HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology Wiregrass

Economic impact starts with opportunity, and HudsonAlpha Wiregrass is creating it here at home. By connecting science, agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship, we’re supporting startups, advancing ag research, building a skilled workforce, and attracting innovative companies to the Wiregrass. Innovation is happening here, and it’s strengthening our community.

🌱 In the field, innovation is growing.

We’re getting an up-close look at our peanut field trials, where we’re testing advanced breeding lines to better understand what thrives in the Wiregrass.

From the field to the lab, HudsonAlpha Wiregrass is connecting genetics science with real-world agriculture to help identify traits that could support stronger, more resilient crops for farmers.
Because the future of agriculture starts with asking the right questions and getting our hands in the dirt. 🥜🔬

This summer at HudsonAlpha Wiregrass was one to remember. It was filled with labs, hands-on research, innovation challenges, internships, and teacher professional development. We’re grateful for every student, educator, and future innovator who joined us.

As the new school year begins, we wish all K–12 and college students, teachers, and staff a year full of curiosity, discovery, and growth. Happy Back-to-School from HudsonAlpha Wiregrass!

A few things that we are do at HudsonAlpha that are… kinda chic!

Join us in welcoming Tiffany Roy to HudsonAlpha as our new Student Experience Specialist! Tiffany joins us from Dothan City Schools, bringing 14 years of teaching experience, including the past two years in the district. A native of Abbeville, she holds a B.S. in Biology Education from Alabama State University and an M.S. in Instructional Leadership from the University of West Alabama, and is currently pursuing an Ed.S. in Instructional Technology at AUM. Welcome to the team Tiffany!

We have exciting events happening this month!

We’ve got a full calendar of innovation, collaboration, and connection across the region:
📅 August 3 – Grow Dothan Meeting in Geneva County
📅 August 4 – Visit to S1KG Farm in Bonifay
📅 August 14 – Auburn University visit to the Wiregrass Innovation Center
📅 August 18 – Plant Science as an Economic Engine event in Huntsville
📅 August 26 – "How to Fund Your Business" Lunch & Learn Event at Wiregrass Innovation Center

From advancing ag innovation to strengthening Alabama’s innovation network, it’s a big month for growth across the Wiregrass and beyond! 🌾💡

Through the TRIALS (Technology and Research for Innovative Ag Leaders) grant, HudsonAlpha Wiregrass is connecting science, startups, and agriculture to advance Alabama farming. Working with CHONEX, SouthGen Solutions, and Dr. Josh Clevenger, we're studying practical solutions that could improve crop resilience, soil health, and farm productivity. From field trials to AgTech innovation, TRIALS is helping bring research from the lab to the field while supporting entrepreneurs and growing Alabama's rural economy!

Last week we hosted our first "I Want to Work in a Lab Coat" summer program for middle school students. Campers explored biotechnology through hands-on experiments, kept lab notebooks, and toured our high-tech labs to learn about careers in one of Alabama's fastest-growing industries!