WVSU AERS received $1,177,351 in base formula funding from USDA in Evans Allen Funding to support research initiatives on WVSU campus. These dollars were matched with $954,000 from the State of West Virginia.
WVSU AERS started the fiscal year with seventeen (17) active grants valued at just over $4.5 million. Fifteen (15) new competitive proposals were submitted in FY 07. To date, official notification has been received on four (4) of these proposals. Three (3) new awards were funded in FY 07 adding an additional $436,000 to the value of active grants for this fiscal year. Total Active Competitive Grant Funding in FY 07 = $4.95 million.
In addition, WVSU AERS received notification that an additional 4 proposals will be awarded for FY08 valued at $990,000.
Research Collaborations
The Research faculty and staff at WVSU are committed to forming vibrant, active partnerships with a myriad of different agencies and institutions. Currently, there are over 30 collaborations with national and international agencies, universities and organizations.
MATRIC: In December 2005, West Virginia State University and the Mid-Atlantic Technology Research and Innovation Center (MATRIC) of Charleston, WV entered into a partnership agreement to explore research collaborative opportunities in those mutually beneficial research areas. One of the salient characteristics of this partnership is the exchange of ideas and research resources including equipment and facilities at both institutional sites. This partnership has already yielded opportunities for both entities in the way of independent and sponsored research projects, classes and experiments in laboratory science methods and processes. Currently both institutions work together in further developing technological advancements within the areas of Bioenergy and Waste Management.
Organic Seed Partnership: In 2005, WVSU joined the Organic Seed Partnership (OSP), a national network of public institutions, seed companies, non-profit groups and organic farmers, headquartered at Cornell University. The mission of this partnership is to trial, develop and deliver improved vegetable varieties for organic production systems. One of the main goals of this endeavor is to get farmers involved in participatory breeding. WVSU is participating with several other universities (Oregon State, New Mexico State, Alcorn State, UC at Davis and Northeast Organic Farming Association -NY), as a centralized resource for regional growers conducting trials. Currently there are four WV farms participating in this project. Results of these trials are being shared with all participating seed companies and growers.
DOW Chemical: In 2006, WVSU and Dow Chemical Company entered into an agreement to develop the first, fully funded research scientist and professorship on campus. Dow’s corporate contribution of $50,000/year for five years was matched by the University to establish a research laboratory and equipment.
Student Highlights
Melissa Shea Hamilton, a 1999 Graduate of WVSU, received the Gus R. Douglass Scholarship and graduated from the University of Exeter, in Exeter Devon, UK, earning her doctorate in 2005. During her time at Exeter, her research focus was on ‘Identification of Genes Involved in Pathogenic Biofilms’. She has and continues to present and publish her work in an array of publications and events worldwide.
Ami Smith, the second student to receive the Gus R. Douglass Scholarship, is currently working toward her doctorate at the University of Exeter. Ms. Smith’s research is focused on the molecular microbiology of anaerobic digestion. Her work is being conducted in the laboratory of Dr. David Huber at WVSU, and represents collaboration between WVSU and Exeter. Dr. Huber and Dr. Hilary Lappin-Scott (Exeter) are co-advisers of her PhD program.
