Research News

News from the Tifton Campus

Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium CAES News
UGA turf science helps athletes avoid injury on the field
When the University of Georgia Bulldogs step between the hedges at Sanford Stadium, the grass on Dooley Field needs to look perfect. More importantly, it needs to help safeguard the health of athletes who compete on it. Gerald Henry plays a big role in the latter. The UGA Athletic Association’s endowed professor in environmental turfgrass leads a research team committed to creating sports fields that look good and perform well to limit the occurrence of injuries.
UAE ADAFSA web CAES News
CAES leads global project to boost local food systems in the United Arab Emirates
Each year, more than 1.3 billion tons of edible food is lost or wasted across the global supply chain — much after harvest but before it ever reaches a plate. Now, researchers at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and partners across North America are working to help reduce that loss in one of the most challenging agricultural environments in the world: the United Arab Emirates. Through the new international collaboration, U.S.-based postharvest specialists partnered with agricultural leaders in Abu Dhabi to strengthen local food systems, improve crop handling and storage, and train the next generation of Extension professionals — all with the goal to keep more food fresher, longer.
Aerial view of Main Street in downtown Pelham, Georgia. CAES News
From workforce to health care, new funding for UGA faculty to address rural issues
The University of Georgia’s Rural Engagement Workshop for Academic Faculty has awarded a series of seed grants to help faculty address challenges in rural Georgia ranging from veterinary practices to telehealth clinics and early childhood care. The 2025 seed grants range from $5,000 to $10,000 and will support faculty from a wide array of disciplines as they engage with rural Georgians on issues that are critical for their communities.
MikeToewsinpeanutfield CAES News
Michael Toews offers new vision for UGA Extension
Ten weeks into his tenure as associate dean for University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Michael Toews’ focus has remained steadfast: UGA Extension is about people and trust. Toews is kicking off his new role with a listening tour across the state as he expands his vision for UGA Extension with an emphasis on serving Georgia’s diverse population — both urban and rural.
This is the automated Drone Dock system developed in CAES Assistant Professor Luan Oliveira’s Precision Horticulture Lab. The dock is designed to be an autonomous service platform for a spray drone. It was the grand winner at the 2025 Farm Robotics Challenge, where it competed against technologies from 37 other universities across the globe. (Photo by Sean Montgomery) CAES News
UGA, partners demo future of agriculture at UGA Grand Farm groundbreaking
The University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, in collaboration with the North Dakota-based Grand Farm, broke ground earlier this month on the UGA Grand Farm in Perry, Georgia. The 250-acre site will be a hub for agricultural innovation projects, demonstrating new technologies and automation focused on specialty crops from Georgia and the Southeast. The first projects are set to go live this year.
(Clockwise from bottom left) Doctoral students Daniel Matusinec (photos one and two), Maria Teresa Tancredi (photos three through five), and master's degree student Carlton Collins (photos six and seven) were honored with 2025 E. Broadus Browne Awards for the best graduate research from departments within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. CAES News
Three graduate researchers honored in 20th year of E. Broadus Browne Awards
For the 20th consecutive year, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences hosted the prestigious E. Broadus Browne Research Awards competition, resulting in three new graduate students being honored for their outstanding efforts in research and communication. In recognition of former Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station Director Edmund Broadus Browne, the annual competition highlights some of the best graduate research from departments within the college and challenges contestants with an oral presentation.