JWGCESTA News

Congratulations Dr. Li-Byarlay!

Hongmei Li-Byarlay
In The News
Dr. Hongmei Li-Byarlay was selected to receive the 2023 John V. Osmun Alumni Professional Achievement Award in Entomology at Purdue University. The ceremony is scheduled to be on Sep 29th, 2023. Congratulations Dr. Li-Byarlay!

Domesticating a type of wild grain in Ohio

A small team planting silflower seedlings on a quarter-acre plot at a farm in Greene County. Alejandro Figueroa / WYSO
In The News || WYSO Article
A team of Central State University agricultural researchers have partnered with the Kansas-based Land Institute. The team is looking to domesticate a type of wild grain in Ohio with the goal of creating more sustainable farming practices and how to better integrate pollinator plants along with agriculture.

JWGCESTA News Magazine Summer 2023

Beekeepers in protective suits work to capture drone bees in advance of insemination.
July Edition || News Magazine July 2023 (PDF)
This publication contains a great overview of the many incredible milestones happening at Central State University, including: Central State University John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture (JWGCESTA) receives part of a $10 million grant to grow the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Free Cardiovascular Health Virtual Event

Medical consultation with doctor and patients
Free Cardiovascular Health Virtual Event || News Release (PDF)
Join Central State University Extension for "Wellness Connection Forum: Cardiovascular Health" on Friday, July 14, at 3 p.m. (EST) via Zoom.  

The guest speaker will be Michael J. Robertson, MD, of Premier Health Family Medicine Middletown, Ohio. The free, virtual event will be moderated by CSU Extension staff James Keys, interim REA & FCS Educator – South.

Central State University named partner institution on $10 million agriculture award

CSU Research Assistant Professor of Entomology Dr. Hongmei Li-Byarlay, works with students in a bee lab while Sharath Krishna, Ph.D., CSU professor of biology and agricultural and life sciences, looks on.
Central State University (CSU) is partnering with three other universities to receive a $10 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture to recruit, educate, train, and retain the next generation of diverse food and agriculture professionals. || News Release
Central State University (CSU) partners with three other universities to receive a $10 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture to recruit, educate, train, and retain the next generation of diverse food and agriculture professionals.

Central State University sparks interest in farming through grant

A person driving a farm tractor in a field of crops
This grant is crucial in facilitating the recruitment, education, training, and retention of a wide-ranging cohort of upcoming food and agriculture experts. || News Release
Central State University is the forefront of sustainable agriculture and farm industry innovation, with an unwavering commitment to promoting interest in farming careers. The University has been awarded a substantial grant of $10 million by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Central State University Led Intel Summer Internship for Women and Underrepresented Minorities Kicks Off at Wright State University Campus

CSU Agricultural Research and Extension host ODA Director on campus tour
Intel Summer Internship for Women and Underrepresented Minorities || News Release
The Central State University (CSU) John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture (JWGCESTA) welcomed 20 students to the CSU led Intel Summer Internship for Women and Underrepresented Minorities being held at the Wright State University Campus from June 5 to July 28. This eight-week, intensive internship aims to prepare students with skills and understanding of electronic hardware design, fabrication, and security.

The program, sponsored by Intel, is designed to train students for future jobs in Intel's upcoming Ohio chip factory, projected to be operational in 2025.

Central State University Extension offering Black Heritage Community Garden Project at Seed-to-Bloom Botanical and Community Garden

Flowers in the Garden
Black Heritage Community Garden Project || News Release
Central State University Extension (CSU-E) is offering a free program, the Black Heritage Community Garden Project, at the Central State Seed-to-Bloom Botanical and Community Garden.

Central State professor one of only 800 worldwide to receive prestigious designation

Congratulations Dr Kandiah, Central State University, photo of Dr Kandiah
Dr. Ramanitharan Kandiah, professor of Environmental Engineering and chair of the Department of Water Resources Management, received his Diplomate, American Water Resources Engineers (D.WRE) Certificate , making him one of only 800 people around the world who have received this designation.

Professor co-authors new book on manufacturing innovation

Workers use emerging technologies in manufacturing
Dr. Abayomi Ajayi-Majebi, professor of manufacturing engineering, has co-authored a recently published book, "Emerging Technologies in Manufacturing."

TensorFlow Award

Introduction to Tensor Flow
TensorFlow Award
As part of #Google's growing efforts to support excellent research in academia, Google awarded #CentralStateUniversity an unrestricted gift of $10,000 to the John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, & Agriculture, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science towards the "TensorFlow Award for Machine Learning Courses”.

Extension 2022 Conference

Extension 2022 Conference
Extension All-Staff Conference || Press Release (PDF)
The first annual Central State University (CSU) Extension All-Staff Conference was held Oct. 31-Nov. 2 on the CSU campus in Wilberforce, Ohio. The theme was “Building Extension’s Future” and was attended by 41 Extension professionals including campus-based staff, administrators, and regional staff in the four programs areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, Community and Economic Development, and Family and Consumer Sciences.

President Emeritus John W. Garland Honored at Special Ceremony

President Emeritus John W Garland Honored at Special Ceremony
President Emeritus John W. Garland Honored at Special Ceremony || News Release
The Central State University College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture was recently renamed in honor of President Emeritus John W. Garland. The John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture not only honors his legacy but is demonstrative of his continued commitment to the College and to the University.

CSU Agricultural Research and Extension host ODA Director on campus tour

CSU Agricultural Research and Extension host ODA Director on campus tour
CSU Agricultural Research and Extension host ODA Director on campus tour || News Release (PDF)
Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda toured the CSU International Water Resource Center and other campus facilities to learn about the university’s groundbreaking agricultural research.

Director Pelanda met with CSU President Jack Thomas as well as toured the CSU Honeybee and Pollinator Research Facility and CSU Extension Aquaponics Demonstration Facility.

CSU agricultural researchers also presented information on honeybees, hemp/aquaponics systems, robotics for raspberry farming, corn, water quality, soil, and more.

Xenia Tree Sale Sept. 1-30

Xenia Tree Sale logo
CSU Agricultural Research and Extension host ODA Director on campus tour || News Release (PDF)
Working to expand and support the urban forest, the City of Xenia Tree Committee is hosting its second annual Native Tree and Shrub Sale with locally grown nursery specimens to allow residents to add to their own landscapes this autumn planting season.

Central State University Extension hosting “Homeschool Adventures” at CSU Seed to Bloom Botanical and Community Garden

Xenia Tree Sale logo
Central State University Extension hosting “Homeschool Adventures” at CSU Seed to Bloom Botanical and Community Garden || News Release (PDF)
Homeschool families with children between the ages of five and 11 may participate with each theme-based session including an educational activity, interactive game and observation walk.

Central State University Extension Premiers Fastrack Farming 12-Month New Farmer Training

Fastrack Farmers Program
Central State University Extension Premiers Fastrack Farming 12-Month New Farmer Training || July 2022 || News Release (PDF)
Designed for those who want to begin farming, the Central State University Extension (CSU-CESTA Extension) Fastrack Farming Program, will educate participants about the multiple aspects of managing a successful growing operation.

Central State University Extension Presents Community Engagement in Lima, Ohio with LACNIP

Fastrack Farmers Program
Central State University Extension Premiers Fastrack Farming 12-Month New Farmer Training || May 10, 2022 || News Release (YouTube)
LIMA, OH – Central State University Extension Presents Community Engagement in Lima, Ohio with LACNIP. Click here to view the video.

In Ohio Country Today with Dr. Sid Dasgupta

Dr Siddartha Dasgupta
In Ohio Country Today with Dr. Sid Dasgupta || April 29, 2022 || In Ohio Country Today (YouTube)
Host Dan Wilson is joined by Dr. Sid Dasgupta, Associated Extension Administrator at Central State University to discus two programs "Fastrack Farming" a 12-month beginning farmer training program and "Building Small Farm Viability" to help farmers.

Click here to hear the podcast.

Greening Your Landscape with Native Plants

video image from 'Living Dayton' newscast
In Ohio Country Today with Dr. Sid Dasgupta || April 29, 2022 || Living Dayton (WDTN)
University Extension joins us in studio to talk more about their upcoming event, “Greening Your Landscape with Native Plants”.

Click here to view the broadcast from WDTN.com.

In Ohio Country Today with Michelle Wallace

Michelle Wallace
In Ohio Country Today with Michelle Wallace || April 25, 2022 || Living Datyon (WDTN)
Host Dan Wilson is joined by Michelle Wallace and Phil Hollingshead both extension educators from Central State University to discuss a very unique farm for veterans in Swanton, Ohio called HOOVES.

Click here to view the broadcast from WDTN.com.

In Ohio Country Today with Logan Walter

Logan Walter
In Ohio Country Today with Logan Walter || April 25, 2022 || Living Datyon (WDTN)
Host Dan Wilson is joined by co-host Gary Jackson and Logan Walter an extension agent from Central State University to discuss over wintering vegetable crops in low tunnels.

Click here to view the broadcast from WDTN.com.

30th Annual Plant Extravaganza

Central State University Extension (CSUE)
In Ohio Country Today with Logan Walter || May 3, 4, 5: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. || Event Listing
WILBERFORCE, OH-Central State University College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture announce 30th Annual Plant Extravaganza, May 3, 4 and 5 in the CSU Greenhouse located on US 42 in Wilberforce, OH from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. each day. A minimum donation of $10 per tray-mix or match. Donations support the CSU Foundation to assist with student supplies provide mini-scholarships, and campus beautification. The Plant Extravaganza was started in 1992 by Professor Cadance Lowell, Ph.D., with assistance from Researcher Marcus Nagle, Ph.D., as a way to provide outlet for plants grown as part of research, coursework, and labs. Students, faculty, staff, and community volunteers work together each year to help ensure that this wide range of vegetables, flowers and houseplants are available to the public.

Central State University Extension Community and Economic Development Program Presents Office Hour Live

Central State University Extension (CSUE)
Central State University Extension Community and Economic Development Program Presents Office Hour Live || Every Thursday 2 p.m. via TEAMS || News Release (PDF)
Business owners and community development leaders can benefit from CSU-Extension’s Signature program CED Office Hour Live, a live, virtual, open discussion with Central State University Extension's (CSU-Extension’s) Community & Economic Development (CED) team; where participants will learn key information on how to grow and improve their businesses, community organizations, and small farm operations.

The CED Office Hour Live program will broadcast live, every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. beginning April 7, 2022.