Professors Venkat Gopalan, Dehua Pei, and Guo-Liang Wang from Ohio State University are taking their crop protection research directly into local classrooms, aiming to inspire middle school students in Upper Arlington and Columbus, Ohio. With funding from the National Science Foundation, the initiative addresses the pressing need for sustainable agricultural practices as the world faces the challenge of feeding an increasing population, projected to require 60% more food by 2050. During classroom visits, students learned about biocontrol agents as alternatives to chemical herbicides and pesticides, while also engaging in hands-on activities like applying simulated biological protectants on plants.

The professors emphasized the importance of collaboration with local teachers, particularly Jill Schneider, to effectively engage students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Feedback from the students indicated a significant impact, sparking their enthusiasm for science. Gopalan noted the rewarding experience of working with middle schoolers, highlighting the essential role of passionate educators in making such outreach successful. Looking forward, the researchers plan to expand their programs to include more interdisciplinary collaborations, further enriching the educational experience for both students and graduate students involved in the initiative.