Hydroponics vs. Aquaponics: What’s the Difference?
Published August 19, 2026 | 5 min read Growing plants without traditional soil has been an increasingly important approach in controlled environment agriculture. Two of the most widely recognized systems are hydroponics and aquaponics. While both rely on water to support plant growth, they differ in how nutrients are delivered and how the systems are […]
Meet the Intern: Shemariah Jones
Published August 11, 2026 | 3 min read | Intern Spotlight Quick Facts: University: University of Virginia Major: Neuroscience Internship Role: BioTech Hometown: Danville, Virginia Internship: Summer 2026 This summer, IALR welcomed Shemariah Jones as one of the CEA Innovation Center’s Biotechnology interns. Throughout her internship, Shemariah gained first-hand experience in applied research while contributing to projects […]
Meet the Intern: Vivian Taylor
Published August 10, 2026 | 3 min read | Intern Spotlight Quick Facts: University: University of Virginia Major: Neuroscience Internship Role: BioTech Hometown: Gretna, Virginia Internship: Summer 2026 This summer, IALR welcomed Vivian Taylor as one of the CEA Innovation Center’s Biotechnology interns. During her eight-week internship, Vivian gained hands-on experience in applied […]
Meet the Intern: John Roark
Published August 5, 2026 | 3 min read | Intern Spotlight Quick Facts: University: Virginia Tech Major: Environmental Policy & Planning (Bachelor of Arts in Public & Urban Affairs) Internship Role: AgTech Hometown: Altavista, Virginia Internship: Summer 2026 For the third summer in a row, IALR welcomed John Roark as one of the […]
Meet the Intern: Gracie Edwards
Published August 4, 2026 | 3 min read | Intern Spotlight Quick Facts: University: Ferrum College Major: Agriculture Science with Horticulture Emphasis Internship Role: AgTech Hometown: Martinsville, Virginia Internship: Summer 2026 This summer, IALR welcomed Gracie Edwards as one of the CEA Innovation Center’s AgTech interns. Throughout her internship, Gracie played an active role […]
Meet the Intern: Ashyna Robinson
Published August 4, 2026 | 3 min Read | Intern Spotlight Quick Facts: University: Old Dominion University Major: Strategic Communications Minor: Community Health Internship Role: Marketing & Communications Hometown: Altavista, Virginia Internship: Summer 2026 This summer, IALR welcomed Ashyna Robinson as the CEA Innovation Center’s first Marketing & Communications intern. Throughout her internship, she […]
Careers in Controlled Environment Agriculture: More Than Just Growing Plants.
Published July 8, 2026 | 5 min read| Career Exploration Often when people think of agriculture, they picture wide-open fields, tractors, and traditional farming. While those careers remain essential, today’s agricultural industry has evolved into a high tech, multidisciplinary field. With this evolution, many opportunities are now available for individuals with diverse skill sets and […]
Press Release: Get Ready to Grow Smarter: CEA Summit East 2025 Returns to Virginia This September
The CEA Summit East is back for the fourth year in 2025. Join us in Danville, VA, Sept 9th – 10th. Read the full press release on our partner’s website: https://indoor.ag/get-ready-to-grow-smarter-cea-summit-east-2025-returns-to-virginia-this-september/
VA CEA Industry and the CEA Innovation Center highlighted by Cardinal News
Check out this article published in June 2025, written by Tad Dickens at Cardinal News, highlighting some of the research and education taking place at the CEA Innovation Center and the growing CEA industry: https://cardinalnews.org/2025/06/23/vertical-farming-looking-up-rural-virginia-controlled-environment-agriculture-takes-root/
Meet the Graduate Students: Colin Fite
Colin Fite completed dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry (with a minor in Mathematics) and Biochemistry (with a concentration in Biology) during his undergraduate studies at East Carolina University. During his time at ECU, he gathered technical skills in molecular techniques and immunohistochemistry through undergraduate research with maize. Additionally, he gained experience in a […]
