Research Seminars Foster Curiosity, Discussion

Lincoln University faculty, staff and students listen to Dr. Waana Kaluwasha’s LUCAEHS Research Seminar on diseases in heirloom tomatoes and sweet potatoes.

The Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences (CAEHS) Research Seminar kicked off its fall lecture series in September.

Hosted on Lincoln’s campus, the seminar gives a platform to faculty, staff, students and invited guests, fostering the exchange and discussion of research and creating opportunities for collaboration.

“We host these seminars to foster a culture of inquiry and research at CAEHS, to encourage interdisciplinary discussions and to provide professional development opportunities for our students and faculty,” explained Dr. Xukai Zhang, assistant professor of geospatial science. “They also help to amplify the innovative research undertaken at Lincoln University and through our partnerships.”

Zhang is a member of the committee responsible for coordinating the LUCAEHS Research Seminar. He works with co-chair Dr. Isaac Hayford and members Dr. Waana Kaluwasha, Dr. Sujan Acharya and Dr. Victoria Uyanga to set a schedule, invite speakers, manage communications and ensure sessions run smoothly.

Zhang and his colleagues work to ensure seminar topics reflect the diversity of research taking place within CAEHS and align with student and faculty interests. They also request feedback from speakers and attendees to improve future sessions.

The seminar began as a collective initiative meant to nurture a culture of active research and collaboration across CAEHS programs. From there, it developed into a consistent venue for scholars to share their work, build connections and engage students in research discussions beyond the classroom.

Dr. Waana Kaluwasha receives a certificate of appreciation for her participation in the LUCAEHS Research Seminar series.

“Students benefit by gaining role models, engaging in academic projects outside of coursework and receiving exposure to current research,” Zhang said. “Meanwhile, faculty are enriched by presenting their work, receiving constructive criticism and establishing collaborations with fellow researchers.”

He added that the seminar benefits the broader Lincoln community as well by strengthening academic networks, raising the research profile and enabling outreach.

This fall, the LUCAEHS Research Seminar series includes sessions held on Sept. 30 and Oct. 23, with additional sessions scheduled for Nov. 4, Nov. 18 and Dec. 2.

Kaluwasha, who teaches plant pathology, kicked off the fall series on Sept. 30 with her presentation on “Identification and Impact of Soilborne Fungal Pathogens in Sweet Potato and Heirloom Tomato Production.”

Bringing in a group of roughly 20 people to LU’s Allen Hall’s first-floor conference room, Kaluwasha discussed her team’s research on identifying and managing prevalent fungal diseases in heirloom tomatoes and sweet potatoes caused by soilborne pathogens.

On Oct. 23, Dr. Carola Sanchez, assistant professor of biorenewable energy and technology, drew a similar crowd with her presentation on “Fueling Sustainability: Biogas, Biofuels and Collaborative Opportunities in Renewable Energy.”

Sanchez examined the background and current state of renewable energies, bringing attention to avenues for more sustainable energy production in the future.

Coming up next:

• On Nov. 4, Dr. Jonathan Egilla will discuss “Soilless Crop Culture Research at Lincoln University.”
• On Nov. 18, Dr. Quingbo Yang’s team will present on “Advanced Bioanalysis and Metabolomics via the UHPLC-MS/MS system.”
• On Dec. 2, Dr. Mohan Acharya will share his work on “Meningeal Worm Among Sheep and Goats in Missouri.”

Anyone within the Lincoln community is welcome to attend LUCAEHS Research Seminar sessions. Sessions are held in person and streamed via Zoom. Refreshments and snacks are provided.

For more information on the LUCAEHS Research Seminar, contact Dr. Xukai Zhang at ZhangX1@lincolnu.edu.

To learn about other events at Lincoln, visit the university calendar.