A-State Plans $2.6 Million Expansion of Animal Health Research Facilities

JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas State University is undertaking a $2.6 million project to expand animal health and agricultural research facilities, including $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, according to a university announcement.

The project began in September and is expected to be completed by 2030. It includes construction of research space on the university farm and new equipment at the Ecotoxicology Research Facility.

A-State is one of 36 universities nationwide to receive funding through the research facilities program, the university said. The improvements are intended to bring more diagnostic and analytical capabilities onto one campus to support research in the Mississippi River Delta region.

The new space on the university farm will enhance research capabilities for the College of Veterinary Medicine and support the animal science curriculum in the College of Agriculture.

Equipment added to the Ecotoxicology Research Facility, housed within the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics, will support research into animal feed quality, a major component of large-animal research.

“This grant provides an exciting opportunity for the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics, the CoA and the CVM to collaborate on innovative research initiatives both within and across the three colleges,” said Jennifer Bouldin, dean of the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics.

Expanded testing capabilities will allow researchers to analyze organic contaminants, metals and nutrients. Conducting those analyses on campus is expected to save researchers money while supporting the work of the agriculture and veterinary medicine colleges, according to the university.

The facilities and equipment will also provide more opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research.

“With expanded facilities and access to new equipment, graduate and undergraduate students across the three colleges will have increased opportunities to engage in innovative research projects, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to discoveries that advance their respective fields,” Bouldin said.

Travis Marsico, vice provost for research, innovation and discovery, said the project reflects the university’s efforts to improve research facilities and help faculty secure competitive funding.

“The combination of federal investment, university funds, and commitments from donors are critical for growing the research capacity through improved facilities at A-State,” Marsico said.

Marsico credited Bouldin and her collaborators with preparing the proposal under tight deadlines and said it received support from the university’s chancellor, provost and vice chancellor for advancement.

The ability to analyze feed for essential nutrients will give researchers more insight into the health of large-animal herds, according to the university.

“This partnership will expand A-State’s ability to serve the region’s industries, the agricultural community and other stakeholders by fostering collaborative research and addressing real-world challenges,” Bouldin said.