UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State scientists Michela Centinari and Adrian Barragan have been named Land-Grant Research Impact Fellows in the College of Agricultural Sciences.
The college launched the initiative last year to recognize and support faculty whose research addresses pressing challenges in Pennsylvania and beyond. Each fellow receives $30,000 per year for three years to advance research that turns scientific discoveries into practical solutions with real-world impact and will carry the title of Land-Grant Research Impact Fellow during their three-year term.
The fellowship program recognizes faculty members who have built a strong record of applying research to pressing challenges and creating practical solutions, innovations and opportunities across the college's broad mission areas, according to Troy Ott, Peter and Ann Tombros Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences. The program also provides support for fellows to advance work with the potential to improve agricultural production, protect natural resources, advance food and health, strengthen communities and enhance everyday life for Pennsylvanians.
“Our faculty bring extraordinary expertise, creativity and commitment to some of the most complex challenges facing Pennsylvania and beyond,” Ott said. “These fellows have demonstrated the ability to turn scientific discovery into meaningful impact — whether that means strengthening agricultural systems, protecting and restoring our natural resources, advancing food and health, or creating new economic opportunities. This fellowship recognizes their contributions while giving them additional support to continue advancing this important work.”
Centinari, professor of viticulture in the Department of Plant Science, is studying how spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest that poses a significant threat to vineyards and the wine industry, affects grapevine production, fruit quality and long-term vine health. Her research aims to develop science-based management guidelines that help growers determine when scouting and management actions are most needed.
Central to the project is integrating research findings with existing grower monitoring efforts to develop decision-support tools and management guidelines. These resources will combine real-time pest information with research on grapevine responses to support practical management decisions in vineyards. Centinari explained that rather than relying on broad, calendar-based management approaches, growers will be better equipped to make decisions based on current conditions and pest activity.
More precise timing of scouting and management interventions could provide significant economic and environmental benefits. Helping growers target treatments only when and where they are needed can protect profit margins while reducing unnecessary preventive insecticide applications and their associated environmental impacts.
Centinari said her work will connect Penn State research directly with the needs of grape and wine producers. By delivering proactive, practical and science-based management guidelines and decision-support tools, she said the project will strengthen the industry’s ability to respond to spotted lanternfly and reinforce the college’s leadership in supporting agricultural producers facing emerging pest challenges.
Barragan, associate research professor and extension veterinarian in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, is leading a project focused on improving how dairy producers identify and manage cows at heightened risk for disease. Called the “Target Cow Approach,” the work aims to help producers focus monitoring and management efforts on individual animals most likely to experience health challenges.
The project uses a more targeted approach to herd health by identifying high-disease-risk cows and using that information to guide management decisions. By recognizing vulnerable animals earlier, Barragan said producers may be able to intervene more strategically rather than relying solely on broad, herdwide disease prevention and management practices.
This precision-based approach has the potential to improve animal health and welfare while helping dairy producers use labor and other resources more efficiently, according to Barragan. Earlier identification and targeted management also could reduce the economic losses associated with disease and support more informed decision-making on dairy farms.
Barragan said his work seeks to translate research into a practical strategy that dairy producers can incorporate into herd management and reflects the college’s commitment to developing science-based solutions that improve animal health, strengthen farm productivity and support the long-term sustainability of the dairy industry.
Centinari and Barragan join members of last year’s cohort: Jeffrey Catchmark, professor of agricultural and biological engineering and of bioethics; Paul Esker, a professor of epidemiology and of 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.
Support for the fellowships was made possible by the generous donations of college benefactors, including Earl and Kay Harbaugh.