The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) welcomed 13 new faculty members this fall, advancing the college’s commitment to pursuing purpose-driven science and improving the lives of people across New York state and around the world.

The new faculty members include Benjamin Z. Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean, who was also appointed a professor in the departments of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Global Development. Houlton is internationally recognized for his research on ecosystem processes and for creating collaborations that support sustainable agriculture, energy production and carbon sequestration.

Confronting complex challenges and pioneering new solutions are key facets of the college’s mission. Angeline Pendergrass and Flavio Lehner, earth and atmospheric sciences, examine climate change and dynamic weather systems. Anne Weber, landscape architecture, focuses on rural landscapes and community resiliency. Louis Longchamps, soil and crop sciences, uses tools in digital agriculture to support farmers and protect the environment.

Fostering social, physical and economic well-being are another essential aspect of CALS’ work. Elad Tako, food science, seeks to reduce mineral deficiencies in human health. Suzanne Bliven Shu and Nathan Yang, both applied economics and management, explore consumer marketing and behavioral economics to develop better ways to improve people’s quality of life.

Learn more about all the new CALS faculty and their research on the CALS website.

– Jana Wiegand