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INVESTIGATOR: Moss, E. M.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
4900 MERIDIAN STREET
NORMAL, ALABAMA 35762

ENHANCING AN INTEGRATIVE AG-BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTION PROGRAM AT AAMU

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: According to 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of biological and especially well-trained bio-technicians is projected to grow 5 percent over the next decade. An Integrative Ag-biotechnology Instruction Program at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) will implement training of undergraduate (9) and graduate students (3) in the expanding field of biotechnology. The proposed effort will: 1.) Attract, retain and sustain freshmen and community college transfers in Ag-biotechnology and molecular biology; 2) Train graduate students in molecular biology techniques and principles to equip them for either research or industry careers and; 3) Promote faculty development for young faculty members active in biotechnology. The overall project and its components as proposed will have a rigorous project evaluation consisting of formative and summative evaluations focusing on assessing the effectiveness of the new Ag-centric biotechnology degree program, training effectiveness of undergraduate and graduate students and the success of various mentoring strategies proposed. The ultimate goal of academic institutions that participate in training for the STEM workforce is to provide education and training opportunities needed to prepare a diverse, well-qualified workforce that is able to lead in innovation and address the mission of industries and public agencies across the broad spectrum of societies and AAMU is in the forefront of this training

OBJECTIVES: The ultimate goal of academic institutions that participate in training for the STEM workforce is to provide education and training opportunities needed to prepare a diverse, well-qualified workforce that is able to lead in innovation and address the mission of industries and public agencies across the broad spectrum of societies. This proposed effort, with its increased awareness of biotechnological issues will reduce the national shortage of minorities in the sciences in general, but in particular, biological (exclusive of pre-med) and associated sciences thus building skilled, capable and stable societies. Under this overall goal we will have specific objectives as follows:Attract, retain and sustain freshmen and community colleges transfers in Ag-biotechnology and molecular biology.Train graduate students in sound molecular biology research to equip them for research and industry careers.To support faculty development for young faculty members active in the biotechnology instructional program.

APPROACH: Methodology forObjective 1: Recruiting and training undergraduate students: Multiple streams will be utilized in attracting students into the Ag-biotech program: Incoming students who come directly to AAMU in biology, plant biotechnology and possibly in food science with strong interests in learning more about molecular biosciences.The second source of students will be from the Community College stream. Biotechnology as a specialization in the state supported junior colleges is beginning to emerge. Among these is the oldest program at Calhoun Community College, the most proximal community college to AAMU campus. Soon after this proposal is funded, we will make visits to select community colleges and offer summer training or exposure to their second year college students. Because we have a large undergraduate base at AAMU, our goal is to bring in and expose three undergraduate students each of the three years in to the biotechnology program. The biotech program will successfully attain agricultural or plant science orientation because the College of Agricultural Life and Natural Science in its current or earlier incarnation/configuration has steadily built a strong biotechnology base. The program has extensive research and training capabilities in pursuing biotech aspects of staple agricultural crops. Furthermore, programs in forestry, wildlife biology, soil science and others have utilized such developed resources.Methodology for Objective 2: Train graduate students in sound molecular biology research:Graduate education in STEM areas as pursued in the US is a unique mentoring experience. It is individualized, it is rigorous, and it juxtaposes heavy immersion in experimental work with theoretical foundation as taught in classrooms through "book learning". As it has been stated in the Innovation section, graduate student training will be inextricably linked to peer mentoring process for undergraduate students also. The approach utilized by the molecular biology training will consist of both sound course work and hands on training. Research Projects will include:Microbial Community Diversity of Agricultural Soil from the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station,Identification of reniform nematode cellulase gene(s) andCotton Small RNAsMethodology for Objective 3: Faculty development activities for young faculty members active in biotechnology instructional program:The concerns most expressed by faculty members are: 1) Biotechnology is undergoing changes rapidly therefore at least two critically important meetings per year should be supported to keep abreast of advances in science and 2) insufficient resources for other self-improvement activities are available to faculty members with heavier teaching roles which limits access to resources to undertake professional development as done by their colleagues with greater research responsibilities Therefore two approaches will be utilized in providing finite support for faculty development. Each is described here:Attending key professional meetings that are critical to keep faculty members' current in their specializationsuch as thePlant and Animal Genome meeting (PAG) held annually in January in San Diego California. Microbiologist may attend a meeting of the American Society forMicrobiology (ASM). The professional environment at the ASA-CSSA-SSSA (American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) meetingsTaking online and formal short courses in biotechnology and biotechnology related disciplinessuch as "A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)" aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the web provides such opportunities.

PROGRESS: 2019/05 TO 2020/04
Target Audience: The target audience for this effort are underrepresented minority undergraduates and community college transfers interested in Ag-biotechnology and molecular biology at Alabama A&M University. In addition, we will focus on training graduate students and supporting young faculty in the development of the biotechnology instructional program. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Students within the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, both those paid under this project as well as others, were introduced to the activities of key organisms and the latest instruments and methods used to studythem. We discussed the basic foundations of environmental microbiology, described, microbial environments, examined microbial methods and technologies utilized to study microbes and their activities, explained biochemical and industrial transformations, including microbial transport, discussed bacterial diversity, and evaluated pathogens found within water and food and their potential risks. Experiments were conducted on a wide variety of environmental samples including soil, water, air, and sewage effluents. These exercises illustrated both the beneficial effects of environmental microbes, as well as the detrimental effects of human pathogens. Students investigated soil samples from within the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Stationunder different treatment conditions. Techniques in which the students were trained to analyze the soil samples included: Soil pH, DNA Extraction, Quality of DNA using the Nanodrop, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Gel Electrophoresis and PCR Purification and Sequence Analysis (BLAST and RDP II). Additionally, students learned new tools to investigate environmental justice as it relates to pollution as well as training in teaching about the potential hazards of working in the Ag field. In November of 2019, twostudents, Sameerah Rice and Jayla Pettaway attended the 7th annual HBCU climate change conference: Preparing tomorrow's leaders through research and action, in New Orleans, LA. The students had the opportunity to attend and observe research in the area of climate change-related to the soil, water, air, politics, and racial inequality. Both studentshadthe opportunity to present work completed under this project at the next conference. Additionally, in Marchof 2020, the students submitted abstracts for the 97th annual meeting of the Alabama Academy of Science, to be held on the campus of Alabama A&M University as well as the annualSTEM Day at AAMUwhere both undergraduate and graduate students from various departments such as Biological and Environmental Sciences, Food Science, Engineering and Physics presented their research. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The results from this year's studies will be disseminated at the 8thannual HBCU climate change meeting proposed in fall 2020in New Orleans, LA. The students will be included in the poster presentation section of the conference. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? During the next reporting period, we will conduct another CURE (Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience) as well as continue all student projects. Additionally, we will continue the bacterial community structure analysiswith another sampling of the Hemp soil to compare with last year's sampling from theWinfred Thomas Agricultural Research Center. Lastly, the students will present their research findings at the 8th annual HBCU Climate Change conference in fall 2020.

IMPACT: 2019/05 TO 2020/04
What was accomplished under these goals? During this reporting period, the students worked on the following: Effect of Biochar on Soil pH, Bacterial Community Structure and Carbon Sequestration Potential. Four soils amended with biochar (0 mg/ha, 5 mg/h, 12.5 mg/h, 30.02 mg/h)were collectedfrom the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Stationto assess the influence of pH on bacterial community composition and subsequentlythe carbon sequestration potentialusing metagenomic approaches. DNA was extracted using ZymoBIOMICS®-96 MagBead DNA Kit and sequenced on Illumina MiSeqTM.Our study reveals anincrease in pH, ranging from4.6 for the control to 4.9 for the amended soils as well as a shiftin microbial community structure and diversity with added biochar. The higher bacterial diversity and increase in copiotrophic bacteria (Actinobacteria) and a decrease in oligotrophic bacteria (Acidobacteria) is in-line with the theory of enhanced copiotrophic bacteria and reduced oligotrophic bacteria contributing to an increase in C02emissions. With increased biochar, there was a decrease in copiotrophic (Proteobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes and Fermicutes) bacteria, whichsignals a decrease in CO2emissions. Resultsconfirm that biochar slightly increases pH and alters bacterial communities however there is a contradiction inwhether this addition indicates the role of oligotrophic and copiotrophic bacteria in carbon sequestration and thus deems further analysis. Characterization of Alabama Waterbodies Contaminated by Atmospheric Deposition using ArcGisThe purpose of this study was to assess the location of impaired waterbodies in Alabama due to atmospheric deposition and identify Brownsfields located in close proximity. Results from analysis showed the cause of atmospheric deposition in AL waters was due to metals, chiefly mercury. We applied the information obtained to ArcGis, which generated a map of the state visualizing the locations of only those waterbodies. Additionally, Brownsfields were identified that potentially contributed to the mercury contamination that resulted in atmospheric deposition. Understanding the spatial distribution of atmospheric pollution throughout AL is critical to determine the areas which are most vulnerable to negative effects on ecosystem services such as biodiversity conservation, food security, carbon sequestration and water regulations. Environmental Impact Assessment of Property Trends to Stimulate Revitalization in Africatown, Mobile, AL Using Arc GIS. Africatown is a historic community located neardowntown Mobile, Alabama, formed by a group of West Africans brought to the United States on the last known slave ship, the Clotilda. Abandoned houses line the town's quiet and compact residential heart and thus are perceived a significant problem by residents. With the recent discovery of the Clotilda, the community has an opportunity to leverage international interest in its extremely unique history for economic development and improvement in health and educational benchmarks for their youth.The goal of the project was to analyze the past 5 years of publicly available data of 450 homes in total and apply it to ArcGis, which generated a map visualizing these properties in the area. The trends documented include existing and changing home ownership patterns, property tax rates, and housing condemnation and destruction within Africatown. This study serves as the genesis to combat the issue of vacant and abandoned property problem in Africatown that could lead to aggressive code enforcement, tax foreclosure, eminent domain, and cosmetic improvements thereby stimulating economic development. The Influence of pH on Bacterial Community Composition of Soils from the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station.The Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station at Alabama A&M University contains a variety of agricultural soils used for the growth of Industrial Hemp, switchgrass, sweetgum, soybean, biochar infused soil and pasture soils. For this study samples were collected to assess the influence of soil pH on differences in bacterial community composition using metagenomic approaches. DNA was extracted using the ZymoBIOMICS®-96 MagBead DNA Kit and sequenced on Illumina MiSeqTM. Results identified the abundance of bacteria phylum such as Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, patterns of their distribution within each soil community and the overall diversity among the soils. Biochar soil, the most acidic, pH 4.5, seemed to contribute to the abundance of Actinobacteria (62.78 %) whereas Actinobacteria in Industrial Hemp, pH 7.84, comprised only 27.75 % of the community. Consequently, Acidobacteria was least abundant (5.7%) in biochar and greater (17.35%) in Hemp. Additionally, Industrial Hemp soil was more diverse than any other soil community. Further research will aid in identifying other factors that may contribute to the variability in soil bacterial community composition. Mapping Environmental Hazards in the Agricultural IndustryThe AgriSafe Network,is a non-profit national membership organization that represents health?professionals and educators who strive to reduce health disparities found among the?agricultural community. AgriSafe offers Invest in Your Health Trainer Exchanges where educators can be certified to train on five AgriSafe modules,"Protecting Your Hearing", "Head to Toe Person Protective Equipment", "Prevention of Heat Related Illness", "Prevention Zoonosis" and "Using Mapping to Define Hazards in Agriculture".For this analysis, we focused on the module,"Using Mapping to Define Hazards in Agriculture",where a map was developed through SmartDraw to visualize risks in the workplace that could cause injuries or illness, such as respiratory, noise, skin disorders, cancer and other chemical hazards. Research showed that symptoms of chronic bronchitis have been observed in 50 % of swine confinement workers and grain handlers; 10 % of US farmers are exposed to average daily noise levels above 85 decibels; agricultural workers contract contact dermatitis and most farmers experience skin cancer on the back of their necks; and 28% of chemical poisonings occur in agricultural related jobs. In conclusion, these modules serve as a continuing education tool and access to preventative services for farm families and the agricultural community and training for young Ag workers to help identify hazards in the workplace for their ultimate health and safety. Assessing the State of Environmental Justice in Huntsville, Alabama.Environmental Justice Screening (EJSCREEN) is an environmental justice mapping and screening tool that provides the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a nationally consistent dataset and approach for combining 11 environmental and 6 demographic indicators such particulate matter, cancer risk, proximity to superfund sites and hazardous waste facilities and lead paint.EJSCREEN uses demographic factors such as income, race, and age as very general indicators of a community's potential susceptibility to those environmental factors included in the screening tool.EJ indexes combine environmental and demographic data to highlight areas where vulnerable and susceptible populations may be disproportionally impacted by pollution.In this study, we chose to assess the environmental and demographic indicators for the city of Huntsville, AL and compare it to the State of Alabama, EPA Region 4, and the United States.This information was then combined to determine the EJ indexes for the city.Results indicated that Huntsville has the lowest EJ index percentiles for Superfund Site Proximity and Risk Management Plan (RMP) sites in relation to the State/Region/US.However, the highest EJ index percentiles were for Traffic and Hazardous Waste Proximity, Lead Paint and Wastewater Discharge indicators.This suggests that the city of Huntsville, AL is potentially disproportionately impacted by pollution in relation to those environmental indicators.

PUBLICATIONS (not previously reported): 2019/05 TO 2020/04
1. Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Autumn Hill. Microbial Community Shifts and the Potential for Carbon Sequestration in Soils Amended with Biochar. 7th HBCU Climate Change Meeting. November 2019. New Orleans, LA.
2. Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Courvoisier Lewis. Characterization of Alabama Waterbodies Contaminated by Atmospheric Deposition using ArcGis. 7th HBCU Climate Change Meeting. November 2019. New Orleans, LA.
3. Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Sameerah Rice. Assessing Property Trends to Stimulate Revitalization and Prevent Gentrification in Africatown, Mobile, AL using ArcGIS and monitoring potential air and soil pollution. 7th HBCU Climate Change Meeting. November 2019. New Orleans, LA.
4. Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Autumn Hill. Effect of Biochar on Soil pH, Bacterial Community Structure and Carbon Sequestration Potential. 97th Alabama Academy of Science. November 2020. Huntsville, AL
5. Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Jayla Pettaway. The Influence of pH on Bacterial Community Composition of Soils from the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station. 97th Alabama Academy of Science. March 2020. Huntsville, AL.
6. Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Sameerah Rice. Environmental Impact Assessment of Property Trends to Stimulate Revitalization in Africatown, Mobile, AL Using Arc GIS. 97th Alabama Academy of Science. March 2020. Huntsville, AL.

PROGRESS: 2017/05/01 TO 2018/04/30
Target Audience:The target audience for this effort are underrepresented minority undergraduatesand community college transfers interested in Ag-biotechnology and molecular biology at Alabama A&M University. In addition, we will focus ontraininggraduate students andsupporting young faculty in the development of thebiotechnologyinstructional program. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project provides the opportunity to train undergraduate and graduate students in the field of Ag-biotechnology. Students will participate in field work at th Winfred Thomas Agricultural Reseach Station. In addition, students will prepare samples in the laboratory for further microbial analysis. Students will learn DNA extraction, quantification andsequencing techniques. Students will travel to professional meetings and attend seminars here at Alabama A&M Universty and HudsonAlpha related to agriculture and biotechnology. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Since there have been no results generated as of yet, there has been nothing to disseminate. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?This next year, the experiment will be conducted and results generated. Students will have the opportunity to analyze results and present at a national meeting as well as AAMU's annual STEM Day.

IMPACT: 2017/05/01 TO 2018/04/30
What was accomplished under these goals? Thus far, several undergraduate students have been identified to work on the project, specifically with the microbial biochar aspect. An experimental design has been established at the WInfred Thomas Agricultural ReseachStation at Alabama A&M University. Land Preparation: Biochar will be surface applied in April 2012 before planting of the corn crop and and immediately incorporated into 0-15 cm soil depth with fertilizers utilizing both rotary and moldboard plow tillage. Pre-plant herbicide: Complete burn down with Glyphosate (Roundup) at 32 oz/acre about 10-15 days before planting. Dual Magnum at 2.0 pt/acre; Prowl at 3 pt/acre. Round-up can also be applied post emerge to Round-Up Ready corn. Planting: Small plot planter, 8 rows per plot at approximately 30 inches apart and at seed rates common to those farmers in North Alabama. Fertilizer: 150 kg N/ha (ammonium nitrate or whatever fertilizer is recommended). Applied prior to planting. Irrigation: Rainfed Biochar will be applied atrates of 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8% on a mass basis.

PUBLICATIONS: 2017/05/01 TO 2018/04/30
No publications reported this period.