Collaborative Education and Research in Micro-Nano-Plastics to Train a Diverse and Talented Workforce for Sustainable Agriculture

The goal of the project is to develop a student-centered, integrated educational model to train a wide-ranging and talented workforce from underrepresented communities, such as those with economic, geographic, familial obligation, and higher education attainment needs, to address the emerging concern of MNPs in food and agricultural systems. Student success will be emphasized by creating an active learning ecosystem, in which students and faculty will closely interact. Academic advancement and career attainment of URS in agriculture-related fields will be achieved through carefully conceived training components. The specific performance objectives (POs) for our trainees are to 1) obtain key knowledge in sustainable agroecosystems and MNPs via multidisciplinary curricula; 2) gain advanced analytical skills to assess the occurrence, fate, transport and transformation of MNPs via hands-on activities; 3) enhance critical thinking via multidisciplinary learner-centered research projects; 4) develop leadership and professional skills to support career success and promote social awareness and responsibility through applied community engagement activities with underserved communities; and 5) enrich student learning and improve retention through peer mentoring/support networks.