{"id":353701,"date":"2021-10-29T17:11:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-29T17:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/internalresources\/?p=353701"},"modified":"2024-02-17T00:49:31","modified_gmt":"2024-02-17T00:49:31","slug":"awards-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/internalresources\/2021\/10\/29\/awards-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Research Awards and Grants (January 2021-October 2021)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Each month College of Natural Resources faculty receive awards and grants from various federal, state, and nongovernmental agencies in support of their research. This report recognizes the faculty who received funding between January 2021 and October 2021.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n North American, European, and Global Forest Product Market Projections to Evaluate Economic, Demographic, and Biophysical Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>The primary objective of the proposed study is to understand the direct effects of sea level rise on markets for forest products in the United States, and through that, global markets and forest conditions nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PIRE: Confronting Energy Poverty: Building an Interdisciplinary Evidence Base, Network, and Capacity for Transformative Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>Overview Sub-Saharan Africa is the epicenter of the global challenge of energy poverty, with the absolute number of energy poor projected to increase through 2030. Energy poverty has implications for climate, environmental sustainability, human health, and well-being, with negative impacts realized at individual and collective-scales, and in local, regional, and global contexts. The complex socio-environmental challenge of energy poverty requires contributions from the basic, applied, and social sciences, and integration of evidence and learning using robust interdisciplinary frameworks. We will partner with and facilitate the networking of academic, practitioner, and policy communities in the US and Southern Africa to fill critical gaps in the theoretical and empirical evidence base regarding mitigating energy poverty. International partnership is critical to the identification of important and representative energy poverty innovations to study, to creating a network of institutions using common frameworks, research design, and empirical strategies, and to cultivating long-term interdisciplinary energy poverty research capacity in the Southern Africa region. Intellectual Merit Our aim is to build an interdisciplinary evidence base and network focused on energy poverty in Southern Africa, building capacity for transformative change. We center our research and capacity building around three themes: technology and incentives; space and place; and population and environment dynamics. We will measure the air quality, land use, and human welfare impacts of a representative set of technology and behavioral interventions designed to mitigate energy poverty. Based upon knowledge generated, we test new approaches for using and integrating appropriate technology and incentives to address energy poverty. In the second theme, we will investigate the spatial dimension of energy poverty by analyzing neighborhood effects as determinants of energy poverty, and consider the question of optimal scale of implementation of energy poverty interventions for maximizing environmental benefits and social welfare outcomes. Finally, we will investigate sustainable wood energy systems as a potential strategy for coping with the challenge of population and environment dynamics in the region, and analyze the associated environmental and economic synergies and trade-offs. This PIRE is innovative for several reasons. First, we use rigorous quantitative interdisciplinary impact evaluation as the anchor for our research and training program. We seek to study what works, why it works, and over what spatial and temporal scale. Second, the study of energy poverty is highly fragmented across a large number of disciplines with very little cross-fertilization or engagement with interdisciplinary frameworks including complex socio-ecological systems and population and environment dynamics. We use these important theoretical lenses to shed new light on this highly intractable problem, and to guide a coherent body of empirical research. Third, despite facing a looming crisis, energy poverty in Southern Africa is dramatically understudied. Broader Impacts Research findings from this study will provide new theoretical and empirical knowledge on energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa to academics, practitioners, and policy makers. We will build new networks and promote collaborative research and exchange among over 50 scientists, graduate, and undergraduate students across the US and Southern Africa, with the aim of creating a robust interdisciplinary network of scholars. To facilitate this, we will coordinate a series of regional training workshops focused on interdisciplinary energy poverty research. A central component of the PIRE is continuous engagement with policy makers and practitioners. We will organize a series of regional policy workshops that will take place at regular intervals during the life of the Energy Poverty PIRE. We propose several innovations in teaching and scholarship that will benefit the academic community including: development of a<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building a Culture of and Capacity for EE Evaluation: 2.0 Addendum<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>Pisces Foundation has invited Charlotte Clark from Duke University and colleagues to submit an addendum to an ongoing effort to study collective evaluation efforts across the field of environmental education. The NC State team has been asked to characterizing the landscape of collective evaluation in EE beyond our case studies. This will include sleuthing out candidate networks, developing a relationship with a leader in that network, and documenting their work using an interview guide collaboratively developed with the Duke team. Work may also include creating a social network analysis of collaboratives engaging in collective evaluation, led by KC Busch. In addition, Kathryn Stevenson will co-chair the Promising Practices Working Group, which will include preparation time and calls\/virtual meetings, as well as other tasks as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examining the Impact of Family and Organizational Culture on the Work-Nonwork Relationship of Intercollegiate Athletic Department Employees<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>Abstract College sport provides an interesting context to study the work-life balance of employees due to the competitive nature of the industry, long, nontraditional work hours, frequent travel, lack of time-off, and pressure to succeed. Previous research has examined the experiences of coaches, athletic administrators, and support staff finding high levels of work-life conflict, burnout, and work addiction. However, limited research has looked at (a) the impact of organizational culture on levels of work-life balance and (b) examined the impact on the employee\u2019s family members. A mixed method approach will be utilized to capture data from athletic department employees and their partners. The results from surveys and interviews will be used to disseminate strategies for navigating work-life imbalance and practical solutions to improve organizational culture throughout the ACC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perceptions of ACC Sport Psychologists and Athletic Trainers on Mental- Health Strategies for Student-Athletes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>The NCAA, along with the ACC, has recognized the growing issue of mental health among student-athletes. Despite the increase in mental health issues, there is a concern that institutional resources devoted to supporting the clinical and psychological needs of student-athletes is lacking. This issue has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected university athletic departments\u2019 finances while simultaneously increasing the stress on student-athletes. Although a growing body of research has explored factors behind student-athlete mental health during this pandemic, little research has explored the scope and best practices of mental health services that may be effective in supporting student-athletes. This study will conduct focus groups with 20 sport psychologists and athletic trainers across the ACC Schools to provide both context of current issues facing student-athletes and explore their insights of current initiatives and resources designed to provide the best mental health support during a challenging period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aquatic Biodegradability of Textile Materials: Impact of Dyes and Finishes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>It is proposed that we extend the findings of the prior research (17-579) to evaluate several different dyes and finishes for fabrics and determine their impact on the aerobic aquatic biodegradation of the fabric particles. 2)We will also perform degradation experiments under anaerobic conditions for the same samples as listed. 3)Samples of the degraded cotton samples will be collected and provided to NCSU College of Textiles (Nelson Vinueza) in order for Textiles to perform chemical characterization of the dyes, finishes and their degradation products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Loblolly Pine-switchgrass Intercropping for Sustainable Timber and Biofuels Production in the Southeastern United States<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>Dependence on fossil fuel energy exposes the U.S. to potentially catastrophic climate change, economic instability, and risks to national security. Development of alternative energy sources that are economically viable and environmentally sustainable is urgently needed. If done in regionally appropriate contexts, sustainably managed bioenergy production systems could improve environmental quality and benefit rural communities. While the Southeastern U.S. hosts some of the highest net primary productivity rates in the Nation, it is unknown how intensive production of biofuels feedstocks will affect traditional agriculture and forestry sectors, on-site soil resources, and carbon cycling and sequestration. Our overall goal is to develop a pine-switchgrass bioenergy production system based on regionally appropriate crops and indigenous biomass production and handling practices that will benefit economic development and the environment. We believe that by managing the competitive interactions between the overstory tree and the understory grass, site resource use efficiencies increase. We hypothesize the asynchronous physiology and growth of the C3 trees and C4 grass along with the different soil horizons exploited by the respective root systems will allow for greater nutrient retention and more efficient utilization of site water. We also hypothesize that the additional soil volume exploited by switchgrass roots and associated fine root turnover, will increase soil organic C, thus increasing C sequestration. The cornerstone of the proposed project is a 70 acre fully replicated field experiment installed in the Lower Coastal Plain of North Carolina. The research will evaluate the sustainability, multi-functionality, and ecosystem services provisioning of switchgrass and pine managed separately or in combination as an agroforestry system. The project\u2019s success will require industry to partner with a multidisciplinary team of scientists from academia and government. We are requesting support from USDA for the initial science (first 5 years) needed to quantify the productivity, ecological sustainability, and C implications of this novel multifunctional vegetation management system. This long-term, ecosystem-level study is made possible by the substantial in-kind support from corporate partners to operationally maintain the field experiment for ecological and economic time scales. This research project will deliver a new multifunction forest-bioenergy management system and evaluate effects on carbon sequestration and cycling relative to traditional management. It will provide data on sustainability, implications for regional water supplies, biodiversity conservation, and potential for rural economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Biltmore Hills Park to improve water quality and reduce flooding impacts of Rochester Heights Creek<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>The highly urbanized Walnut Creek Watershed flows from downtown Cary and through part of downtown Raleigh into the Neuse River. Erosive stormwater flows from an increasing percentage of impervious areas have impaired the aquatic life of Walnut Creek and placed it on the EPA 303(d) list. In order to effectively and efficiently improve water quality of Walnut Creek, it is critical to address site-specific issues throughout the watershed. The Rochester Heights Creek drainage area, a tributary of Walnut Creek in Southeast Raleigh, has been selected as a focus area for restoration to reduce stormwater flows, reduce erosion and sedimentation, and address downstream flooding of private properties. This focus area is the first of a new online watershed plan called the Walnut Creek Watershed Action Tool (WAT) that is being developed by the NC Division of Water Resources. Rochester Heights Creek flows through parts of the Biltmore Hills and Rochester Heights neighborhoods, the first planned developments for African Americans in Raleigh. Properties adjacent to the lower part of the creek experience regular backyard flooding, and some are located within and immediately adjacent to the FEMA 100-year floodplain, placing them at high risk for major flooding following increasingly intense rainfall events. This project proposes to install several stormwater control measures (SCM), including bioretention, swales and rainwater harvesting systems, to treat stormwater runoff in Biltmore Hills Park before it enters Rochester Heights Creek. The activities performed within this project will be the first contribution to a larger effort within the Rochester Heights Focus Area to reduce flows and erosion, address the impacts that common rain storms have on downstream neighbors, and engage the local community in water quality education, and project planning and implementation. Further, this will be a demonstration site for SCM projects developed with a historically marginalized community that address environmental and social watershed problems. By improving water quality and engaging the community in those efforts, this project aims to directly benefit the Rochester Heights Creek sub-watershed as well as the larger Walnut Creek, into which it drains, and could serve as a model for future efforts within the state of NC more broadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) as a Diagnostic Tool to Assist Groundwater Monitoring Recommendations from Local Health Departments to Private Well Users<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>The Association of Public Health Laboratories and the NC Department of Health and Human Services recommend that private well users test their groundwater every five years for 53 possible organic chemicals. The selection of which chemicals to measure is often confusing and frustrating to private well users and to local health departments (LHD) who make recommendations for testing. One cannot test for all 53 analytes with just one analytical method, and this list excludes many organic chemicals pending Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regulation and literally thousands of other chemicals and degradation products that could be present in the water. Hence, there is a gap in water quality information for private well users and LHD across urban and rural settings. My project is a collaborative effort with the Wake County Groundwater and Well Program, or WCGWP, (see Letter of Support) to assess the presence of thousands of organic chemicals and assist with county recommendations for groundwater quality analyses to private well users. I will use gas chromatography (GC) coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) as a diagnostic tool to screen private wells for thousands of regulated and non-regulated volatile and semi-volatile chemicals including solvents, pesticides, aromatic hydrocarbons, pharmaceutical and consumer product chemicals, endocrine disruptors, PCBs, and many other synthetic chemicals and their degradation products. The HRMS results will be compared to recent analyses of the same wells by WCGWP to evaluate HRMS efficacy for early detection of SDWA organic chemicals. The primary outcome of my effort is to assist WCGWP with their organic analyte selection recommendations to private well users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sustainability Packaging for the Meat & Poultry Industry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>A series of meat products and packaging for meat (ground beef, ground sausage, alt-meat (beyond meat), pet food) will be purchased, evaluated, and compared with respect to their environmental impact and sustainability. The number of packaging\/products will be 12 and the products agreed to by the sponsor. A very basic Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to determine sustainability parameters\/measures will be performed on these packaging, comparing the same weight of meat. The data will be collected through a literature review and some laboratory-based measurements of the purchased packaging to conduct the analysis. Measured data will include packaging material types and quantities, waste meat amounts, and storage\/transportation volumes. These will be used to calculate sustainability indicators such as storage electricity consumption, transportation requirements and emissions, waste meat per unit used meat product, volumes and mass of packaging to be disposed of per volume of meat, qualitative discussions on biodegradability of the packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Develop NPS-RI Wildland Fire and Aviation Management Program<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>One infographic product highlighting Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 accomplishments of NPS-RI Wildland Fire and Aviation Management Program. It will include the approximate cost (and funding source) of fuels treatment in FY 2020, focusing on the allocation of funds from various sources (Operation of the NPS (ONPS), national, regional, park, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Repellent Compounds for Deer Browse Control in Fraser Fir<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>Christmas tree farms suffer extensive deer browse injury no matter tree size. Deer browse can lead to significant losses and increased costs of production. Existing strategies to deter deer browse on valuable Fraser fir production include hunting, temporary fencing, and chemical repellents. However, these methods provide only partial protection and eventually fail. Christmas tree growers need alternative strategies to overcome this persistent pest. A new product called Trico has been tested on Canadian Christmas tree farms and shown promise as a volatile deterrent to deer entering plantations. Another alternative control strategy is presented by the presence of volatile deer deterrents naturally occurring within the trees themselves. Observations of experimental trials suggest natural genetic variation among Abies species for deer browse preference. These differences appear to be driven by variation in the volatile profiles of terpenes emitted by the trees. To assist growers, we plan to evaluate the role that volatile chemicals play in deer browse preference and deterrence. To accomplish these goals we plan to: (1) test the efficacy of the newly identified product Trico compared to currently used products; and (2) characterize the natural genetic variation among of the volatile terpene profiles of eight different species including Fraser, Nordmann, Noble, Balsam, Concolor, Grand, Korean, and Turkish fir. Tests of Trico will be performed at 3 Christmas Fraser fir tree farms. Samples for terpene chemistry will be collected from a single timepoint in mid-October to establish a baseline of fir terpene chemistry. Terpene compounds will be evaluated at NC State University\u2019s METRIC core analytical facility. Results of these experiments will provide new information that will help in the development of effective deer browse management strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mariculture Tourism: Cultivating Consumer Demand & Coastal Community Supply<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>This study proposes to develop a profile of potential shellfish mariculture tourists so coastal communities can capitalize on the growing interest in food tourism. This will be accomplished through a combination of survey, asset mapping, and comparison techniques. First, a survey will be conducted of food tourists who intend to visit Atlantic coastal states to identify potential shellfish mariculture tourists\u2019 experience preferences and the barriers to their participation. Then community-based asset mapping will be conducted with NC community stakeholders, including tourism and economic development officials, shellfish mariculture producers, residents, and other coastal industry members to identify existing shellfish mariculture tourism assets. These findings will be compared to the current shellfish mariculture tourism product supply in NC coastal communities to identify how demand for shellfish mariculture tourism can be met. Finally, a suite of prototype NC shellfish mariculture tourism outreach materials will be developed which will be tested for their ability to connect with potential shellfish mariculture tourists and stimulate demand for shellfish mariculture products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: Cultivating a Profitable Local Food Industry Cluster through Entrepreneurial and Business Support, Infrastructure Development, Training, Leadership Development and Capacity Building.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>This project will develop a comprehensive model program for developing an industry cluster around local foods focused on entrepreneurship, business development, job creation and workforce development, training, providing career ladder opportunities, and growing community leadership for lasting change. This work will be focused in the 7 county foodshed region of the Southwestern Commission (Region A Council of Governments), which includes North Carolina\u2019s most distressed counties. and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).This comprehensive model will build on work that has already occurred in the 7 county region and through grant funding to the Southwestern Commission from the NC Rural Center, through a nascent regional local food advisory council that included participants representing food banks, funders, public health and health organizations, NC Commerce, agriculture organizations (including USDA, NCDA, and Cooperative Extension), academic institutions (Western Carolina and the three community colleges in the regions), the faith based community, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Southwestern Commission, and through many of the other partners we are engaging who work in the food systems sector. The work also builds on the expertise and experience of over 24 years of statewide work of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), a partnership of NC State University, NC A&T State University, and the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. CEFS is excited to bring lessons learned and best practices from a comprehensive list of relevant projects (www.cefs.ncsu.edu) to develop this industry cluster with community partners, and together boost the economy of western NC. This project overlaps with four of the five strategic investment goals of the five-year ARC strategic plan including providing economic opportunities, workforce development, leveraging the region\u2019s natural assets, and building capacity and skills for long lasting change. This project also overlaps with the goal of providing critical infrastructure needed to build a sustainable regional local food economy. The region recognized the opportunity for economic development based in local food systems, as has the Appalachian Regional Commission, which hosted a forum in Asheville NC in 2012 titled Growing Appalachian Food Economy, and funded various food systems and entrepreneurship projects in North Carolina over the last five years, including five in food systems since 2013 for a total investment of $310,000, and four in entrepreneurship training since 2013 for a total investment of $430,000. This project aligns fully with three of the four investment priorities of the POWER initiative, including: building a competitive workforce, fostering entrepreneurial activities, and developing industry clusters. What is unique about this effort is the opportunity to develop an industry cluster through implementing many disparate food systems projects in one target area (vs scattered statewide) as a comprehensive model that can be transferable to other coal-impacted areas in the nation. The opportunity to do a deep-dive in this region with ready and willing partners and all of our collective assets makes for a compelling opportunity to build on existing momentum and significantly improve the region\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Growing Greener Foundations through Parks with Purpose with the Walnut Creek Wetlands Community, Year Three<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>TCF has selected the Walnut Creek Wetland Community Partnership, with the fiscal agency of and supported by NC State University\u2019s Water Resource Research Institute (NCSU WRRI), and NCSU College of Natural Resources as a key partner organization for the PWP Initiative in Raleigh. In 2020, WCWCP commits to the following work: deepen the project\u2019s engagement with the community, particularly the neighborhoods of Biltmore Hills and Rochester Heights; assist in implementing the Bailey Drive Gateway Project that was selected by the community; and build partnerships and capacity for long term management, engagement, and community-led stewardship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy Governance Economic Data Assessment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>We propose a data gap analysis focused on data needed to determine the value of wildlife management areas (e.g., game lands, wildlife refuges) in SEAFWA states and territories (hereafter study area). This analysis will provide critical baseline information for future efforts of the Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy (SECAS) to assess the value of wildlife management areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Strengthening Local Food Systems Through Children: The Role of Agritourism in Agricultural Literacy and Purchasing Behaviors of Local Foods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>This integrated (research, education, outreach) project will measure the educational and market impacts of agritourism among middle school students under three scenarios: unstructured (family recreational visits), semi-structured (school-based farm visits), and structured (farm visits in support of agricultural curricula) conditions. Specifically, it will investigate the impact of farm visits on children\u2019s agricultural literacy and how that knowledge is transferred to their parents as purchasing intention of local agricultural products. Identifying the most high-impact forms of agritourism in terms of educational and market value will help to forge stronger connections between citizens and their local food producers, which in turn will contribute to the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of local agricultural systems (AFRI\u2019s overall goal) and strengthen rural communities\u2019 economies (AFRI\u2019s Priority 6). Through partnerships with agritourism farmers and elementary teachers across North Carolina this project will use experimental and quasi-experimental approaches to test changes in agricultural literacy (children) and locally-based purchasing behaviors (parents) via pre and post-tests surveys. Project results will help to: Determine which forms of agritourism are most suitable to increase agricultural literacy and stimulate the purchase of local agricultural products (Research); develop a measurement instrument for agricultural literacy (Research); train agritourism farmers so they can modify their programming offerings (e.g., tour content, farm signage) to increase agricultural literacy and locally-based purchasing behaviors (Extension); and enhance agricultural curricula content to strengthen students\u2019 connection to local agricultural systems (Education).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christmas Tree Field Research<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>The purpose of this project is to extend and complete current areas of Christmas tree research to address growers\u2019 needs for treatment recommendations and optimum practice and to provide new and innovative information at NCCTA meetings and farm tours as well as county extension Christmas tree programs. Christmas tree field research has identified optimum cultural practices, led to cost savings for growers, and provided the foundation of extension recommendations to growers. Often, a small amount of additional funding could supply enough momentum to bring closure to a research topic. Current NCCTA projects in the areas of cone control, suppression of glyphosate resistant weeds, and postharvest quality are in later stages of research but still have additional questions to address. Container Fraser fir studies need additional funds to follow treatments to the field. These funds will be used to implement field research as needed across these different areas. This research will be presented at state and county Christmas tree meetings and farm tours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Characterization of Residual Xylan in Dissolving Pulps<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>The differences in compositional and molecular weight of insoluble gel particles during the acetylation of cellulose have a negative impact on the downstream manufacturing process and final product quality. It is generally agreed that the residual hemicelluloses present in dissolving pulp play a role in the formation of these insoluble gel particles. However, a detailed understanding of the effects of hemicellulose composition, branching, and molecular weight on the presence of insoluble gel particles has not been clearly elucidated. To address this issue, it is important to understand the relationship between the composition of insoluble gel particles and their solubility in a common solvent such as acetone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Development of a capacitive deionization module via tailored clean carbon materials and its optimal analysis (2nd year)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>Development of graphite foil for water membrane application. Biomass will be graphitized, exploited, and then pressed into a foil structure. Key properties will be tensile strength, electric resistance, and thickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Towards Genomic Breeding in Forest Trees<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>Timber is one of the most economically important crops in the US in farm gate value, ranking only behind corn. The goal of the project is to bring genomics to forest tree breeding to sustainably increase timber, fiber, and biofuel feedstock production. Publicly funded research projects have produced vast genomic resources for loblolly pine. We aim to discover informative SNPs from sequence databases using bioinformatics and organize in a publicaly accessible database. Leveraging the pine SNP database, we will establish PineSNPchip consortium to bring the tree breeding\/forest genetics community together to design SNP arrays (see 20 letters of support). The consortium will then negotiate with genotyping centers to genotype large volumes of samples (>12K) in order to lower genotyping costs. The Cooperative Tree Improvement Program at NC State University has developed a loblolly pine population for implementation of genomic selection since 2006. Cooperative funds will be used to genotype ~6000 trees using PinSNPchip. The predicted ability of markers for growth and disease resistance will be estimated using Bayesian statistical models. Two workshops will be developed to train professionals with skills sets to use genomic tools in tree breeding. The workshops will be open to all plant\/animal breeders. If successful, genomic selection will be a paradigm shift in pine breeding. We expect the research results will have a broader impact. Pine genome is large (~24Gb) and complex. The methods develop in this project could be extended to crops and horticultural species with complex genomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recycled Textiles to Bio-based Building Blocks: Technology and Business Development toward Pilot Demonstration in Year 2021.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>We are continuing our efforts to develop both fundamental and applied research to understand the effect of physico-chemical deconstruction treatments on recycled textiles to facilitate enzymatic digestibility and optimize the production of bio-based building blocks to manufacture value-added chemicals. In the second phase of this project, our goal is to perform a pilot trial demonstration in addition to study the issues of using more complex textiles (e.g., polyester-cotton blends). Furthermore, we will execute a thorough review on glucose-derived chemicals to identify one or two high-value\/low-volume bio-chemicals and produce those from cotton-based sugars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Assessing Public Perceptions of Gene Drives for Invasive Species and Pest Control<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstract: <\/strong>Rationale: Gene drive research has advanced at a startling rate within only the past five years, most recently with the advent of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system for gene-editing. Important agricultural pests and disease vectors for which gene drive systems are currently being considered include spotted winged drosophila, diamondback moth, the Asian citrus psyllid, and Anopheles and Aedes mosquito vectors of dengue, Zika and malaria. However, both the effectiveness and the potential for unintended consequences of these technologies remain uncertain. Because existing biotechnology regulation may not apply to these technologies and in light of intransigencies that have developed in public debates about first-generation genetically modified (GM) crops, researchers, policy makers and regulators have turned more attention to gene drives, with a number of recent papers and conferences discussing regulatory approaches and potential applications. We have essentially no information on how the general public understands gene drives and how favorably they will view resulting products. Given the incipience of these technologies, public perceptions may play a role at all levels, including the allocation of public funds to different R&D domains, as well as consumer concerns about potential human health and environmental consequences. Because of their imminent deployment in U.S. agriculture, obtaining data on public perceptions is imperative, especially for agricultural producers who will soon need to make decisions about whether to deploy these technologies. Overall Goal: The project goal is to characterize current public perceptions of gene drive R&D and deployment in agriculture and other domains, and how these perceptions vary with different regulatory models. Specific Objectives: 1. Conduct qualitative in-depth focus group discussions with consumers and agricultural producers about their understanding and views on using gene drives in agricultural settings. 2. Design and administer a web-based survey using a high-quality probability sample of the U.S. general public about their understanding and perceptions of gene drive technologies and their potential deployment in agriculture. 3. In the survey, conduct stated preference economic valuation experiments to quantify subjective values of gene drive applications in different domains in U.S. agriculture. Approach: Objective 1 will be accomplished by organizing meetings with consumers and agricultural producers at NCSU and UW-Madison. Objective 2 will use standard survey design methods and subcontracting with a survey-research firm that has high-quality web-based probability samples. Objective 3 will utilize discrete choice econometric methods, and will be conducted as part of our standard academic activities, likely starting as a chapter in a PhD student dissertation, then becoming conference papers and eventually journal submissions. Potential Impact & Expected Outcomes: This project will produce new knowledge regarding public perceptions of gene drives at a crucial time in the deployment of this new technology. This knowledge will contribute to developing public policy and regulation of gene drives consistent with public support and thus help realize their benefits for US agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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