NC State Plants for Human Health Institute

03/20/2026

Join us for STEM Night at the Atrium Health Ballpark on Tuesday, April 7 at 6 PM as we inspire the next generation of scientists as part of the North Carolina Science Festival!

With hands-on science stations, interactive demos, and real scientists guiding the way, kids (ages 5-18) will explore the world of nutrition, biology, and food science—all while enjoying a night at the ballpark!

Get your discounted Kannapolis Cannon Ballers tickets ($8.03 online): uncnri.org/stemnight

Enjoy discounted concessions with $2 Tuesday promotion! Photo ops with some of your favorite college mascots, including Mr. and Ms. Wuf! Cheer on the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers as they take on the Hickory Crawdads.

02/24/2026

Internship Opportunity! Our Extension team at PHHI is offering a summer internship for an undergraduate/grad student. The position will be paid, 40 hours/week, May 13-July 24. Apply by March 6 (Learn how to apply here: https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/internships/how-to-apply/).

Read the PHHI job responsibilities and explore opportunities in other county centers here: https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/internships/locations/

01/22/2026

The Plants for Human Health Institute is searching for a new Director to provide leadership in administration (60%) and research (40%). This individual will establish a broad set of partnerships and collaborations, both within and beyond NC State University. We seek a scientist and administrative leader who is prominent and well-recognized in the area of plant-based nutrition innovations for human health, with demonstrated management and integrative leadership skills.

Review the full job posting and apply here:

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) seeks a candidate with specific expertise in discovery and translation of plant and food innovations for disease prevention and organizational administration who will serve as the Director of the NC State P...

01/06/2026

Update: This workshop is full! Please keep an eye out for future opportunities

Attention teachers! Join us in the PHHI Makerspace on Wednesday, January 28, 9-3, for a hands-on make-and-take workshop where attendees will assemble their own 3D-printed aeroponic tower garden and light system to use in the classroom or school garden program.

All materials needed to start—tower components, pump, lights, nutrients and starter plants—are included, so you’ll leave ready to bring this engaging, STEM-rich growing system back to your students.

Register by January 18, 2026
Cost: $35

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aeroponic-tower-garden-make-and-take-workshop-tickets-1975044204382?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/06/2025

We are so proud of Heeduk Oh, who was recently awarded the Kenneth R. Keller Award for excellence in doctoral dissertation research. Heeduk's research pushed forward the understanding of blueberry genomics as part of the VacCAP initiative. Congratulations, Heeduk! Read more here:

Postdoctoral researcher Heeduk Oh's cutting-edge work with blueberries has earned him the Keller Award for doctoral dissertation research for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

06/06/2025

Congratulations Kathya Wainwright on your recent graduation! Kathya earned a Master's of Science under the supervision of Dr. Marvin Moncada through the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences. Her thesis, Process Optimization and Characterization of a Novel Mannose Syrup from Palm Kernel Cake Using Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Response Surface Methodology, explored the potential use of an agricultural by-product for improved sustainability in the food industry. Best wishes, Kathya, as you continue to .

05/14/2025

⏰ Early bird registration ($75) ends at midnight May 15!

5 reasons to attend the School Garden Summer Institute:

1. Dive into Hands-on Sessions that Spark Student Engagement
From cooking and tastings with kids to pollinator garden planning, SGSI offers interactive workshops designed to bring the garden into every corner of the curriculum – and your students’ lives.

2. Discover Garden-Based Lessons for Core Subjects
Need ideas for teaching math and language arts in the garden? Learn creative strategies that will have students counting carrots and composing poems under the sun.

3. Connect with a Growing Community of Educators
Collaborate with like-minded teachers, garden coordinators and administrators who are passionate about school gardens. Leave with new friends and fresh ideas.

4. Earn Up to 2 CEUs While You Dig In
You’ll get professional development credit for doing something you love—learning outside, experimenting with curriculum and getting your hands dirty (literally!).

5. Win Prizes, Discover Resources and Be Inspired
With lots of door prizes, garden giveaways, and a wealth of ready-to-use resources, you’ll head back to your school fully-equipped to grow something great.

Whether you’re teaching pre-K or high school, working in a rural school or an urban one, there’s something for everyone at the School Garden Summer Institute. This is your chance to nurture your passion, expand your toolkit, and plant the seeds of change in your school community.

Join us in Salisbury, NC, June 23-24 — where school gardening takes root and grows strong!
https://stem.plantsforhumanhealth.ncsu.edu/school-garden-summer-institute-2/

05/08/2025

📣Whether you're a seasoned school garden champion or just planting your first seed, the 🌿School Garden Summer Institute🌿 is a great way to grow your knowledge, your network and your passion.

Join us for an inspiring conference, June 23-24, at the Center for the Environment at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC. Don’t wait! The early bird registration, offering a $25 discount, ends May 15. General registration ($100) will be open through June 12, or until the conference is full.

For more information about speakers and sessions, visit https://stem.plantsforhumanhealth.ncsu.edu/school-garden-summer-institute-2/

To register through Eventbrite, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/school-garden-summer-institute-tickets-1221170837849?aff=oddtdtcreator

Be inspired and motivated to teach students in the school garden by engaging all their senses and covering all subjects.

05/05/2025

Unlock the power of the school garden! 🍎 Join us for the School Garden Summer Institute in Salisbury, NC, June 23-24! K-12 educators will be inspired and recharged with new ideas for improving engagement with standards AND strategies for student well-being. Hear from emmy-award winning keynote speaker, Bryce Lane, and 20+ experts on topics ranging from vermicomposting to tastings (but don’t get those crossed up…unless you’re class is reading, How to Eat Fried Worms😝)

$75 Early bird registration ends May 15th!

Register: ➡️ https://www.eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=1221170837849

More info: https://stem.plantsforhumanhealth.ncsu.edu/school-garden-summer-institute-2/

STEM Education K-12

04/29/2025

Mr and Ms Wuf, and their mascot friends, had a “ball” at the Cannon Ballers Stadium. They even posed in our fun face cutouts of Captain Carotenoid and the Tiny but Mighty Blueberry—a conversation starter for talking about phytochemicals with our friends at the ballpark!

04/29/2025

Ready to celebrate STEM night at the Cannon Ballers game as part of the Come see us!