Current Research by Department

Allured by night light

Light pollution is a top predictor for where migrating birds stop and rest

Read about the research

Unlocking the secrets

UD researchers explore cell-to-cell signals in plants

Learn more on UDaily

Former UD graduate student Nick Johnson operates the multi-spectral imaging instrument to look at plant sentinel response.

Test before you taste

UD professors, Delaware startup create novel, rapid detection of foodborne pathogens

Learn about the research

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Research News

Qingwu (William) Meng honored by American Society for Horticultural Science

October 29, 2024 | Written by Molly Schafer

The University of Delaware’s Qingwu (William) Meng won second place in the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) early career competition. Meng’s research and teaching focus on the production of high-value specialty crops, including edible crops and flowers, in highly controlled environmental systems like greenhouses and indoor farming spaces. He says controlled-environment horticulture is a sustainable solution to feeding the world while protecting the planet. Meng’s new class, “Growing Plants in Space,” capitalizes on student interest in space exploration to teach plant science. Nicole Donofrio, professor of plant pathology, says Meng cares deeply about increasing the efficiency of hydroponically grown plants.
The future of urban forests

October 21, 2024 | Written by Nya Wynn

Jack Levy-Diedrich, a Ph.D. student in plant and soil sciences, researches the future of urban forests, which are threatened by invasive species and climate change. His work, under the guidance of faculty member Tara Trammell, focuses on cataloging plant communities and studying seed banks in forests across five states. By analyzing soil samples and vegetation, Levy-Diedrich can predict the impact of forest disturbances and how invasive species may take over. This research aims to influence urban forest management, helping environmental entities protect biodiversity and mitigate future threats.
Climate conscious

October 04, 2024 | Written by Molly Schafer

Davidson Obilor Nwaonu, an agricultural and resource economics graduate student in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, wants to reduce agriculture’s contribution to climate change. His research seeks to understand how consumers make trade-offs between climate-smart attributes and health attributes while grocery shopping. Nwaonu is a scholar at the United States Department of Agriculture’s Graduate Student Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Partners, also known as USDA GradCAMP. Climate justice is important to Nwaonu, who came to UD from an area of Nigeria polluted by oil drilling.
Experimental economics undergrads

October 04, 2024 | Written by Katie Peikes

Undergraduate students reflect on UD Center for Experimental and Applied Economics research experience.

Inspiring discovery

With cutting-edge innovation, our faculty and students transform exploration into impact. We apply classroom and laboratory knowledge to tackle real-world challenges. And we're leading the way in cross-disciplinary unique strengths to create more sustainable and equitable ecosystems.

From understanding migratory wildlife patterns or predicting consumer behaviors, to identifying pest resistant plant genetics and pioneering new techniques in veterinary medicine, our research helps define the world around us. Explore our areas of expertise and discover the exciting advances we're making today.