Aranyak Goswami thinks computational biology has the potential to change the course of human civilization. As an assistant professor in the animal science department, he uses computational genomics and bioinformatics tools…
Behind the Discovery
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WATCH: Ashley Dowling – Tiny Creatures, Big Impact | Behind the Discovery
If Ashley Dowling hopes to accomplish one thing as an educator, it would be to rekindle the appreciation for insects your 3-year-old self once had. Ashley’s research focuses on the mite world, which includes ticks and chiggers among many others…
WATCH: Derico Setyabrata – Preserving Meat, Reducing Waste | Behind the Discovery
When it comes to the color of beef in the store or refrigerator, there’s more going on than meets the eye. Animal science researcher Derico Setyabrata is looking for ways to extend the shelf life of beef products to reduce food waste and boost the bottom line…
WATCH: Casey Owens – Enhancing Poultry Quality | Behind the Discovery
Casey Owens is at the forefront of improving poultry meat quality. One of her current studies is focused on marination and how certain functional ingredients could help improve meat texture. Casey’s passion for poultry began in high school through her involvement with FFA…
WATCH: Brian Haggard – Understanding Water Quality | Behind the Discovery
Brian Haggard is on a mission to analyze and protect one of our most vital resources — water. As a professor in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department and director of both the AWRC and the Water Quality Lab…
WATCH: Samantha Robinson – Smarter Decision-Making with Data | Behind the Discovery
Samantha Robinson, a statistician and educator, turned a childhood love for numbers into a career. Robinson is an associate professor in the Center for Agricultural Data Analytics and the School of Human Environmental Sciences…
WATCH: Samuel B. Fernandes – From Data to Insights | Behind the Discovery
Samuel Fernandes grew up on a ranch and studied agronomy. But he always wanted to study computer science too. As a researcher in the Center for Agricultural Data Analytics and the Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Department…
WATCH: Mahfuzur Rahman – Unlocking the Potential of Protein | Behind the Discovery
Food scientist and grain processing engineer Mahfuzur Rahman is pioneering new and sustainable methods of extracting plant-based protein. Using technologies like ultrasound and cold plasma, Mahfuzur hopes to add value for producers and consumers…
WATCH: Margaret Worthington – The Art of Plant Breeding | Behind the Discovery
Plant breeding is Margaret Worthington’s dream job. As director of the Arkansas Fruit Breeding Program, Margaret combines the art and science of plant breeding to create new varieties that consumers love and farmers grow in the real world. At the end of the day…
WATCH: Scott Lafontaine – Leading Beverage Innovation | Behind the Discovery
Food safety and nutrition are essential, but taste often drives what we choose to eat. Assistant professor of food science and flavor chemist Scott Lafontaine evaluates and enhances flavors by investigating the chemical drivers…
WATCH: Brandon McFadden – Confronting Food System Challenges | Behind the Discovery
There is no shortage of challenges for the food system. From changes in policy to new food technologies, consumers and producers can have a lot to worry about. To consumer economics researcher Brandon McFadden…
WATCH: Natalie Clay – Exploring Hidden Worlds | Behind the Discovery
Every day, most of us walk through — and on top of — incredible worlds that we don’t even know exist. Natalie Clay studies these hidden worlds with an aim to understand the insect and plant interactions in forest ecosystems…
WATCH: Tomi Obe – Controlling Foodborne Pathogens | Behind the Discovery
Tomi Obe is passionate about the intersection of food safety and poultry processing. Tomi is an assistant professor with the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and is eager to find ways to identify and control foodborne pathogens in the poultry industry…
WATCH: Cengiz Koparan – Engineering for Tomorrow | Behind the Discovery
Cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing agriculture, and Cengiz Koparan is at the forefront. As a precision agriculture researcher, Cengiz aims to enhance farming practices with computer-assisted technologies…
WATCH: Jennifer Acuff – A Passion for Food Safety | Behind the Discovery
Jennifer Acuff, assistant professor of food microbiology and safety, investigates strategies to improve fresh and processed food safety and protect food products from microbial contamination…
WATCH: Kris Brye – Sustainability Through Soil Research | Behind the Discovery
Kris Brye’s research focuses presently on greenhouse gas emissions. He works extensively in native prairies, prairie restorations and agroecosystems…
WATCH: Dirk Philipp – Harmonizing Grazing and Soil | Behind the Discovery
Dirk Philipp’s research program is focused on trying to match animal needs with forage growth. The associate professor of forage agronomy sees his work…
WATCH: Kelly Vierck – Optimizing Meat Quality | Behind the Discovery
Meat science wasn’t originally on the radar for animal science researcher Kelly Vierck. But now she jokes that it’s her job to figure out why steaks taste good or bad…
WATCH: Emily McDermott – Targeting Disease Carriers | Behind the Discovery
From a young age, Emily McDermott has been fascinated by diseases and bugs. As a researcher in the department of entomology and plant pathology…
WATCH: Becca Muenich – Focusing on Agroecosystems | Behind the Discovery
Becca Muenich has a lifelong fascination with the environment and natural landscapes. In her work as an engineer, she leverages data to improve water quality…
WATCH: Wendell Hutchens – Supporting the Turfgrass Industry | Behind the Discovery
Wendell Hutchens is working to build up the turfgrass industry in Arkansas and beyond. His research focus is managing problematic turfgrass pests, but he’s also…
WATCH: Billy Hargis – Combating Poultry Disease | Behind the Discovery
Billy Hargis’ love of animals drives his work at the forefront of poultry health research. Billy is tackling emerging, economically damaging diseases in the poultry industry…
WATCH: Trey Malone – Innovation and Entrepreneurship | Behind the Discovery
Trey Malone is on a mission to foster agribusiness innovation and support more sustainable food systems. “A lot of my focus and interest has been on how we reinvigorate…
WATCH: Griffiths Atungulu – Fighting Food Scarcity | Behind the Discovery
A single grain of rice. That’s the focus of Griffiths Atungulu’s research as an associate professor and director of the Arkansas Rice Processing Program…
WATCH: Adnan Alrubaye – Protecting our Food Systems | Behind the Discovery
Even as a kid, Adnan Alrubaye was taking care of chickens. Now, he’s working to help fight a disease that causes chicken lameness, a major issue for the poultry industry…