By Blake Jackson
Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has named Michela Centinari and Adrian Barragan as its newest Land-Grant Research Impact Fellows, recognizing their efforts to develop research that delivers practical benefits to agriculture and communities.
The fellowship provides each recipient with $30,000 annually for three years to expand projects that transform scientific discoveries into real-world solutions.
Created last year, the program honors faculty members whose work addresses critical challenges while advancing agriculture, natural resource conservation, food systems, public health, and economic development.
“Our faculty bring extraordinary expertise, creativity and commitment to some of the most complex challenges facing Pennsylvania and beyond,” Troy Ott Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences said.
“These fellows have demonstrated the ability to turn scientific discovery into meaningful impact — whether that means strengthening agricultural systems, protecting and restoring our natural resources, advancing food and health, or creating new economic opportunities. This fellowship recognizes their contributions while giving them additional support to continue advancing this important work.”
Centinari, a professor of viticulture in the Department of Plant Science, is researching the impact of the invasive spotted lanternfly on grapevines and the wine industry.
Centinari work focuses on understanding how the pest affects vine health, fruit quality, and vineyard productivity while creating science-based management recommendations for growers.
The project combines research with existing vineyard monitoring efforts to develop decision-support tools that help growers determine the best time to scout for pests and apply treatments. This targeted strategy can reduce unnecessary insecticide use, lower production costs, and minimize environmental impacts while improving vineyard management.
Barragan, an associate research professor and extension veterinarian in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, is leading the “Target Cow Approach,” a project designed to help dairy producers identify cows at greater risk of disease.
By recognizing vulnerable animals earlier, farmers can focus monitoring and care where it is needed most instead of relying only on herdwide practices.
This precision-based approach aims to improve animal health, increase farm efficiency, reduce disease-related losses, and provide dairy producers with practical, research-backed tools that strengthen long-term herd management and sustainability.
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Categories: Pennsylvania, Education