College of Ag Sciences names first cohort of Land Grant Research Impact Fellows

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has launched the Land Grant Research Impact Fellows program. This new initiative recognizes and supports faculty whose research addresses pressing challenges in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Four faculty members were selected as the inaugural Land Grant Research Impact Fellows. Each will receive $30,000 per year for three years to advance research that turns scientific discoveries into practical solutions with real-world impact. Each will carry the title of Land Grant Research Impact Fellow during their three-year term.

The fellows, who were nominated by their respective department heads, are Jeffrey Catchmark, professor of agricultural and biological engineering and bioethics; Paul Esker, a professor of epidemiology and field crop pathology; Tara Felix, associate professor of animal science and beef extension specialist; and Charles White, associate professor and extension specialist in soil fertility and nutrient management.

The fellowship program serves two critical functions, explained Troy Ott, dean of the college. First, it recognizes a body of work by faculty who have distinguished themselves in applying research to solve real-world problems, develop innovations and expand opportunities in the college's broad mission areas. Second, the fellowship supports ongoing work that improves farming, protects the environment, advances food and health, strengthens communities, and drives innovation to enhance everyday life for Pennsylvanians.

“This initiative underscores the college’s commitment to leveraging science for the benefit of Pennsylvania’s agriculture, natural ecosystems and communities,” Ott said. “By supporting faculty whose work advances our land-grant mission, we are fostering innovation with the potential to create resilient and productive agricultural systems; promote profitable and sustainable natural resource use, restoration and management; and enhance economic prosperity in our communities.”

Catchmark’s lab is developing a hemostatic wound care foam that absorbs blood, stimulates clotting and expands to apply pressure to stop bleeding. The foam then transitions into a gel to protect the wound. The material conforms to irregular wound shapes, doesn’t stick to tissue and is capable of being absorbed into living tissue over time, making it safe for use on deep wounds in humans and animals.

Another of Catchmark’s projects, Agripod, is a durable, soilless growing medium engineered from the same biofoam. The goal is to establish a thermal extrusion manufacturing process at Penn State and then partner with producers to bring Agripod to market.

Catchmark said he aspires to have functional prototypes, scalable production plans and strong market-ready data in the next year — positioning him and his team to secure licensing agreements or launch a startup in 2026.

Esker’s initiatives are aimed at deploying data-driven platforms, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and supporting agricultural communities across Pennsylvania. He works with the Pennsylvania Soybean On-Farm Network, collaborating with farmers to refine practices for optimal yields.

One way to do this is via the Open Crop Manager platform, which integrates geospatial data, artificial intelligence modeling and real-time feedback, collecting more than 10,000 scouting reports across 305 fields in 10 states. The platform will expand to include corn and wheat modules, with a goal of improving decision-making for 100 soybean producers in its first year. The platform was developed by Esker’s lab, the Penn State Institute of Computational and Data Sciences, and the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology.

Esker’s team will focus on sustainable pest and disease management, studying issues such as soybean cyst nematodes and corn ear rots. The research group plans to offer mentorship, expand bilingual extension tools and enhance workforce development in agronomic data sciences.

Felix proposed establishing a pasture-based beef system to support applied research in three key areas: emerging technologies, intensive rotational grazing and mineral supplementation. She will integrate this initiative with an annual extension field day, providing producers with hands-on learning and peer networking opportunities.

According to Felix, the program will address a critical need for forage-based beef production in Pennsylvania and will generate peer-reviewed publications and science-backed extension materials. These deliverables will translate research into practical strategies that enhance profitability for beef producers across the state.

Additionally, the project will serve as a training ground for undergraduate and graduate students, Felix said, equipping the next generation of agricultural leaders with real-world research and outreach experience essential to the industry’s future.

White plans to advance applied research and outreach on two soil management technologies designed to enhance environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity in Pennsylvania and beyond.

The work focuses on enhanced-efficiency phosphorus fertilizers to boost crop uptake while reducing runoff, as well as enhanced rock weathering, which captures atmospheric carbon in soils. Building on current industry-supported trials, White said his fellowship project will enable expanded research into environmental outcomes.

A sabbatical to New Zealand in 2026 will foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange, according to White. Anticipated outcomes include improved data on nutrient efficiency and carbon sequestration, as well as increased adoption of sustainable practices by Pennsylvania farmers. Findings will be shared via extension programming and outreach to producers and policymakers.

Support for the inaugural class of fellows was made possible, in part, by a gift from college benefactors Earl and Kay Harbaugh.

“Kay and I have been committed to supporting Penn State and the College of Agricultural Sciences for decades,” Earl said. “Support for faculty has been a priority for us through the establishment of the Harbaugh Faculty Scholars Program for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and then the Harbaugh Entrepreneur and Innovation Faculty Scholar. A gift to the Land Grant Research Impact Fellows is a logical next step for us in our philanthropy, our desire to help ensure faculty can continue to educate, empower and transform through teaching and research, and is a further extension of the college’s commitment to the University’s land-grant mission.”

This fellowship program will continue annually, generating a rotating cohort of eight to 10 fellows whose work exemplifies outstanding achievements in the land-grant mission, utilizing science-based information to address the college’s broad mission for Pennsylvania and its residents.

Donors like Earl and Kay Harbaugh advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.