USDA-ARS Agricultural Research Participant

Research Project

The projects and activities you will be involved in are related to agricultural research mainly focused on peanuts but also inclusive of cotton and corn as the traditional rotational crops for peanuts. The activities include, but aren't limited to, collaborating with research scientists of multiple disciplines including agronomy, engineering, pathology, genetics, and plant physiology. You will collaborate and participate in studies focusing on plant drought tolerance, disease resistance, plant growth characteristics, irrigation scheduling, and others in relation to final peanut yield and quality.

Participating in planting, collecting and analyzing plant and soil samples soil samples as well as participating in post harvest physical property analysis of harvested peanuts will also be a focus area after plant harvest is completed.

Learning Objectives

• Learn about agricultural research systems focused on peanuts and rotational crops such as cotton and corn.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams including scientists in agronomy, engineering, plant pathology, genetics, and plant physiology.
• Participate in studies evaluating plant drought tolerance, disease resistance, growth characteristics, and irrigation scheduling in relation to crop yield and quality.
• Gain experience in field and laboratory research activities, including planting, sample collection, and data analysis.
• Gain experience with collection and analysis of plant and soil samples to support agricultural research objectives.
• Participate in post-harvest analyses focused on the physical properties and quality assessment of harvested peanuts.
• Develop skills in agricultural data interpretation and crop management research within integrated production systems.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Marshall Lamb (marshall.lamb@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Qualifications

• The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received an associate's degree in the one of the relevant fields.
• Degree must have been received within the past two years, or anticipated to be received by 12/29/2028.

Stipend

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $1,500 - $1,800 monthly.

Contact Information

Point of Contact: Sara Beth