ACRE Institute

Whichever way you’re enjoying Earth Day, we hope it’s a joyous one. Of course we’re looking to the flowers 🌻. Love your friends at ACRE and University of Memphis ❤️

🌱🌾🚜 In a collaboration between the Regenerative Initiatives for The Works Inc. (TWI) and University of Memphis professor Dr. Janey Camp in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering:

Opportunities in local food production, regenerative agriculture, and data analysis for Summer 2026.

Applications due: April 22, 2026

Requirements: Undergraduate-level, US citizenship, your own transportation

Flexible start date (May/June) through mid-August

30-35 hours per week; $2,000/month stipend for 3 months

Made possible by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) NextGen Program

TO APPLY:
Submit current resume and statement of interest (including which area/project desired) in an email to Dr. Janey Camp

LINK to project details and application instructions:
https://livememphis-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/pczrncki_memphis_edu/IgD6Q7IWiHvTSIWd2iknMLvXAdzLP2k_NzxNjBhiVIffqyI?e=akrH3e

Summer Internship for a St. Mary's student in the Mandel Lab shows collaboration and an exciting opportunity.

Independent Research Study Leads to Discovery Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration This past summer, St. Mary’s Episcopal School senior Lucy Roberts had a unique opportunity to gain hands-on research at the Institute for Agricultural and Conservation Research and Education (ACRE) through St. Mary’s Honors Independent Research Study (HIRS) program.

"Graduate students in Professor Lapossy’s course from the Department of Art & Design toured the University of Memphis herbarium with Dr. Jennifer Mandel. Professor Lapossy worked with students to connect the science AND art of the herbarium while Dr. Mandel shared how her lab is using plants from the herbarium to discover new sources for antimicrobials.”

Last month, one of our affiliates, Rachel Diner and the Diner Lab continued their research caravan at the Michael C. Voisin Oyster Hatchery in Grand Isle, LA.

The Stream Health Assessment team from Kwon’s Biogeography Lab (PI Dr. Youngsang Kwon funding source: USGS 104b) recently visited Gaylor Creek near Chickasaw State Forest to advance research at the intersection of conservation and innovation. Using drones equipped with hyperspectral, V/NIR, and LiDAR sensors, we are capturing riparian vegetation conditions and stream geomorphology with unprecedented detail.

These data feed into machine learning–based geospatial models that help predict stream health attainment across our region. This project directly supports the mission of ACRE preparing the next generation of innovators to tackle critical challenges in agriculture, conservation, and sustainability.

By combining fieldwork, advanced sensing technologies, and geospatial modeling, we are building the tools needed to protect freshwater ecosystems and foster resilient landscapes.

Team members in the photo: Dr. Youngsang Kwon, Dr. Mary Yaeger, Dr. Alfredo Ramirez, Sanghamitra Sengupta (PhD student) lab homepage: https://www.ykwon23.com

Another interesting study done this summer from one of our affiliates, Dr. Chunrong Jia and his post doc student Namuun Batbaatar.

"Tires do more than keep us moving. They contain elements that could impact our environment. This summer, we analyzed 160 in-use tires and 50 new tires using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) to see what they’re really made of. Our Tire Elemental Study uncovers elements that may affect air, soil, and community health — revealing what’s truly inside the tires we rely on every day!" acre.insititute

Recently, eight undergraduates in the Kohlmeier Lab explored how urban development shapes insect health and biodiversity by running experiments with Drosophila collected across Memphis. Just as importantly, they brought the science back to the community sharing our work through outreach at the Orange Mound Community Center, Nerd Nite, and the Carpenter Art Garden in Binghampton. All of this was made possible through our ACRE-funded project.
www.acreinstitute

Kudos to Dr. Xiaolei Huang, one of ACRE's affiliates on being recognized with two prestigious honors. We are so proud of you!!

Dr. Xiaolei Huang Receives Prestigious NSF CAREER Award and Named UMRF Research Professor Dr. Xiaolei Huang, assistant professor in Computer Science at the University of Memphis, has been recognized with two distinguished honors that highlight his research leadership and impact in the field of healthcare-focused artificial intelligence. He is the recipient of a highly competitive Nationa...

Students representing the Botany Club, MANRRS, and the Ducks Unlimited collegiate chapters were sharing and recruiting at last night's University of Memphis student involvement fair.

Farhad Jazaei, UMRF Ventures Professor, Associate Professor at The University of Memphis and his PhD students Alireza Bakhshaee, Mohammad Hamza, Faraz Ul Haq, and Fahim Aslam created a dynamic Microplastic Workshop focused on K–12 science education and microplastic pollution. They developed engaging, standards-aligned classroom materials and hands-on activities.
Dedicated elementary, middle school, and high school teachers from Shelby County, TN, participated. They engaged in hands-on experiments, and toured the Microplastics Lab and saw the research and advanced equipment in action.
The teachers were provided with experiment kits and manuals so they can replicate these experiments in their classrooms—empowering students to explore environmental science firsthand. This initiative is building a strong community effort to raise awareness about microplastics through education.

Can biostimulants improve soy productivity and soy health? ACRE graduate student Angela Fynn from Dr. Shawn Brown’s lab is investigating this in collaboration with UT Martin faculty Bethany Wolters, Barb Darroch, and Isaac Lepcha.