Faculty-Student Research in Agriculture - Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences

This applied agronomy research project is focused on comparing common tillage and reduced tillage practices used by organic farmers, including the use of soil-tarping, to terminate cover crops to prepare soils for vegetable production. This research will provide organic farmers with guidance for managing cover crops and reducing their tillage practices.

Years active
2024 - present

Lead faculty research mentor
Dr. Matthew Van Grinsven

Student collaborators

• Ashlyn Albert (ENSS)
• Elizabeth Armstrong (ENV)
• Mary Jane Bauer (ENV)
• Katelyn Bell (Biology)
  • McNair Scholar, 2024-2025
  • BI 488 Advanced Research, 2024
• David Casto (ENV)
  • Freshman Fellowship Program, 2024-2025
• Ezra Dedenbach (M.S., Sustainability
  • GC 598 - Directed Studies, 2025
• Maija Fox (ENV)
  • GC 491 - Internship, 2024
• Wrenna Galloway (ENV)
  • Freshman Fellowship Program, 2024-2025
• Eden Griffis-Holmes
• Alex Hulstrom (ENV)
  • Environmental Science Technician, 2025
  • GC 491 - Internship, 2025
  • NMU Undergraduate Research Fellowship, 2025
• Sean Kellogg
  • CH Research Mentorship, 2024
• Emma Lemerand (Biology)
  • BI 499 - Internship, 2025
• Olivia Maynard (ENV)
• Simone Melle (M.S., Integrated Bioscience)
  • Research Chemist, 2024
• Delany Miller (ENV)
  • Environmental Science Technician, 2025
• Abby Owen (Biology)
• Lola Rigano (ENV)
• Madisen Thatcher
• Calli Tomasoski (Biology)
  • BI 488 Advanced Research, 2024
• Kata Rothhorn (ENV)
  • GC 491 - Internship, 2023
• Trinity Valentin (EART)
• Trey Walker (Chemistry)

Research collaborators

Dr. James DeDecker, Director, MSU-UPREC
Dr. Laura Brosius, Full Plate Farm
Dr. Philip Yangyuoru, Chemistry, NMU

Research sponsors

• Freshman Fellows Program, Northern Michigan University
• McNair Research Scholars Program, Northern Michigan University
• NMU Faculty Research Grant, Northern Michigan University
• Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program, Northern, Michigan University
• Michigan State University - Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (MSU-UPREC), Chatham, Michigan
• Organic Valley
• Doug & Maria Bayer New Initiative Fund for Sustainable Agriculture, Michigan State University

Industrial hemp is particularly effective at capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere. In this project, we have developed a preliminary procedure for estimating carbon stored in hemp crop through an integration of field methods and drone-based lidar. This procedure for rapidly estimating aboveground carbon will support farmers interested in growing hemp as they participate in the carbon market.

Years active
2024 - present

Lead faculty research mentor
Dr. Adam T. Naito

Student collaborator
Trinity Valentin (EART)

Research collaborators
Dr. James DeDecker, Director, MSU-UPREC
Dr. Matthew Van Grinsven

Research sponsors

• McNair Research Scholars Program, Northern Michigan University
• Michigan State University - Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (MSU-UPREC), Chatham, Michigan

Products

Trinity recently presented her work at the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition at the Peak25 Conference. She earned First Place and the People’s Choice Award. Please see Trinity's presentation below.

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The research project is exploring the place-adapted agroecological practices that farmers are using to manage their farms sustainably and regeneratively in the Upper Peninsula, a region where agriculture is particularly challenging. It is also investigating how these practices differ across different farming systems and the challenges farmers face in implementing the practices and managing their farms sustainably. The information from the study will be invaluable for beginning farmers pursuing sustainable farming in the Upper Peninsula.

Years active
2024 - present

Lead faculty research mentor
Dr. Jelili Adebiyi

Student collaborator
Miki Rogers (ENSS)

Research collaborators
Partridge Creek Compost
Justin Fairbanks

Research sponsors

• Rural Leadership Fellowship, Northern Michigan University

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The Department of Earth, Environment, and Geographical Sciences at Northern Michigan University is pleased to host Dr. Justine Nakintu, a Research Associate visiting from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda. Dr. Nakintu is leading a project that explores pathways for adding value to jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus).

Jackfruit, an emerging industrial crop in the tropics, has garnered significant attention from African farmers. However, its high perishability and a short shelf life of just five days result in substantial postharvest losses, especially during peak production seasons. This project aims to mitigate these losses by exploring preservation and value-addition techniques, such as producing jackfruit wine, biscuits, and fortifying maize flour. These strategies present alternatives to selling only fresh fruit, helping to reduce waste while creating new economic opportunities for local farming communities. Ultimately, the project aims to contribute to regional social and economic development.

Dr. Nakintu’s project also provides a unique and exciting opportunity for students to develop valuable skills in analyzing food nutrients and beverage phytochemicals. These skills—ranging from the analysis of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, to anthocyanins are essential for human health and highly sought after in the industry. By participating in this project, students will not only acquire these competencies but also contribute their results to the project report, boosting their academic and professional profiles in a meaningful way.

Students interested in this volunteer opportunity are encouraged to apply through the Head of Department, Dr. Susy Ziegler, by emailing eegs@nmu.edu by October 21, 2024. Applications should include a cover letter and an up-to-date resume. In the cover letter, please detail your academic background and qualifications relevant to the project, your career goals, and your specific interest in participating in this research.

All applications will be reviewed and shared with Dr. Justine Nakintu, the project’s principal investigator.

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The Department of Earth, Environment, and Geographical Sciences at Northern Michigan University is pleased to host Dr. Justine Nakintu, a Research Associate visiting from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda. Dr. Nakintu is leading a project focused on suitability mapping to identify areas ideal for jackfruit cultivation based on soil quality, climate, and topographic data.

Globally, jackfruit is considered an underutilized or neglected crop. However, thanks to its nutritional and nutraceutical benefits, it is gaining popularity as an industrial crop. Farmers in Uganda are increasingly turning to jackfruit as a cash crop. Many farmers are uncertain whether jackfruits will thrive on their farmland, and plant the crop through trial and error. To help farmers save valuable resources—both time and money—this project aims to map areas naturally suitable for jackfruit production. For less suitable areas, recommendations will be provided on the necessary investments to support successful cultivation.

During her time at Northern Michigan University, Dr. Nakintu seeks to collaborate with a student on this project. The student will gain valuable knowledge and skills to apply in their career and share with others. They will learn laboratory techniques for soil analysis, work with secondary climatic data, and develop GIS mapping and analysis expertise. Additionally, the findings will contribute to the student’s project report, enhancing their academic and professional credentials.

Students interested in this unique volunteer opportunity should apply through the Head of Department, Dr. Susy Ziegler, by emailing eegs@nmu.edu by October 21, 2024. Applications should include a cover letter and an up-to-date resume. In the cover letter, please highlight your academic background and qualifications relevant to the project, your career aspirations, and your specific interest in participating in this research.

All applications will be reviewed and shared with Dr. Justine Nakintu, the project’s principal investigator.

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