Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

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Students Discovering Research

Students Discovering Research

When Nadia Orlowski began researching how starch impacts dental plaque formation, she knew meticulous planning and careful experimentation would be crucial. She conducted experiments introducing the sugar maltose to bacteria prevalent in the human mouth, comparing the results from two different individuals.

Surprisingly, this scientific experimentation wasn’t taking place in a university lab. Orlowski, a Galileo Magnet High School senior, planned and executed the project with guidance from Dr. Chuansheng Mei, Chief Scientist at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).

“Dr. Mei has helped me actually do the experiment,” she said. “It’s one thing to have it on paper and research it, but to actually do it is a whole different thing.”

Orlowski was one of nine students in the dual-enrollment Senior Research course from the Piedmont Governor’s School for Mathematics, Science and Technology (PGSMST) who received support from scientists in IALR’s Applied Research division.

Students spent months researching and planning their projects. During the spring semester, IALR researchers helped the students complete them, sharing their expertise and assisting them with using high-end equipment and labs.

“We identified topics that were of interest to them and their future fields of study, and we helped them design and perform experiments in our labs.” – Scott Lowman, Ph.D., Vice President, Applied Research, IALR

Rigorous Preparation Leading to Research Presentation

PGSMST provides rigorous, technology-driven learning experiences for academically talented juniors and seniors across Southern Virginia. Half of the students (those in Danville and Pittsylvania County) attend IALR; students in Martinsville and Henry County attend Patrick & Henry Community College.

In the research class, students perform extensive literature reviews over the summer and early fall to plan their data collection effectively. This rigorous groundwork flows into several months of hands-on experimentation supervised by mentors.

“Many of our students are working with expert-level researchers. Having that experience to work with a professional researcher is invaluable to them.” – Monica Hatchett, Instructor, Governor’s School

Finally, students analyze their data and craft comprehensive scientific papers.

“The culminating activity for them is at the end of the semester when they will present their research to the general public in a symposium,” said Hatchett.

The symposium, which will be held from April 31 to May 2 at the IALR Conference Center, will feature nine student researchers each evening. They will share their methodology, results and lessons learned.

Hands-On Learning and Expert Mentorship

Students benefit significantly from the hands-on mentorship and professional laboratory access IALR researchers provide.

For instance, Cora Liggon, a senior at Chatham High School enrolled in the Governor’s School, worked closely with Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa at IALR after encountering his research during her literature review.

“He walked me through it,” Liggon shared. “It was definitely a new experience, but it was fun.”

The following IALR researchers worked with students on projects ranging from biotechnology to chemistry to indoor agriculture to physics.

“We are happy to help improve their learning and give them professional labs and scientists to support their research,” Lowman said.

Group Tour of IALR Campus

Group Tour of IALR Campus

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is a regional catalyst for economic transformation. But what does that actually mean? And how do we accomplish this mission?

Join us for a free guided group tour of IALR’s campus to learn more about our impact, see our innovative programs and cutting-edge research, and experience our state-of-the-art facilities.

This one-hour tour will include an overview of what we do and a closer look into our five divisions: Advanced Learning, Applied Research, Manufacturing Advancement, Economic Development, and the Institute Conference Center. We will test out virtual reality welding equipment, observe a demonstration of robotics and automation for manufacturing, work as a scientist in the Plant Endophyte Research Center and see an up-close view of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. 

This tour is open to 10 participants, each of whom will receive:

  • An engaging tour of IALR’s facilities, including research labs, workforce development programs, advanced manufacturing initiatives, and more!
  • A “swag” bag with IALR-branded gear.
  • A coupon for a free cookie with the purchase of a meal from Megabytes, IALR’s on-site cafe. 

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Industrial Fermentation Workshop Builds Biotech Skills

Industrial Fermentation Workshop Builds Biotech Skills

Industrial fermentation, the large-scale use of microorganisms to create valuable products, powers a broad range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to food production. To teach the fundamentals of fermentation to entry-level professionals and students, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) hosted the VT IALR Industrial Fermentation Workshop Builds Skills on Jan. 13-17.

Co-taught by Dr. Scott Lowman (Vice President of Applied Research at IALR), Dr. Biswarup Mukhopadhyay (Professor in Virginia Tech’s Department of Biochemistry) and industry experts, this five-day, hands-on workshop served participants ranging from community college students to seasoned professionals seeking new skills.

  

The result was a blend of classroom instruction, laboratory experiments and real-world insights into scaling up microbial processes.

“We’re so thrilled to host the workshop here at IALR. It’s an excellent opportunity for us to bring academic experts and industry together for a hands-on, fast-paced introduction to industrial fermentation.” – Scott Lowman, Ph.D., Vice President, Applied Research, IALR

Interdisciplinary Focus on Scale-Up

Biswarup Mukhopadhyay, Ph.D., Professor, Virginia Tech Department of Biochemistry

Fermentation processes draw on microbiology, chemical engineering and more—disciplines that must align for the successful development of commercial-scale products. Participants explored how small-scale lab work translates to large industrial fermenters and bioreactors.

“A student might develop a process in the lab on a Petri plate or in a small flask. When it scales up, sometimes it doesn’t work the same way. Part of this workshop is learning what precautions to take early on so the process will translate well to a larger reactor.” – Biswarup Mukhopadhyay, Ph.D., Professor, Virginia Tech Department of Biochemistry

Hands-On Learning with Cutting-Edge Equipment 

Participants spent significant time operating bench-scale bioreactors, adjusting variables like temperature and pH and collecting real time data. Industry partner Distek Inc. provided some equipment for students to practice what they learned.  

“Many training courses focus a lot on theory and lectures, which is great. You get foundational knowledge that way, but solidifying it and running the systems with microbes drives home those concepts we learned in the lecture. The ability to go back and forth between the two sets these students up for understanding how the industry works, not only from a conceptual side but when they run the small-scale bioreactors.” – Justin Cesmat, Product Line Manager, Distek

Justin Cesmat, Product Line Manager, Distek

Participant Perspectives

Attendees ranged from undergraduate students aiming to break into biotech to seasoned professionals exploring new skills. They praised the workshop’s focus on real-world applications and its clarity for potential career paths.

“The workshop was wonderful. Now I have a better perspective on industry and what it takes to get from education into the field.” – Skyler Gentry, Biotechnology Student, Virginia Western Community College

Skyler Gentry, Biotechnology Student, Virginia Western Community College

“It’s been a comfortable learning experience. I think this is a great starting point for fermentation training. This is a good skill for any scientist to have.” – Udipta Bihari, Student, Virginia Tech

“This workshop has been good to teach. We have people who have never worked with fermenters and those in the field who are looking to commercialize from industry, and then students who are learning how things they’ve been doing on a small scale could be brought into their future careers as they think about how to commercialize something they’re learning in the lab.” – Zach Baer, Ph.D., Fermentation Specialist, IFF

Looking Ahead

With the successful conclusion of this inaugural workshop, IALR plans to expand this type of collaborative training offerings in fermentation and other biotech-related areas. Organizations seeking to enroll employees or learn more about future training sessions can contact the Applied Research team for details.

About the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg, along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville. 

IALR Scientists Showcase Biologicals Research at National Congress

IALR Scientists Showcase Biologicals Research at National Congress

Two scientists from the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) presented research at the 11th Plant Genomics & Gene Editing Congress and the 8th Partnerships in Biocontrol, Biostimulants & Microbiome Congress held in Raleigh, N.C. Dr. Chuansheng Mei and Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa showcased posters highlighting the results of their research into the effects of biostimulants and biocontrol agents on hydroponic lettuce and cucumber production, respectively.

Dr. Amaradasa’s poster was selected as a winner in the poster competition, and he was then invited to present it during the congress.

Dr. Amaradasa showcased his work on “Biological Control of Pythium in Cucumber and Hydroponic Lettuce by Endophytic Pseudomonas Strain IALR1619.” Pythium is a persistent pathogen affecting cucumber and lettuce in indoor agriculture. Dr. Amaradasa’s study, published in PLOS ONE, found that treating these crops with a naturally occurring biocontrol agent improved plant survival rates and increased overall yield.

“Biocontrol agents offer a powerful alternative to chemical fungicides,” said Dr. Amaradasa. “Our work demonstrates that we can maintain effective disease control while minimizing ecological impact, which is essential for sustainable agriculture.”

Dr. Mei presented his research titled “Effects of Beneficial Bacterial Endophytes on Growth of Lettuce Plants, Transcriptome and Root Microbiome in Hydroponic Systems.” His findings, developed through a three-year collaboration with Virginia Tech and Appalachian State University, demonstrate how introducing a naturally occurring biostimulant can boost lettuce yield by 15-20% and significantly enhance root development.

“Our research is focused on providing growers with natural, effective tools to boost plant productivity,” said Dr. Mei. “The results show real promise for expanding sustainable food production in hydroponic systems, which is crucial as we look for ways to feed a growing population.”

The Plant Genomics & Gene Editing Congress focused on advancements in plant genomics and gene editing, with case studies on enhancing disease resistance and stress tolerance in critical crops. The congress also covered computational phenotyping, bioinformatics integration and the potential of artificial intelligence in plant research.

The 8th Partnerships in Biocontrol, Biostimulants & Microbiome Congress examined the development of agricultural biopesticides and biostimulants, focusing on plant microbiomes and their role in improving crop yield and stress tolerance. The event featured discussions on symbiotic plant-microbe relationships and regulatory updates for biological products.

The event provided a platform for IALR’s Applied Research team to share their cutting-edge work at the intersection of technology and agriculture, demonstrating how endophytes and other beneficial microorganisms can enhance productivity and sustainability.

“Our mission at IALR is to drive economic transformation, and our research team does that by meeting the needs of industry and producers,” said Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research. “We are committed to providing unique services and sustainable solutions in biotechnology, controlled environment agriculture and analytical chemistry.”

IALR, a Proven Partner: 2024 Annual Report Highlights

IALR, a Proven Partner: 2024 Annual Report Highlights

“I love that IALR moves at the speed of business. Things happen here fast.” – Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is proud to announce the release of its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024, covering the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. This year was defined by strategic collaboration that drove collective innovation, growth and success across Southern Virginia.

Read the Full Report 

“At IALR, our success is not achieved in isolation but through meaningful collaborations across sectors.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

Below are some of our valued partners:

  • Commonwealth of Virginia
  • U.S. Navy and U.S. Department of Defense
  • Economic and workforce development organizations
  • Local governments and school divisions across Virginia
  • Community colleges, universities and higher education institutions
  • Local and global businesses and companies
  • AmeriCorps and other service agencies
  • Civic groups and nonprofits
  • Private foundations and funding partners

Here are the key highlights that showcase how our work and partnerships are making a difference.

Career Readiness Starts Early

One of the most significant achievements last year was the expansion of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program. Through a network of partnerships involving public schools, higher education and industry leaders, over 6,000 Virginia students received hands-on career introductions. GO TEC continues to inspire students and build dependable talent pipelines for strategic sectors, ensuring our youth are prepared for tomorrow’s careers.

GO TEC curriculum will be taught in 52 middle schools across the Commonwealth of Virginia during the 2024-2025 academic year.

“GO TEC is awesome because it allows students to explore careers and equipment that they would not have access to otherwise.” – Amy Maloskey, GO TEC Teacher, Rural Retreat Middle School, Wythe County

Learn More in the 2024 Annual Report 

Expanding Work-Based Learning Opportunities

The Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program saw remarkable progress, supporting the creation of apprenticeship programs across nontraditional sectors. This year marked the launch of Virginia’s first Registered Apprenticeship programs for EMTs and paramedics. The program’s success demonstrates the importance of partnerships between employers, training providers and community organizations to meet our region’s workforce needs.

In partnership with IALR, the Danville Life Saving Crew – the primary Emergency Medical Services provider for the City of Danville – signed 13 individuals as Virginia’s first Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) registered apprentices during an October ceremony.

ExTRA Impact in Numbers:

  • 50 new apprentices hired.
  • 12 new Registered Apprenticeship programs created.
  • Virginia’s first EMT and paramedic Registered Apprenticeship launched.

IALR was also selected to lead the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) Region 3 Regional Work-Based Learning Collaborative. This initiative develops opportunities for employers and students to connect through work-based learning – and prepares both students and employers for those opportunities.

See Our Collaborative Work in the 2024 Annual Report 

Manufacturing Training Programs

The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program continues to grow in partnership with the U.S. Navy, rapidly training talent for the defense industry. Approximately 328 students graduated across four cohorts in the 2024 fiscal year. 

By 2025, the ATDM program aims to graduate 800 to 1,000 students annually, solidifying the region’s status as a hub for advanced manufacturing training.

“ATDM’s ability to refine and scale to meet our urgent workforce needs is crucial to building America’s submarine fleet. Together, we’re not just training workers, we’re securing America’s maritime future.” – Erica Logan, Maritime Industrial Base Director for Workforce Development

Additionally, the Integrated Machining Technology (IMT) program, a legacy initiative of IALR and Danville Community College (DCC), remains a cornerstone of our manufacturing training efforts.

See Our Successful Partnerships in the 2024 Annual Report 

Advancing Economic Development in Southern Virginia

In collaboration with local governments, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, our Economic Development team contributed to significant economic progress in the region. Over $212 million in new capital investments and the creation of 253 new jobs were key outcomes this year, providing a solid foundation for future economic growth. IALR also hosted essential events such as the 2023 Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit and the 2024 Workforce Solutions Summit to support long-term development.

“The efforts of the SVRA and the many regional partners should be considered best practices for other communities and regions to follow.” – Edward D. Ober, Grant Management Associates

Discover More Impact in the Annual Report

Advancing Additive Manufacturing

Through a series of strategic initiatives, IALR is advancing additive manufacturing (AM) technology, equipping end users with the skills needed to leverage these capabilities, and driving the growth of additive manufacturing across Southern Virginia. Much of this work is in partnership with the U.S. Navy through the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

Initiatives in Additive Manufacturing:

By combining training, technology development and partnerships, IALR is making significant strides in establishing Southern Virginia as a leading hub for additive manufacturing.

See More in the 2024 Annual Report 

Collaborative Optimization for Manufacturers

As Virginia’s hub for high-performance manufacturing optimization and advancement, the Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA) equips manufacturers to be globally competitive. The CMA at IALR is the destination for innovative manufacturers ready to optimize their operations and scale. With state-of-the-art facilities and technology—including a CNC Machining Innovation Lab, Industry 4.0 Integration Lab and Precision Metrology Lab – the CMA is helping clients and partners optimize operations and scale.

See the Complete Annual Report 

Breakthroughs in Applied Research

IALR’s Applied Research division offers various services in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), analytical chemistry, biotechnology and life sciences. These include conducting contract research, providing chemistry testing services and supporting biotechnology development—all aimed at meeting the needs of industry partners and advancing the scientific community.

“IALR has provided Canon the environment and expertise to grow plants under various stress conditions in an effort to understand how these stresses present themselves in the plants. IALR is unique in this capability.” – Benjamin Welch, Principal Engineer, Canon

View the Full Annual Report

Conference Center Growth

Equipped with state-of-the-art and flexible facilities, the IALR Conference Center experienced impressive growth, hosting over 30,000 guests last year. This increase is a testament to its role as a vital space for collaboration across business, education and community sectors.

“The IALR Conference Center offers a turnkey experience and state-of-the-art technology to deliver a high level of professionalism and engagement. Their staff are accommodating, easy to work with and attentive to the details.” – Stephanie Mann, Center for Early Success

View the Full Annual Report

STEM, Service and Lifelong Learning

IALR’s Advanced Learning team collaborates with numerous partners to increase STEM capacity, promote lifelong learning, and provide regional service-learning opportunities. These initiatives contribute to a better Southern Virginia where all can thrive.

“IALR is an exceptional and long-standing partner to Serve Virginia. The services they provide through their AmeriCorps program, Dan River Year, are impactful and make a real difference in the communities they serve.” – Samantha Lukasiewicz, AmeriCorps Manager

View the Full Annual Report

Growing Campus to Meet Regional Needs

FY 2024 was notable for the growth of IALR’s campus and support services. The number of team members nearly doubled to meet increasing demands, reflecting the strength of the partnerships and the impact IALR has cultivated in Southern Virginia. With new facilities like the Navy’s National Training Center opening in early 2025, IALR is poised to continue driving regional growth and innovation.

“The near doubling of our team and the expansion of our campus highlight the incredible momentum we’ve gained through strategic internal and external collaboration. With new facilities like the Navy’s National Training Center on the horizon, IALR’s IT, Facilities and other support services ensure seamless operations for efficient growth and regional success for years to come.” – John H. Hughes, IV, Ed.D, Executive Vice President, Operations, IALR

View the Full Annual Report

A political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, IALR is governed by a Board of Trustees. 

“As we review another year of strong financial performance, it’s clear that our partnerships and strategic initiatives deliver real value to the region. Our board remains dedicated to guiding IALR toward continued success, ensuring that every dollar invested helps drive meaningful economic transformation in Southern Virginia.” – Donald W. Merricks, Chairman, IALR Board of Trustees

Third Annual CEA Summit East Sparks Innovation and Collaboration in Virginia

Third Annual CEA Summit East Sparks Innovation and Collaboration in Virginia

Building on the success of previous years, the third annual Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East returned to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, VA, from October 1-2, 2024. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and the CEA Innovation Center—a joint project with Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, IALR and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center —the event attracted 230+ attendees from 35 US states, Canada, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong. The diverse audience of growers, educators, scientists, Extension personnel, suppliers, tech specialists, and government leaders gathered to explore the latest advancements in CEA technology and build valuable partnerships.

The two-day event featured a packed agenda of keynote presentations, panels, breakout sessions, and tours of the CEA Innovation Center facilities. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with 21 tabletop exhibits showcasing cutting-edge innovations and services shaping the future of CEA. Alongside these sessions, a range of networking opportunities fostered new connections and strengthened existing partnerships.

“We’re proud to see the CEA Summit East improve year after year. The diversity of expertise represented here is impressive, and it’s a testament to the collaborative nature of this growing sector.” – Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con

“It’s inspiring to see leaders across the CEA spectrum come together to exchange ideas and strategies that drive our industry forward. This event underscores the importance of partnerships and shared knowledge in achieving the growth and success we envision for CEA.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center, Vice President of Applied Research, IALR

Morning Kick-Off Keynotes 

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a steadfast supporter of the indoor agriculture sector, kicked off the event with the opening morning keynote address. His session was immediately followed by the session, “What Is CEA: It’s Mission, Definition and Purpose,” with Paul Brentlinger, CEO, CropKing, Inc.; Jessica Soare, Senior Director of Marketing, BrightFarms; Mike Ross, Co-Founder & CEO, Beanstalk; and Dr. Michael Evans, Virginia Tech and Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center. On the second day, the Leadership Insights Panel welcomed Carl Gupton, CEO, Greenswell Growers; John McMahon, Co-Founder & COO, Better Future Farms; Molly Montgomery, Acting CEO Executive Chair, AeroFarms and moderator Emily Gee, CEA Alliance Board Member and Marketing Director, AeroFarms, to the stage,

Educational Tracks

The CEA Summit featured three educational tracks – Production, Business and Education, Workforce and Training– that brought academics, growers and business experts together covering a wide range of topics ranging from food safety, economics of CEA, crop selection and aquaponics to strategies for energy management, onboarding training programs for new employees, and building international partnerships. Other panel discussions and 15-minute CEA Industry & Research Showcase sessions gave attendees the chance to hear about some of the latest research findings and other industry success stories.

Tabletop Exhibits & Networking

In addition to conference sessions, attendees had ample opportunities to visit with the Summit’s 21 tabletop exhibitors during coffee breaks, luncheon roundtables and an afternoon cocktail reception.

Graduate Student Poster Competition

This year’s summit hosted the 2nd CEA Graduate Student Poster Competition to provide an opportunity for graduate students to share high-quality CEA-related research; to expose commercial companies to qualified candidates; and to foster collaboration between individuals in academia and in private industry. Eight finalists competed, and Liam Reynolds, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, took first prize for his poster, “Evaluation of Radish, Broccoli, and Lettuce Microgreens Irrigated with Hydrothermal Liquefaction Aqueous Phase.” Nathaniel King-Smith, The Ohio State University, was awarded second place for his poster, “Exploring Sustainable Alternatives for Critical Materials: Hydroponic Cultivation of Rubber Dandelion (T.kok-saghyz) for Rubber Production.”

The next edition of CEA Summit East will be held September 9-10, 2025. Look for more information coming soon to the event website – www.ceasummit.com. In addition, save the dates for the next edition of Indoor Ag-Con, March 11-12, 2025 at the Westgate Las Vegas.

CEA Summit East 2024

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. 

About Indoor Ag-Con

ABOUT THE CEA INNOVATION CENTER

The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project with Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, IALR’s Applied Research division and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally. 

About the CEA Innovation Center

CEA Industry Leaders to Outline Future Trends at CEA Summit East Keynote

CEA Industry Leaders to Outline Future Trends at CEA Summit East Keynote

Virginia October 1-2, 2024 Edition Brings Academia and Industry Together For Collaboration, Innovation

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East is excited to announce that the keynote address, “Leadership Insights: Charting the Future Landscape of Controlled Environment Agriculture,” will take place on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 9 AM at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, Virginia.

This session is one of two featured keynote addresses joining the full conference line-up for the October 1-2, 2024 edition, providing attendees with a double dose of expert insights and forward-thinking discussions. This keynote will bring together leading executives in the CEA industry to explore predictions, strategies, and perspectives on the emerging trends that will shape the future of controlled environment agriculture.

The panel will feature Carl Gupton, CEO, Greenswell Growers; John McMahon, Co-Founder & COO, Better Future Farms; and Molly Montgomery, Acting CEO & Executive Chair, AeroFarms. The keynote will be moderated by Emily Gee, a member of the Board of Directors for the CEA Alliance and Director of Marketing, AeroFarms.

This engaging session will give attendees the chance to participate in the ongoing conversation shaping the course of sustainable and innovative food production. Whether you are a greenhouse grower, urban agriculture operator, vertical farmer, supplier in the CEA sector, this keynote promises critical takeaways that can help you navigate the evolving landscape of controlled environment agriculture. Look for more information coming soon on another keynote session.

About CEA Summit East 

Returning for its third year, the CEA Summit East will be held from October 1-2, 2024, at the IALR Conference Center in Danville, Virginia. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the premier trade show and conference for the vertical farming, greenhouse, and CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech (VT)- IALR CEA Innovation Center, this summit continues to be a key event for industry collaboration and innovation, featuring two days of tabletop exhibits, networking and conference programming.

Building on the success of its 2023 edition, which drew participants from 33 U.S. states, Canada, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the CEA Summit East 2024 is expected to once again unite professionals from academia, business, and technology within the CEA industry. Attendees will include greenhouse growers, urban agriculture operations, vertical farms, outdoor growers exploring hybrid opportunities, educators, scientists, extension personnel and agents, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architects/developers, government officials, and other industry members.

Register for CEA Summit East 

About Indoor Ag-Con

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops.

About Indoor Ag-Con

About the CEA Innovation Center

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center is a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the CEA Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally.

CEA Innovation Center 

Industrial Fermentation: Supporting a Growing Industry

Industrial Fermentation: Supporting a Growing Industry

At its basic level, fermentation is a biological process in which microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast, are used to create a product of value. The products are then harvested, packaged and sold.

Fermentation has been around for centuries and is commonly known for the creation of food and beverage products like wine and cheese. Modern biotechnology is changing this, and products can range from renewable plastics, fuels, food and much more. While the term fermentation scientifically refers to anaerobic processes, it is used broadly in industry, covering all large-scale industrial microbiological processes and supported by the disciplines of industrial microbiology, fermentation technology and biochemical engineering.

In a laboratory setting, these processes can be conducted in small flasks. With the right technology and expertise, however, they can be executed on an industrial scale to produce various products.

The Applied Research team at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is leading and hosting a five-day, hands-on workshop (Jan. 13-17) on the science, technology and engineering of fermentation. Designed for entry-level workers in the biotechnology industry, this workshop will be co-taught by Dr. Scott Lowman (IALR’s Vice President of Applied Research) and Dr. Biswarup Mukhopadhyay (a Professor in Virginia Tech’s Department of Biochemistry) through a partnership with the Biochemistry Department in the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The workshop will feature invited instructors from industry.

“This workshop, and our growing work in the industrial fermentation space, reflects IALR’s commitment to facilitating industry-driven, collaborative workforce development programs for the careers of today and tomorrow.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

What Is Industrial Fermentation?

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms, cells and biological processes to develop products and technologies for various applications. Healthcare, agriculture and environmental management are a few industries that utilize biotechnology processes.

Fermentation is a fundamental process in biotechnology. It uses microorganisms’ metabolic activities to produce different products.

In short, biotechnology harnesses biological systems and organisms to develop or create products, and fermentation is a crucial technique within this field.

“Industrial fermentation is a mixture of microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering and fermentation technology. All of these are involved. This is highly interdisciplinary. It’s both science and engineering together.” – Dr. Biswarup Mukhopadhyay, Professor, Virginia Tech Department of Biochemistry

Industrial fermentation processes are used in many different industries, including:

  • Pharmaceuticals: Fermentation produces many antibiotics, vaccines and therapeutic proteins.
  • Food and Beverages: Fermentation processes are used to produce alcoholic beverages like beer and wine and foods like yogurt and cheese.
  • Agricultural Products: Fermentation processes are used in the development of agricultural products, including biostimulants, biopesticides and biofertilizers. The Plant Endophyte Research Center at IALR studies how these naturally occurring biostimulants and biocontrol agents can lead to more sustainable agriculture.

Preparing the Workforce

IALR is committed to supporting and managing programs that equip the workforce with the skills and certifications for successful work. Just some of the many collaborative efforts include a systematic work-based learning framework, hands-on career introductions for Virginia middle schoolers, and accelerated training for adults looking to start a career in the advanced manufacturing sector.

IALR’s Vice President of Applied Research, Dr. Scott Lowman, has been exploring options to provide fermentation training for years.

“We wanted to partner to provide training and opportunities to people who may want to change careers or get into the biotech industry at a technician level.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research, IALR

This five-day workshop will introduce microbiology and engineering aspects of industrial microbial cultures, also known as fermentation, emphasizing technology development and scale-up.

Invited lecturers from industry include: 

Participants will generate, analyze and discuss their own data in a group setting.

The workshop will include:

  • Anaerobic systems relevant to industry focused on human and animal gut microbiome and biofuel
  • Theoretical lectures alternating with practical experiments
  • Lessons relating to the day-to-day operation of a fermentation plant

“This class is focused on how to take a small-scale process that has been developed in the lab and take it into the production stage,” Dr. Mukhopadhyay said.

Companies interested in having employees participate in this workshop should contact Dr. Scott Lowman.

Dr. Lowman and Dr. Mukhopadhyay plan to make this a recurring workshop. And offering occasional workshops is not the end of the support that IALR will provide for the growth of industrial fermentation and the biotechnology industry as a whole.

“It’s an industry we could support beyond just workforce training, but we’re entering it through the workforce training opportunity. As we work with these companies, we may be able to support them with research services as well.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research, IALR

Group Tour of IALR Campus

Group Tour of IALR Campus

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is a regional catalyst for economic transformation. But what does that actually mean? And how do we accomplish this mission?

Join us for a free guided group tour of IALR’s campus to learn more about our impact, see our innovative programs and cutting-edge research, and experience our state-of-the-art facilities.

This one-hour tour will include an overview of what we do and a closer look into our five divisions: Advanced Learning, Applied Research, Manufacturing Advancement, Economic Development, and the Institute Conference Center. We will see controlled environment agriculture, robotics and automation, unique workforce development programs, top-tier conferencing facilities, and much more!

This tour is open to 10 participants, each of whom will receive:

  • An engaging tour of IALR’s facilities, including research labs, workforce development programs, advanced manufacturing initiatives, and more!
  • A “swag” bag with IALR-branded gear.
  • A coupon for a free cookie with the purchase of a meal from Megabytes, IALR’s on-site cafe. 

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Group Tour of IALR Campus

Group Tour of IALR Campus

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is a regional catalyst for economic transformation. But what does that actually mean? And how do we accomplish this mission?

Join us for a free guided group tour of IALR’s campus to learn more about our impact, see our innovative programs and cutting-edge research, and experience our state-of-the-art facilities.

This one-hour tour will include an overview of what we do and a closer look into our five divisions: Advanced Learning, Applied Research, Manufacturing Advancement, Economic Development, and the Institute Conference Center. We will see controlled environment agriculture, robotics and automation, unique workforce development programs, top-tier conferencing facilities, and much more!

This tour is open to 10 participants, each of whom will receive:

  • An engaging tour of IALR’s facilities, including research labs, workforce development programs, advanced manufacturing initiatives, and more!
  • A “swag” bag with IALR-branded gear.
  • A coupon for a free cookie with the purchase of a meal from Megabytes, IALR’s on-site cafe.

Register Today

Group Tour of IALR Campus

Group Tour of IALR Campus

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is a regional catalyst for economic transformation. But what does that actually mean? And how do we accomplish this mission?

Join us for a free guided group tour of IALR’s campus to learn more about our impact, see our innovative programs and cutting-edge research, and experience our state-of-the-art facilities.

This one-hour tour will include an overview of what we do and a closer look into our five divisions: Advanced Learning, Applied Research, Manufacturing Advancement, Economic Development, and the Institute Conference Center. We will see controlled environment agriculture, robotics and automation, unique workforce development programs, top-tier conferencing facilities, and much more!

This tour is open to 10 participants, each of whom will receive:

  • An engaging tour of IALR’s facilities, including research labs, workforce development programs, advanced manufacturing initiatives, and more!
  • A “swag” bag with IALR-branded gear.
  • A coupon for a free cookie with the purchase of a meal from Megabytes, IALR’s on-site cafe. 

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Group Tour of IALR Campus

Group Tour of IALR Campus

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is a regional catalyst for economic transformation. But what does that actually mean? And how do we accomplish this mission?

Join us for a free guided group tour of IALR’s campus to learn more about our impact, see our innovative programs and cutting-edge research, and experience our state-of-the-art facilities.

This one-hour tour will include an overview of what we do and a closer look into our five divisions: Advanced Learning, Applied Research, Manufacturing Advancement, Economic Development, and the Institute Conference Center. We will see controlled environment agriculture, robotics and automation, unique workforce development programs, top-tier conferencing facilities, and much more!

This tour is open to 10 participants, each of whom will receive:

  • An engaging tour of IALR’s facilities, including research labs, workforce development programs, advanced manufacturing initiatives, and more!
  • A “swag” bag with IALR-branded gear.
  • A coupon for a free cookie with the purchase of a meal from Megabytes, IALR’s on-site cafe. 

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Enhancing Spinach Yields with Beneficial Bacteria

Enhancing Spinach Yields with Beneficial Bacteria

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is proud to announce a new study that explores the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria to significantly boost spinach yields in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). The article was published in Technology in Horticulture on July 2, 2024.

This research is another example of how bacterial endophytes – naturally occurring biostimulants found in plants – can enhance plant growth, improve nutrient uptake and increase stress tolerance, particularly in CEA.

The Study

IALR’s Plant Endophyte Research Center has a library of more than 2,000 characterized bacterial endophytes. The researchers in this study tested two of those strains – officially known as Pseudomonas psychrotolerans IALR632 and Enterobacter asburiae IALR1379 – on two spinach cultivars, ‘Red Snapper’ and ‘Seaside.’

These experiments were conducted in indoor vertical nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic systems in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, a partnership of IALR and Virginia Tech.

The study revealed that inoculations of these bacteria significantly increased the shoot fresh weight, root growth and leaf greenness of the spinach plants.

Read the Full Study

Key Findings

  • Increased Yields: Inoculations of IALR632 and IALR1379 significantly increased the shoot fresh weight of ‘Red Snapper’ by 19.3% and 13.3%, and ‘Seaside’ by 17.8% and 14.1%, respectively, compared to control treatments.
  • Enhanced Root Growth: Both bacterial inoculations improved root growth in ‘Red Snapper’, although ‘Seaside’ did not show similar results.
  • Improved Leaf Greenness: IALR632 significantly increased leaf greenness in both spinach cultivars while IALR1379 did not.
  • Effective Colonization: Both bacterial strains successfully colonized the roots and shoots of the spinach plants, confirming their endophytic property.

Overall, IALR632 proved more effective in enhancing spinach yields, root growth and leaf greenness compared to IALR1379 in indoor vertical hydroponic systems.

Significance

The Plant Endophyte Research Center and the CEA Innovation Center are focused on optimizing crop production while minimizing environmental impact. And this is not the first research publication from IALR showing the efficacy of bacterial endophytes in improving plant growth and yields.

The research team has consistently shown that endophytes – which function as natural biostimulants and biocontrol agents – can dramatically and positively affect plants in indoor hydroponic environments.

Other recent findings include:

The Research Team

This research was conducted by a joint team from IALR’s Plant Endophyte Research Center and the CEA Innovation Center:

  • Dr. Chuansheng Mei, Chief Scientist, IALR
  • Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President, Applied Research, IALR
  • Dr. Michael Evans, Professor at the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech and Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center
  • Robert Chretien, Laboratory Research Associate, IALR
  • Dr. Dongfang Zhou, a former Research Associate with Virginia Tech at the CEA Innovation Center
  • Dr. Kaylee South, Virginia Tech Assistant Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture
Inside IALR Podcast: Two Years for IALR President Telly Tucker

Inside IALR Podcast: Two Years for IALR President Telly Tucker

IALR President Telly Tucker returns for the one-year anniversary episode of Inside IALR to discuss the biggest successes and lessons learned from his two years with the organization. As IALR continues to grow, Telly explains the level of growth and impact not only regionally but nationally and internationally in areas such as GO TEC, ATDM and Applied Research. Telly also highlights his vision for IALR two years from now.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

CEA Summit East 2024 Graduate Student Research Poster Competition Call For Entries

CEA Summit East 2024 Graduate Student Research Poster Competition Call For Entries

CEA Summit East 2024 is now accepting abstracts for the Graduate Student Research Poster Competition to be held as part of the October 1-2, 2024, edition at the Institute For Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, Virginia.

CEA Summit East is focused on bringing together the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry and academia. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the leading global gathering of the vertical farming | CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center, a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center, the summit aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of CEA.

“Returning for its second year as part of the CEA Summit East, the poster competition is designed to provide graduate students with an opportunity to showcase their high-quality CEA-related research. It also aims to facilitate networking between students and industry professionals,” says Kaylee South, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of CEA at Virginia Tech. “The CEA Summit East Partners are excited to invite graduate students to submit their abstracts for consideration.”

CEA Summit East 2023

Competition Eligibility and Guidelines:

  • The competition is open to currently enrolled or recently graduated (Spring 2024 or later) graduate students, including M.S., Ph.D., and professional students.
  • Entrants must present posters on original CEA-related research they have conducted.
  • Abstract submissions must be received by August 16, 2024, for consideration.
  • All posters will be judged and scored at the conference, with winners announced during the breakfast gathering/keynote session on day 2, October 2, 2024.

For more information on abstract submission and competition guidelines, please visit https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-poster/ or contact Dr. Kaylee South. 

ABOUT CEA SUMMIT EAST

Building on the success of its 2023 edition, which attracted attendees from 33 US states, Canada, the Netherlands and Sweden, the 3rd Annual CEA Summit East is set to unite professionals once again from academia, business, and technology within the CEA industry. Attendees include greenhouse growers, urban agriculture operations, vertical farms, outdoor growers seeking hybrid growing opportunities, educators, scientists, extension personnel and agents, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architects/developers, government officials, and other industry members. With a focus on facilitating meaningful connections and knowledge exchange, the summit will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking/ breakout sessions, and tabletop exhibits highlighting the latest advancements in CEA technology and practices. Attendees can also look forward to research facility tours, providing firsthand insights into cutting-edge research and development initiatives. 

CEA Summit Website 

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse |controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. 

Indoor Ag-Con

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA TECH – IALR CEA INNOVATION CENTER

The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally. 

About the CEA Innovation Center

Group Tour of IALR Campus

Group Tour of IALR Campus

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is a regional catalyst for economic transformation. But what does that actually mean? And how do we accomplish this mission?

Join us for a free guided group tour of IALR’s campus to learn more about our impact, see our innovative programs and cutting-edge research, and experience our state-of-the-art facilities.

This one-hour tour will include an overview of what we do and a closer look into our five divisions: Advanced Learning, Applied Research, Manufacturing Advancement, Economic Development, and the Institute Conference Center. We will see controlled environment agriculture, robotics and automation, unique workforce development programs, top-tier conferencing facilities, and much more!

This tour is open to 10 participants, each of whom will receive:

  • An engaging tour of IALR’s facilities, including research labs, workforce development programs, advanced manufacturing initiatives, and more!
  • A “swag” bag with IALR-branded gear.
  • A coupon for a free cookie with the purchase of a meal from Megabytes, IALR’s on-site cafe. 

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Tour of IALR – Applied Research

Tour of IALR – Applied Research

Join us for a free guided group tour of the research facilities and labs on the campus of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). Discover our impact and explore our cutting-edge research and facilities. Our Applied Research Division conducts innovative research into biotechnology and indoor agriculture and provides reliable analytical chemistry and polymer testing services. We conduct industry-driven research that benefits companies and moves industries forward.

This one-hour tour will include a brief overview of IALR before a deep dive into the focus areas of our Applied Research division. Participants will see:

The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, which partners with industry and academia to conduct research and educational programming to develop and advance the CEA industry.

  • SMART Tables, advanced robotic imaging platforms that record and track growth and development throughout the life cycle of a set of plants.
  • The Plant Endophyte Research Center, which studies how beneficial plant bacteria show promise as natural biostimulants—reducing chemical fertilizer use and preserving the environment.
  • The Analytical Chemistry Lab, which utilizes some of the most sophisticated commercially available equipment to support companies from various industries regionally and globally with testing and methodology development services.
  • The Advanced Materials Lab, which is equipped with polymer testing and characterization capabilities and can be utilized by manufacturers and universities.

Register