iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

NC State's IR-4 Project has received a $10 million, five-year award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service to help U.S. specialty crop growers overcome pesticide residue-related barriers to international trade. Learn more: ncst.at/xC5n50ZUGry

Bundles of fresh asparagus tied with blue bands displayed alongside apples and other produce at a market stand. Text reads: "IR-4 Receives $10 Million USDA Award to Expand Specialty Crop Export Opportunities."

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

We are proud to announce that NC State CALS is celebrating its third year of record student enrollment. 🎉 For the fall 2026 semester, CALS welcomed 777 new students, bringing the college’s total enrollment to 4,538 — the most ever. Learn more: ncst.at/kyz150ZU7Yu

First-year CALS students participating in the seminar course ALS 103: First Year Success in Agriculture and Life Sciences.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Massimo Iorizzo, a horticultural science professor with expertise in plant breeding, genetics and nutritional genomics of small fruit and vegetable crops, will become director of NC State's Plants for Human Health Institute, effective Oct. 1. 🔗: ncst.at/Wj9j50ZSqzw

Horticultural Science Professor Massimo Iorizzo examines a blueberry in the lab. PHHI is located on the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, visible through the window.

010

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

NC State CALS is proud to introduce the Peele Scholars Fund. A historic $10 million gift from CALS alumnus David Peele will fully fund tuition and high-impact experiences for five incoming CALS students from eastern North Carolina. Read more: ncst.at/S7f450ZPqU6

NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell, CALS Dean Garey Fox, and David Peele and his family holding a sign announcing the creation of the Peele Scholars Fund at Wolfpack Harvest.

001

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

We gathered tonight to honor and celebrate our 2026 CALS Distinguished and Outstanding Alumni Award winners! 🏆 These awardees embody the spirit of NC State's land-grant mission through their impact on academics, research and Extension across North Carolina and beyond.

Group of 2026 CALS Distinguished and Outstanding Alumni Award winners with CALS Dean Garey Fox on a staircase smiling and holding up Wolfies.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Having taught over 11,000 students at NC State, Clyde Sorenson is now being honored with a 2026 CALS Distinguished Alumni Award. 🏆 Read about his incredible 50-year NC State career: ncst.at/3QsF50ZOVz2

Clyde Sorenson wearing a brown hat and glasses, leaning on a white net frame against a dark background.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

From a dairy farm in Iredell County to a 50-plus-year career in tax law, Howard Williams, a 2026 CALS Distinguished Alumni Award winner, credits CALS with helping shape the life he built working in service to NC State and N.C. agriculture. Read more: ncst.at/x8GO50ZO5nl

Howard Williams in glasses wearing a dark suit and blue tie, smiling with arms crossed against a glass building background.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Fall is for gathering, gratitude and the Wolfpack. 🍁🐺 Join CALS alumni, students, faculty and friends for Wolfpack Harvest on Sept. 19. Whether you're in Raleigh or wherever the Pack calls home, get ready to connect and celebrate CALS. Register today: ncst.at/cHvF50ZM51C

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Agriculture and associated industries rank as North Carolina's top employer and generated $117 billion in economic activity in 2024. 🚜💰 The latest statewide report found that the food, fiber and forestry sector employed 20% of North Carolinians. 🔗: ncst.at/Y0ES50ZJ24T

A circular chart showing North Carolina agriculture's $117 billion economic impact divided into food, tobacco, forestry, fiber, green industry and pharmaceutical sectors.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

CRISPR pioneer and NC State CALS distinguished professor Rodolphe Barrangou joined NASA astronaut Christina Koch for a panel yesterday about how higher education opens doors for students. 🎥 Watch the full panel discussion on NC State's YouTube channel: ncst.at/zfCh50ZFSgT

NC State CALS distinguished professor (right) sits at a panelist table with NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell (center), NASA astronaut Christina Koch (second from left) and two leading NC State faculty members, all of whom are laughing.

NASA astronaut Christina Koch smiling in a blue NASA flight suit in front of a space-themed background.

NC State CALS distinguished professor Rodolphe Barrangou (right) stands in line with NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell (center), NASA astronaut Christina Koch (third from left), two leading NC State faculty members and Student Body President Knox Trask (left) at a panelist discussion.

NC State CALS distinguished professor Rodolphe Barrangou sits at a panel table talking with NASA astronaut Christina Koch, NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell and two leading NC State faculty members.

010

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

We are excited to announce that Richard T. Olsen, director of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., will lead the NC State Department of Horticultural Science, beginning Oct. 12. Learn about Olsen and the appointment: ncst.at/v3fC50ZB6Bb

NC State alumnus Richard T. Olsen, director of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., pictured wearing suit and tie in front of a tree.

001

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

An internship at NASA has given NC State student Sawyer Exum an out-of-this-world opportunity to research space crop production. 🚀🥬 Read about his summer internship: ncst.at/UxGF50Zz5uq

Astronauts from Crew 11 with NC State student Sawyer Exum at the Kennedy Space Center.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Get ready, CALS Pack. Wolfpack Harvest returns on Sept. 19! 🐺🍁 Wolfpack Harvest brings together alumni, students, faculty and friends of CALS on campus and across North Carolina. Save the date and register at a location near you: ncst.at/4pw350Zx3mb

People playing Spikeball outdoors with fall foliage and food trucks in the background during CALS Wolfpack Harvest event announcement.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

A new flavor-packed NC State blackberry variety named Ervin is ready for North Carolina growers and an international debut after four years of rigorous testing led by Gina Fernandez, who oversees the university's caneberry breeding program. Learn more: ncst.at/t44M50Zu2tT

Gina Fernandez, leader of NC State University’s caneberry breeding program, checks blackberry plants under the high tunnels at the Piedmont Research Station in Salisbury, North Carolina.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Record-breaking 919-pound blue marlin 🤝 NC State researchers. A partnership between NC State's Center for Marine Sciences and Technology and the Big Rock fishing tournament allows for NC State researchers to sample blue marlin. Learn about the findings: ncst.at/oI6N50ZstiG

Group of seven people in white shirts posing beside a large marlin hanging from a dock with two American flags in the background.

Two NC State researchers taking fish samples outdoors at the Big Rock fishing tournament under a tent.

Group of NC State researchers outdoors covering the 919 pound blue marlin caught at the Big Rock fishing tournament with a white sheet to lift it into a truck for transport.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Cyclospora is continuing to make headlines across North Carolina. 🦠 What does this outbreak mean for you, and how can you reduce your risk of getting sick? We sat down with NC State Extension food safety expert Ellen Shumaker to find out: ncst.at/osqo50ZryE9

Microscopic image of Cyclospora cayetanensis, the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis. Text reads: "Cyclospora Outbreak: Answers to Your Most Common Questions."

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

🚨 Employers! 🚨 Are you looking to hire the next generation of ag and life sciences professionals? Recruit CALS students for your company's jobs or internships at the 2026 Ag, Sciences and Natural Resources Career Expo on Oct. 7. Register today to table as an employer: ncst.at/1oOX50ZnsLf

Two men engaged in a professional conversation at a conference, one holding documents and explaining a point.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

New technology is taking flight at North Carolina's agricultural research stations. 🦾 Faculty with the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative are developing technology for better drone-based data collection and analysis to help farmers put data to work. 🔗: ncst.at/wo0250Zmfh1

Rob Austin, a research specialist the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, pilots a drone over dormant warm-season turfgrass plots. Drone-based imaging is helping the AIRS team develop standardized ways to collect, process and compare data from research stations.

010

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Three NC State researchers have received funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help combat the spread of the New World screwworm. 🪰 Read about the funding and the NC State research: ncst.at/gHRa50ZgqMK

Close-up of three screwworm larvae aligned horizontally on a white surface, showing segmented bodies and darkened heads. Text reads: CALS Research, NC State Faculty Awarded USDA Funds to Help Bolster New World Screwworm Response."

010

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

A bite you barely notice could change what’s on your plate for life. 🥩 Alpha-gal syndrome is a tick-borne, potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat. NC State Professor Michael Reiskind explains the allergy and the NC State research happening that could help lower transmission.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

We are excited to announce that NC State Professor Aaron Kiess will soon take the helm as head of the Prestage Department of Poultry Science on July 1. 👏 Learn about him and the appointment: ncst.at/vjwc50ZaAYh

Aaron Kiess in a navy blue suit and red tie standing confidently in a bright modern hallway with large windows.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

As cases of the New World screwworm emerge in Texas, NC State entomologist Maxwell Scott remains focused on front-line eradication research. 🪰 Hear about the eradication efforts in Texas and the genetic approaches he's working on to control the parasite: ncst.at/Jw1C50ZahpP

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

A new species of parasitic nematode has been found in the scent glands of a snake by NC State graduate student Alex Nelson. 🪱🐍 Read about the stinky new discovery: ncst.at/1HI850Z9H28

A microscopic close-up of a new species of parasitic nematode that graduate student Alex Nelson found while dissecting a snake.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

A manure marketplace is in the making thanks to researchers with NC State's Food Animal Initiative. The project will help connect poultry and lifestock producers with farmers who can use manure as a source of organic fertilizer. Read more: ncst.at/3ivg50Z7jpX

NC State University's Stephanie Kulesza, an associate professor of nutrient management and animal waste, speaks during a field workshop.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Blueberry picking season is almost here, and CALS researcher Jing Zhang is harnessing the power of AI to help growers decide the best time to harvest. 🫐 Read about the berry cool research: cals.ncsu.edu/news/ripe-fo...

Jing Zhang in a purple blazer holding a phone behind blueberry bushes under a clear blue sky.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Did you know that a CALS alumna's research with the Artemis II crew is helping fuel astronauts? 🚀🍽️ Hear from Grace Douglas, lead scientist for NASA's Advanced Food Technology research, about how she's helping guide food systems for future missions: ncst.at/Bje350Z4MWh

At left, NC State alumna Grace Douglas, the lead scientist for NASA’s Advanced Food Technology research, leads a food tasting session at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Artemis II crew members (from left) Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen and NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Reid Wiseman tasted and rated a selection of meals and snacks ahead of their trip to the Moon. (Credit: NASA)

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

We are excited to announce that ten CALS faculty members have been named William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professors. 👏 The professorship recognizes outstanding scholars, leaders, teachers and mentors. Read about the faculty and their accomplishments: ncst.at/6vOp50YZbV6

Metal sculpture of a howling wolf standing on a brick pathway in NC State's Wolf Plaza, surrounded by trees.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Please join us in congratulating CALS alumna Debbie Hamrick for receiving an honorary doctorate from NC State at Spring Commencement! 🎓👏 Learn more about Hamrick and her successful career in specialty crops: ncst.at/xuOt50YYiiw

CALS alumna Debbie Hamrick receiving an honorary doctoral hood on stage at NC State's Spring Commencement.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

We are excited to announce that Jose Alonso, a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor in the NC State Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the world's most prestigious and influential scientific societies.

Jose Alonso, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor in the NC State Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, standing outdoors with arms crossed in front of leafy green bushes.

110

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Congratulations to the faculty, staff and students who were honored at the 2026 CALS Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony! 🏆 Over 70 honorees were recognized for their commitment to teaching, research, Extension, service and leadership. Read more: ncst.at/xo3y50YP4E2

Group of CALS Awards for Excellence honorees standing with CALS Dean Garey Fox holding awards and smiling for a celebratory photo.

010

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

From a "free-range kid" on a family farm to the executive director of the North Carolina Poultry Federation, Summer Lanier's path to poultry leadership was fueled by NC State CALS. 🐓 Discover how her time at CALS fueled a lifelong passion for poultry: ncst.at/sof150YFLyk

Summer Lanier in a gray blazer sitting outdoors between brick buildings with a sign for a poultry science club meeting in the background.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Through NC State's Interdisciplinary Biochemistry Master’s Program, Dontae Mosley was able to pursue his master’s degree and launch a career in the biotech industry. Now, more students will have that same opportunity. Learn about the expanding program: ncst.at/r6Tc50YFOeF

Dontae Mosley, a graduate of NC State's Interdisciplinary Biochemistry Master's Program, working on a laptop in a laboratory.

010

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

How do we protect a cold-water fish from changing temperatures? 🐟 New research co-authored by CALS applied ecologist Nadya Mamoozadeh is diving deep into how brook trout adjust to shifting weather patterns. Read how Mamoozadeh is fishing for resilience: ncst.at/Jqi650YFMzF

Nadya Mamoozadeh at a stream to observe brook trout.

021

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

What a fantastic AI in Agriculture Conference! 🦾🌱 This week, NC State welcomed over 460 of the brightest minds in AI and agriculture from across the nation to collaborate and innovate. A big thank you to Daniela Jones, conference co-lead, and to everyone who made this incredible event possible!

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Join us in congratulating three CALS faculty members for being elected as fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science! The faculty members include Robert R Dunn, Heike Sederoff and Sung Woo Kim. Read more about them: ncst.at/Ttzo50YATh1

Headshots of three CALS faculty members: Robert R. Dunn, Heike Sederoff and Sung Woo Kim.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

John Bowen propagates potential as an NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteer, and he's #GivingPack to the beloved gardening program on NC State Day of Giving on March 25. 🌱 Read his story, and learn how you can make your mark on the program this Day of Giving: ncst.at/1XjF50Yx14S

NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteer John Bowen holding a tray of young green plants in small pots, sitting outdoors with leafy plants in the background.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Welcome to The Dean's Den, Tim Kelliher. 🌱🧬 🎥 Dean Garey Fox sits down with Kelliher, director of NC State's new Genome Editing Center for Sustainable Agriculture, in our latest episode to talk about how the GEC is accelerating food security solutions: ncst.at/3POb50YstQn

Two men in suits sitting on red chairs making hand gestures with a backdrop reading 'The Dean's Den' and a model of pipettes on a table between them.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

At the HOT Jobs+Internships Fair yesterday, NC State students connected and networked with dozens of top employers in the agriculture, life sciences and natural resources industries. 💼 Thank you to the employers and students who attended and made this event a great success!

Man in green shirt explaining environmental analysis to two women at a career fair booth with S&EC banner.

Two representatives sit behind a Wake County Parks table at an indoor event, engaging with a man in a blue suit standing nearby.

Two people at a Bee Downtown booth talking to students at the career fair.

Two individuals engage in conversation at a job fair booth with informational materials on a blue tablecloth in a large room.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Jason Gipe has been named assistant dean of philanthropy for NC State CALS and president of the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation. Gipe has spent the past several years in key advancement leadership roles within CALS. Learn more about him: ncst.at/Nbs450YokU5

Jason Gipe delivering a speech at an NC State University podium with awards displayed on a table nearby.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

Amy Grunden has been named associate dean for research and director of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service (NCARS) at NC State CALS, effective March 10. Grunden has served in NCARS leadership roles for several years. Learn more about her: ncst.at/CEtJ50YojlE

Amy Grunden, new associate dean for research and director of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service (NCARS), in white lab coat examining tall green plants inside a controlled greenhouse environment.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

The intersection of AI and ag is coming to NC State! 🦾🌱 NC State will host the 2026 AI in Agriculture Conference, bringing together the nation's brightest minds in academia, ag-tech, analytics, biotech, extension and the public sector. Register today: ncst.at/XUx950YngmX

Woman adjusting sensors on agricultural equipment under a clear sky, promoting AI in Agriculture 2026 Conference from March 31 to April 2.

010

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Lina Quesada-Ocampo has been named the new executive director of the IR-4 Project, effective March 9. Quesada-Ocampo brings over 15 years of experience in applied pest management research and Extension work to the role. Read about her and the appointment: ncst.at/gIqA50YkrZb

Lina Quesada-Ocampo is the new executive director of the IR-4 Project, a national program that assists specialty crop growers by facilitating safe and effective pest management tools and product registrations for fruits, vegetables, nuts, flowers and nursery crops.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Woman adjusting agricultural drone equipment in a field promoting the AI in Agriculture 2026 Conference from March 31 to April 2.

010

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Nine CALS faculty have received research grants from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to grow North Carolina agriculture. 💰🌱 The grants help researchers identify potential new crops, value-added products and agricultural innovations. Read more: ncst.at/MQAL50Ycw0C

Rows of young green seedlings growing in trays under a large open-sided metal shed on a sunny day.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Please join us in congratulating CALS faculty Colleen Doherty and Deepti Salvi for being named 2025-26 University Faculty Scholars! 👏🏆 Read about the designation: ncst.at/K0M350YanPN

CALS faculty Colleen Doherty (left) and Deepti Salvi (right).

010

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

The N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative is helping grow the next generation of agricultural innovators. 🌱🔬 In its state-of-the-art facilities, the N.C. PSI provides undergraduates with access to cutting-edge technology and career-relevant opportunities. Discover more: ncst.at/v0m650Y90kc

Students in white lab coats at NC State's Plant Sciences Building, the home of the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative.

000

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 31/01/2026

How much protein do you actually need? 🥩 We sat down with April Fogleman, associate professor in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, to debunk common myths about this popular macronutrient. Read the full Q&A: ncst.at/2srv50Y6FcN

Variety of high-protein foods including salmon, chicken, eggs, nuts, beans, cheese, and fish surrounding a chalkboard labeled 'PROTEIN'.

000

Reposted by NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

NC State Entrepreneurship @ncstateent.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Purpose within the pitch 🌱 Megan Aljian did not expect to win two startup competitions in one week. She was just there to gain experience and share a different perspective. Read more about Aljian's journey and the future of her venture, Forest Found! 👉 buff.ly/teQd3oC @ncstatecals.bsky.social

021

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Robotic cow milking technology is changing the landscape of dairy farming. A new report from the USDA, co-authored by Assistant Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics Zach Raff, explores the economics behind it. 🐄 💵 Read about the insights: ncst.at/n9Bi50Y507B

Automated milking station inside a barn with cows waiting behind metal gates under a roofed structure.

010

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences @ncstatecals.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Meet Thor and Hawkeye — the superhero farm robots in training. 🦾 NC State researchers are developing a new generation of AI-powered robots designed to make farming more efficient. Read about the superhuman research: ncst.at/srRx50Y31RL

Three people inside a greenhouse observing tomato plants supported by stakes and a computer setup for monitoring growth.

010