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Wilberforce, Ohio - Central State University faculty and staff set a new school record in sponsored research and external funding for the third consecutive year by earning over 50 million during the 2021-22 fiscal year. CSU shattered the previous benchmark of 26.7 million dollars achieved in fiscal year 2020-21. The historic achievement is consistent the university’s explosive growth in annual sponsored research and external funding. Central State’s external funding has increased by over 137% over the last three years from 21.1 million dollars in 2019 - 2020 to 50.05 million dollars in 2021 - 2022. The total does not include any CARES Act funding awarded to universities in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“The sustained growth demonstrates that CSU’s core value of academic excellence infused through the efforts of our faculty and staff is being recognized by funding agencies” said CSU President Dr. Jack Thomas. The record-breaking achievement advances the presidential priority to continue to meet and enhance CSU’s 1890 Land-Grant mission of conducting cutting edge research and using gained knowledge to address societal problems through extension services according to Thomas. The growth in research funding is part of CSU’s goal to attain a “Research Two” designation as a high research institution within the next five years.
“Research and other externally funded activities provide tremendous opportunities for faculty, students, and staff to engage in scholarly activities outside the traditional classroom settings” said Dr. F. Erik Brooks, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Projects funded will enhance CSU’s physical and human infrastructure including state of the art equipment, upgraded facilities, technology, new faculty and staff, professional development, and training opportunities.”
“CSU faculty and staff are being recognized for our rigorous pursuit of knowledge that addresses societal concerns” says Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, Associate Provost for Research. “The record setting amount demonstrates that CSU is taking our rightful place as an institution of higher education dedicated to improving the communities and society locally and globally through evidenced based activities,” Kuti commented. “CSU is especially proud of the inclusion of students in our efforts as it provides experiential learning opportunities vital for their academic success and future professional careers,” said Dr. Kuti.
Major projects funded this year include the following:
Ten million dollars from the US Department of Agriculture for the “Sustainable Aquaculture Production of High Omega 3 Containing Fish Using a Novel Feed Additive” The project is led by Dr. Brandy E. Phipps, PI, Dr. Craig Schluttenhofer, and Dr. Krishna Kumar Nedunuri, Ph.D. (Co-PIs). Project goals include researching the potential use of hemp as an aquaculture feed, training and equipping new aquaculture producers, increasing local production of produce and healthy fish, provide workforce training for Native American and African American graduates.
3,582,160 dollars from the U.S. Department of Commerce for the Central State University Workforce Training and Business Development Center. The project is led by Dr. Morakinyo Kuti, with a team of faculty including Dr. Fred Aikens, Dr. Arunasalam Rahunanthan, Dr. Mahmoud Abdallah, Dr. Ramani Kandiah, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi-Majebi, and Dr. Sal Almestiri. The goal of the project is to establish a Workforce Training and Business Development Center that will serve underserved communities in Clark, Greene, and Montgomery counties.
599,982 dollars from the US Department of Agriculture for "Development of a Holistic Nano Photocatalytic Approach for Controlling Agriculturally-Induced Algal Blooms and Associated Cyanotoxins in Lake". Dr. Ning Zhang serves as the Project Director. The goal of the project is to build CSU with research capacity on developing and expanding economically viable and environmentally compatible water treatment technology, through developing advanced oxidation process for microcystins destruction.
597,461 dollars from the US Department of Agriculture grant for “Introducing Ergonomics Safety in Agriculture Production through Use of a Movement Studies Lab” project. Dr. Kathy Carter serves as the Project Director. The project aims to expand exercise science (EXS) research to include the ergonomics of farm safety, as well as develop an ergonomics curriculum within the EXS program.
A grant worth 538,986 dollars from the US Department of Agriculture for the “Fastrack Farming: A Training Program for Socially Disadvantaged and Military Veteran Beginning Farmers during the COVID 19 Pandemic” Dr. Siddhartha Dasgupta serves as the Project Director. The project’s goal is to collaborate with community-based organizations in Ohio to train socially disadvantaged and military veteran beginning farmers to start and manage viable farms.
About Central State University: Central State University is a public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant Institution with a 135-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service. Central State ranks among U.S. News & World Report’s best colleges in five categories, including Best Undergraduate Engineering Program and Top Public Schools. The University fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a solid liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally.
EEO Statement: Central State University, an 1890 Land Grant Institution, is committed to the full inclusion of all people and does not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV / AIDS states, marital or family status, military status, national origin political beliefs, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. If reasonable accommodations are needed, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (937) 376-6540. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity institution
Contact: Debbie Alberico, Public Relations Director
937-376-6605