from crop science to electrical engineering — competed in the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative’s annual BRIDGE Symposium. The event is a partnership with NC State’s Graduate School.
Half of the pairs discussed projects already underway, and half presented ideas for theoretical collaborations.
Daniela Jones, the N.C. PSI platform director for education and workforce development, said that the annual symposium, started in 2024, has proven to be a strong incubator for student-led interdisciplinary ideas.
“It was truly impressive to see the energy and inquisitive mindset of the participating students as they worked together to develop collaborative ideas,” said Jones, an assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering. “The outcomes reflected many hours of brainstorming, exchanging perspectives and working to understand each other’s expertise to address complex research gaps.”
Source : ncsu.edu