The complexity of arising problems in modern agriculture also demands an interdisciplinary focus and a strong scientific background. As a result, innovative outreach as well as research-training are crucial aspects to increase the number of highly-qualified professionals involved in agriculture and related disciplines such as, food chemistry, food safety, soil analysis, crop protection and environmental chemistry. The CETARS initiative is an interdisciplinary and collaborative effort between UPRM, UPRA, UPRH, IAUPR-SG and UTEP under the sponsorship of the USDA to consolidate a robust education and research pipeline aimed to attract, retain and graduate minorities thus improving the participation of underrepresented groups in areas critical to ensure our national food and agriculture supply. An assessment of the project effectiveness to train and retain young professionals in emerging agricultural fields is discussed. Project effectiveness on merging new advances in nanotechnology, and chemical sensing with food and agricultural technology is presented.

CETARS research training initiative in agriculture and related sciences

245th National Meeting (2013)

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