Five New Jersey 4-H members attended the 2025 Foróige Leadership for Life Conference from July 28-Aug. 1 at the National University of Ireland in Maynooth, Ireland. Foróige’s Leadership for Life Conference, now in its 16th year, hosted 250 high school age youth from Ireland and the United States. NJ 4-H participants included Brooklyn Bilge of […]
Summer Gathering Focuses on Finance and Fun for the SEBS/NJAES Community
On August 6, the SEBS/NJAES Office of Finance and Administration held its second quarterly meeting, focusing on the importance of adhering to university and school policies on time management and accepting gifts. Questions raised during and after the presentation reflected the strong interest and engagement of participants. Following the meeting, a barbecue was […]
Mississippi River Disruptions Could Raise Food and Fertilizer Costs, Study Finds
When drought and extreme weather lower water levels on the Mississippi River, it doesn’t just slow boats—it can ripple through the whole economy. A new study in Risk Analysis shows how climate change–related disruptions to fertilizer shipments along the river can shrink GDP and raise prices, especially in states like Illinois and Minnesota. Fred Roberts, an […]
How Puerto Rican Communities Stepped Up After Hurricane María
When Hurricane María hit Puerto Rico in 2017, it left behind widespread destruction—no power, destroyed homes, and thousands dead. Many people felt abandoned by the government. But some local groups stepped up to take care of their neighbors when official help never came. In a new study published in Geoforum, the authors explore how two […]
Announcement: Carey Williams to Serve as Interim Director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center
Announcement by Laura Lawson, SEBS Executive Dean and NJAES Executive Director. Dear SEBS/NJAES Community, Effective September 1, Carey Williams, Extension Specialist in Animal Sciences, will serve as Interim Director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center. William’s research area is equine nutrition, with specific focus on how nutrition affects the performance of the equine athlete, and […]
Flying High to Find Drought-Resistant Grass
Zoysiagrass is a popular lawn choice because it looks great and handles heat fairly well—but it still struggles in dry conditions. A new study is using drones and advanced imaging technology to find out which types of zoysiagrass do best when water is scarce. Bingru Huang, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant Biology and […]
Building Fair Climate Solutions: What We Can Learn from Washington and Colorado
Todd Vachon, an affiliate of the Rutgers Climate and Energy Institute, is a co-author of a new study that explores how different groups—like labor unions, environmental advocates, and community organizations—can work together to create fair and effective climate policies. The study, published in Environmental Politics, compares two major efforts in Washington State and Colorado to build […]
Rutgers Researchers Chart Next Steps for Developing Lateral Flow COVID-19-Type Tests to Monitor Coral Health
In a recent review in the journal BioEssays, Rutgers researchers described the next steps needed to produce affordable, field-portable diagnostic tests to deliver coral health monitoring tools to local communities. The latest collaborative effort brought together coral restoration practitioners, which included the Coral Restoration Foundation, academic researchers at Rutgers, small business owner, CapitalCorals Research & […]
Annalise VanVranken is the new Family and Community Health Sciences Educator in Atlantic County
Announcement by Sara Elnakib, chair of the Department of Family and Community Health Sciences Please join me in welcoming Annalise VanVranken as the new Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) Educator in Atlantic County, effective August 1. A lifelong advocate for an equitable and sustainable food system, Annalise will be part of the Community Food […]
Scientists Uncover DNA Secrets to Bolster Corn Crop Traits
A team that includes Rutgers University-New Brunswick scientists has unlocked some of the secrets of corn DNA, revealing how specific sections of genetic material control vital traits such as plant architecture and pest resistance. The discovery could enable scientists to use new technologies to improve corn, making it more resilient and productive, the scientists said. […]
