AURPI

At the 2026 Rural Partnership Institute Consortium, various members of our team were able to offer insight to our partner schools about how we work to improve rural Alabama.

Jonathan Sterk from our Cyber Security team shared how AURPI predicts and prevents cyber-physical vulnerabilities in agriculture and forestry.

Mykel Taylor from our Social Science team provided insights to our Farm Poll and what farmers are saying about the state of rural Alabama.

Our director, Oladiran Fasina, explained the work the Rural Studio Front Porch Initiative does to resourcefully use mass timber in single-family housing.

Thank you to those who presented on behalf of AURPI! We hope that these insights inspired conversation throughout the Consortium, just as we were inspired by the presentations by Wisconsin and Vermont.

Connecting students with the industries in their area - that's how we encourage young professionals to stay plugged into rural Alabama.

Introducing students to local industry partners is one of the defining features of AURPI’s Agricultural Technology Workshop Program. Hosted on Auburn’s campus or not, each workshop is tailored to highlight the industries and employers that are shaping the surrounding region, whether that is forestry or poultry.

Interested in learning more about how Ag Tech works? Shoot us a message today!

Interested in being one of our student workers? Learn more about the position here: https://bit.ly/3RFBsAb

Last week, members of Auburn's team traveled to Wisconsin for the Rural Partnerships Institute Annual Consortium. It was a great opportunity to connect with fellow researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Vermont, all working to strengthen rural communities in their states.

Representatives from Auburn's Cyber Security and Social Science teams shared updates on their current projects, while discussions throughout the consortium highlighted innovative approaches to serving rural communities across the country.

We left inspired by the impactful work being done and grateful to be part of an institute dedicated to improving rural life. Thank you to our Wisconsin partners for hosting such a meaningful gathering! More photos to come! 💙🧡

Congratulations to AURPI Executive Director Dr. Oladiran Fasina and AURPI researcher Dr. Kelli Russell on their leadership roles in the newly awarded BRIDGES Engine!

Backed by up to $160 million from the National Science Foundation, the BRIDGES Engine will bring together partners across Alabama and Tennessee to create new markets for biobased products, strengthen rural economies and expand opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and communities. Dr. Fasina and Dr. Russell will play key roles in advancing this transformative initiative and its impact across the Southeast. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/454MFgK

We're proud to see AURPI leadership helping shape innovative solutions that support rural communities and create lasting economic opportunity. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Thank you to everyone who submitted a proposal for collaborative research with AURPI. We're excited to see these efforts move forward and make a lasting impact on rural communities across the state!

Day two of our Agricultural Technology Program with Southern Union State Community College was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible workshop!

The day began with a behind-the-scenes tour of West Fraser Timber Co., where students experienced firsthand how mechatronics and advanced technology are shaping the forestry industry. Thank you to the West Fraser team for welcoming us into your facility and sharing your expertise! From career advice and interview tips to the importance of workplace safety, students gained valuable insights into the many opportunities available in the forestry sector. 🌲

We concluded the workshop with a closing ceremony, where students were recognized for completing the program and received their certificates. Congratulations to everyone who participated!

Thank you to everyone who made this workshop such a success. Over the past two days, students explored emerging agricultural technologies, connected with industry professionals, and gained hands-on experience that will help prepare them for future careers!

If you participated in the workshop, tag us in your photos with your certificate - we'd love to celebrate with you! 📸

A first look at our Agricultural Technology Program with Southern Union State Community College! 🌱

We were excited to host mechatronics students on campus for the first day of our workshop. Students explored the latest innovations in agriculture through engaging presentations and hands-on experiences with forestry simulators, precision agriculture technologies, and a variety of drones.

A special thank you to industry experts J.W. Ashmore and Drew Johnson for joining us for an insightful poultry industry panel. Their advice, real-world experiences, and thoughtful answers gave students a valuable look at how they can apply their mechatronics skills in one of Alabama's most important industries! 🐔

Keep an eye out for day two Ag Tech content, coming soon!

Happy National Photography Day! 📸

We are celebrating by adding a little bit of Alabama beauty to your screen - justttt in case you forgot what we are all about.

Say hello to the new faces working with AURPI! We are happy to welcome both Maddie and Nolan to our staff. War Eagle! 🧡