News
07.07.2026
FERRUM COLLEGE STUDENT CULTIVATES A BRIGHT FUTURE THROUGH RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
From greenhouse research on campus to advanced agricultural innovation at the Institute of Advanced Learning and Research, Ferrum College senior Maranda “Gracie” Edwards is cultivating a future rooted in science, sustainability, and a lifelong passion for plants. Her achievements exemplify the experiential learning opportunities that define Ferrum College’s Agricultural Sciences program.
06.23.26
CEA SUMMIT EAST 2026 UNVEILS FULL CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Indoor Ag-Con and the CEA Innovation Center today announced the full conference program for the Fifth Annual CEA Summit East, taking place Sept. 15–16, 2026 at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (IALR) in Danville, Virginia. The program features four 90-minute deep-dive breakout tracks, keynote addresses, special panel presentations, and the popular CEA Industry & Research Showcase Sessions — with speakers being added to the roster daily.
11.05.26
CEA INNOVATION CENTER AWARDED GRANT TO ADVANCE BOK CHOY RESEARCH IN CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) will evaluate bok choy as a new crop for controlled environment agriculture systems at the Virginia Tech- IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center. This two year research project will focus on optimizing bok choy production in hydroponic systems and developing protocols for small and mid sized farms. This two year research is funded by a $62,048 grant from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).
