ACRE Colloquium 2025: Research at the Intersection of Agriculture, Conservation, and Technology

From AI models to invasive species and biodiversity, UofM faculty and students showcase innovative solutions in agriculture and conservation

The Agriculture Conservation and Research Institute (ACRE) will host its upcoming Colloquium on Friday, October 24, from 8:00–11:00 a.m. at the FedEx Institute of Technology. This event will feature research presentations from ACRE grant awardees, updates on institute initiatives, and a student spotlight highlighting innovative approaches to agricultural challenges. 

Faculty presentations will include:

• Dr. Leigh Boardman (Biological Sciences) — Spotted Lanternfly Cold Tolerance in Tennessee
• Dr. Xiaolei Huang (Computer Science) — Agricultural AI: Foundation Models, Benchmarks, and Challenges
• Dr. Philip Kohlmeier (Biological Sciences) — Impact of Urban Development Patterns on Insect Fitness and Biodiversity 

In addition, Rabeta Yeasmin, a student in Biomedical Engineering, will present on Functionalized Chitosan Biomaterials for Livestock Wound Care as part of the student spotlight. 

The ACRE Colloquium is an opportunity for faculty, students, and community partners to learn about ongoing research that advances sustainable agriculture, conservation, and technology-driven solutions. 

Register to attend here: ACRE Colloquium Registration