United States Department of Agriculture

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Program Aid No. 2074

AgDiscovery 2011: 

Investing in the Future of American

Agriculture
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ARE YOU...

•	 a middle or high school student looking for a unique summer

internship with an opportunity to live and study on a college campus?

•	 a high school student looking to improve your resume for college? 

•	 a teacher looking for opportunities to expand your students’ view of 	 	

	 agriculture?

•	 a parent looking for learning opportunities for your teen?

Look no further... the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers you 	 	

an opportunity of a lifetime.

WHAT IS AGDISCOVERY?

AgDiscovery is an outreach program to help teenagers learn about careers

in plant and animal science, wildlife management, and agribusiness. The

program allows students to live on a college campus and learn about

agriculture careers from university professors, scientists, and administrative

professionals who work for the U.S. Government in a variety of fields. They

study the life cycles and habits of insects (entomologists); research microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses (biotechnologists); examine cells

and tissues under a microscope to identify diseases (plant pathologists);

work to conserve and manage wild animals and their habitats (wildlife biologists); carry out animal health programs (veterinarians); provide leadership

and education on the humane care and treatment of animals (veterinarians

and animal care inspectors); and manage the business aspects of protecting plants and animals (agribusiness).

This 2- to 3-week summer boarding program for 2011 targets middle and

high school students1 who are interested in learning more about protecting

plants and animals. Students chosen to participate in AgDiscovery will

gain experience through hands-on labs, workshops, and field trips. Students will also participate in character- and team-building activities and a

variety of workshops.

1 Students between the ages of 12 and 16 are eligible to participate in the AgDiscovery

program at Alcorn State University. For all other participating universities, the eligible ages for

participation are 14 through 17 years old.

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WHO SPONSORS AGDISCOVERY?

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) partners with

various universities and colleges to deliver the AgDiscovery program at

locations throughout the country. Many of the Federal Government’s

professional plant scientists, biotechnologists, veterinarians, and wildlife

biologists work for APHIS. The agency funds AgDiscovery each year, and

partner universities host program participants on their local campuses.

In 2011, there are 13 universities participating in AgDiscovery: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, South Carolina State University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Kentucky State University, Tuskegee University, Alcorn State University, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Fort Valley State

University, University of Arizona, Delaware State University, University of

Maryland at College Park, Iowa State University, and North Carolina State

University. Each university’s AgDiscovery program focuses on a specific

area of interest to our Nation’s agriculture, such as plant health, entomology, veterinary science, animal care, biotechnology, and agribusiness.

AgDiscovery is a unique opportunity for students to gain a first-hand look

at the many career paths open to them in agriculture. For those interested

in an agricultural career, AgDiscovery is a great way to get started. Read

on to learn more about this year’s program, including dates, locations, cost

information, and how to apply.

AgDiscovery
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FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY

JUNE 12–26, 2011

Students will live on the Tallahassee campus and work with a variety of

animal species. In addition, students are exposed to opportunities in

animal science to help them better understand and refine their career

paths. Funding is provided by APHIS’ Animal Care program.

Contact: Carmen Lyttle-N’guessan, M.S., M.Ed., (850) 412-5363,

carmen.lyttlenguessa@famu.edu; Dr. Ray Mobley, D.V.M., M.P.H.,

DACVPM, (850) 599-3546, ray.mobley@famu.edu

www.famu.edu/herds

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) was founded as the

State Normal College for Colored Students and, on October 3, 1887, it

began classes with 15 students and 2 instructors. Today, “FAMU,” as it

has become affectionately known, is the premiere school among historically

black colleges and universities. Prominently located on the highest hill in

Florida’s capital city of Tallahassee, FAMU remains the only historically black

university in the 11-member State University System of Florida.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

JUNE 5–19, 2011

Learn the business aspects of protecting plants and animals while exploring

careers in agribusiness. The 2-week program, held on the South Carolina State

University (SC State) campus, features a series of interactive activities, presentations, and educational field visits. Funding is provided by APHIS’ Marketing and

Regulatory Programs Business Services.

Contact: Christopher C. Mathis Jr., Ph.D., (803) 536-8974, cmathis@scsu.edu

www.scsu.edu
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Since 1896, SC State has maintained a legacy of excellence in education. It has been home to generations of scholars and leaders in business,

military service, government, athletics, education, medicine, science, and

engineering technology. Located in Orangeburg, SC State was founded as

a land-grant college with a mission of providing education and service to

the citizens of the State.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF

JUNE 11–24, 2011

Work with plants and animals to discover the effects of insects and

diseases on American agriculture. Students also will learn about the

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Regulatory Science program,

which offers an undergraduate major in the development and writing of

governmental regulations. Funding is provided by several APHIS programs.

Contact: Edmund R. Buckner, Ph.D., (870) 575-8537, bucknere@uapb.edu

www.uapb.edu

Unique career choices are available at UAPB. The university’s Aquaculture/

Fisheries (AQFI) Center of Excellence, created in 1988, is recognized as a

leader in aquaculture/fisheries teaching, research, and extension programs. 

UAPB is the only school in the University of Arkansas system to offer bachelor and master’s degree programs in aquaculture/fisheries.
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KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY

JUNE 12–25, 2011

This program targets diverse students who have displayed an interest in

animal science and veterinary medicine but have limited access to related

educational outreach programs. Students will have hands-on experiences

through laboratory and research projects, site visits, and workshops. 

Funding is provided by the National Civil Rights Leadership Committee of

APHIS’ Veterinary Services program and the Land Grant Program of Kentucky State University (KSU).

Contact: Mrs. JoAna McCoy, (502) 597-5584, joana.mccoy@kysu.edu;

Dr. John Hollis, (502) 682-1402, john.hollis@aphis.usda.gov

www.kysu.edu 

KSU is building on its legacy of achievement as a historically black, liberal

arts, and 1890 land-grant university. The school affords access to and prepares a diverse student population of traditional and non-traditional students

to compete in a multifaceted, ever-changing global society. KSU provides

student-centered learning while integrating teaching, research, and service

through high-quality undergraduate and select graduate programs.

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY 

JUNE 5–18, 2011 

Students will learn about career opportunities associated with animal and

plant health, focusing on areas such as environmental sciences, animal

sciences, entomology, plant science, soil science and water quality, and

related disciplines. The program also has a strong leadership component

designed to empower students to achieve as they work toward their future

careers. Funding is provided by several APHIS programs. 
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Contact: Dr. Olga Bolden-Tiller, (334) 727-8403, obtiller@tuskegee.edu

www.tuskegee.edu/caens

Tuskegee University, founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, is a national, independent, and State-related institution of higher learning in Alabama

that services a diverse, coeducational student body of more than 3,000. 

Tuskegee’s College of Agricultural, Environmental, and Natural Sciences

(CAENS) offers an education that prepares future professionals and leaders

in the life sciences through coursework along with research and outreach

activities. CAENS programs are influenced by the college’s inherited legacy

of George Washington Carver and his many contributions to teaching,

research, and outreach in agriculture.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

JUNE 19–JULY 1, 2011 

Learn veterinary care through hands-on experiences with a variety of live

animals. Students will live on the main Alcorn State University campus in

Lorman, MS, during the program. Funding is provided by the National Civil

Rights Leadership Committee of the APHIS Veterinary Services unit.

Contact: Dr. Cassandra Vaughn, (601) 877-6541, cfvaughn@alcorn.edu

www.alcorn.edu

For more than 138 years, Alcorn State University has educated leaders

in the full range of professions in agriculture, the arts, business, human

services, education, law, politics, medicine, and nursing. The university’s

low student-to-faculty ratio (16:1) is an important reason for the graduates’

success: at Alcorn, students form close, collaborative relationships with

faculty mentors.
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UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA

JUNE 20–JULY 1, 2011 

Students will learn about career and educational opportunities in the fields

of animal and plant health, including agricultural sciences, veterinary

sciences, animal and plant disease eradication, plant pathology, entomology, wildlife services, investigative enforcement, and activities of APHIS’

Center for Plant Health, Science, and Technology. Students will experience

many aspects of agribusiness and college campus life through various field

and lab activities. Funding is provided by APHIS’ Plant Protection and

Quarantine program.

Contact: Charles Kinoshita, Ph.D., P.E., (808) 956-6997, kinoshitac@

ctahr.hawaii.edu; Tess A. Williams, (602) 431-3208, tessie.a.williams@

aphis.usda.gov

www.hawaii.edu

Founded in 1907, the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa) is the

flagship campus of the University of Hawaii System. Students and faculty come from across the Nation and the world to take advantage of UH

Manoa’s unique research opportunities, diverse community, nationally

ranked Division I athletic program, and beautiful landscape. UH Manoa is

consistently ranked a “best value” among U.S. colleges and universities,

giving students a strong education at an affordable price.
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FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

JUNE 20–JULY 1, 2011

Students will learn veterinary care and management of a variety of animal

species, including small ruminants, cattle, companion, and laboratory

animals, through hands-on experiences. The program is funded by the

National Civil Rights Leadership Committee of the APHIS Veterinary

Services unit.

Contacts: Dr. Cristopher A. Young, (770) 922-7860, cristopher.a.young@

aphis.usda.gov; Dr. Seyedmehdi Mobini, (478) 825-6424, mobinis@fvsu.edu

www.fvsu.edu

Fort Valley State University (FVSU), located in Fort Valley, GA, is the only

1890 land-grant university in the 35-member State University System of

Georgia. FVSU is a comprehensive institution with over 3,800 students

and a 1,365-acre campus (the second largest public university campus in

Georgia). The university offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 50

majors—education, business administration, and agriculture are particularly

popular—as well as master’s degrees in animal science, biotechnology,

education, and counseling. The university provides instruction, research,

and public and extension services for all segments of the population to

achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals.
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UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

JUNE 20–JULY 1, 2011

Learn about career opportunities and possibilities in animal and plant

health, including agricultural sciences, veterinary sciences, animal and

plant disease eradication, plant pathology, and entomology. Students

experience many aspects of agribusiness and college campus life through

various field and lab activities. The 2-week program is co-sponsored by

APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine and Veterinary Services units.

Contacts: Dr. Kurt Nolte, (928) 726-3904, knolte@cals.arizona.edu; Tess

A. Williams, (602) 431-3208, tessie.a.williams@aphis.usda.gov 

http://ag.arizona.edu/

The University of Arizona (UA) is a premier, public research university. 

Established in 1885 as the first university in Arizona and the State’s landgrant university, UA is building a better Arizona through access, quality,

and discovery. As the primary land-grant component of the university, the

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences administers a variety of programs

at its regional Agricultural Centers and engages in cooperative extension

efforts with Federal, State, and county governments and agencies. These

efforts enhance agriculture, the environment, natural resources, family and

youth well-being, and the development of local communities.
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DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

JULY 5–18, 2011

Learn about the business aspects of protecting plants and animals while

exploring careers in agribusiness. Students live on the Delaware State

University (DSU) campus in Dover and learn about a variety of administrative professions from university professors and agriculture employees. This

program is funded by APHIS’ Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Business Services.

Contact: Dr. Dyremple B. Marsh, (302) 857-6400, dmarsh@desu.edu;

Mr. Harry Thayer, (302) 857-6434, hthayer@desu.edu

www.desu.edu

DSU, founded in 1891 as the State College for Colored Students, takes

pride in its heritage as one of the country’s first land-grant educational

institutions, rooted early on in agriculture and education. DSU’s current

population includes a 76-percent African-American enrollment and an

increasing number of Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, and other international

students.
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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND AT COLLEGE PARK 

JULY 10–29, 2011

Learn about plants and animals, the importance of protecting America’s

food supply from insects and disease, the role of regulation in genetically

engineered organisms, and the challenge of managing and resolving wildlife

conflicts. The 3-week program at the University of Maryland’s College Park

campus provides an educational odyssey exploring food, culture, and the

environment. Participants also receive 3 hours of university-level course

credits through the Young Scholars Program. Funding is provided by several offices within APHIS.

Contacts: Dr. Ray Stricklin, (301) 405-7761, wrstrick@umd.edu; Ms.

Elizabeth Weiss, (301) 314-7222, eweiss@umd.edu

www.umd.edu

As the State’s flagship university and original 1862 land-grant institution, the

University of Maryland educates the most talented students from Maryland

and beyond. The university is ranked 11th among all public U.S. universities and 37th worldwide in a recent international survey, and it was named

one of the top 15 “green universities” in the country. The faculty includes

Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners. Students have won prestigious

awards for their academic achievements and civic engagement, and graduates enjoy successful careers in their chosen fields. In the past decade,

University of Maryland sports teams have won nine NCAA national championships. The university embraces diversity and takes advantage of its

proximity to Washington, D.C., to educate tomorrow’s leaders and

address global challenges.
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IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

JULY 17–30, 2011

Learn about the interconnection among wildlife biology and conservation,

laboratory technology and diagnostics, animal science, and veterinary

medicine. Every student will have hands-on experience on the farm, in

wildlife environments, and in the laboratory. Activities will include field trips

to several types of farms; lab exercises such as bacterial culture, animal

dissections, and diagnostic testing; and field trips to conservation areas,

zoological facilities, animal shelters, and research facilities. Funding is

provided by several APHIS programs.

Contacts: Rebecca Christoffel, Ph.D., (515) 294-7429, christof@

iastate.edu; Dr. Janet B. Payeur, D.V.M., M.P.H., Ph.D., (515) 337-7003,

janet.b.payeur@aphis.usda.gov

www.iastate.edu

www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/lab_info_services

Iowa State University (ISU) is an international, prestigious university with a

friendly, welcoming personality. Nearly 28,000 students choose from 100

majors, study with world-class scholars, and hone their leadership skills

in more than 750 student organizations. ISU offers a great environment

where students can enjoy reaching their potential and discovering their

passions. The school’s culturally diverse student body includes students

from all 50 States and more than 110 countries.
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NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

JULY 18–29, 2011

Students learn about careers in plant science, including entomology (the

study of insects), plant pathology (the study of plant diseases), botany

(the study of plants), and agronomy (the science of soil management and

production of field crops). Students live on campus in dorms, learning field

and laboratory research techniques from university professors and practicing entomologists, botanists, and plant pathologists who work for the U.S.

Government. The program is facilitated by The Science House at North

Carolina State University (NCSU) and funded by APHIS’ Plant Protection

and Quarantine unit.

Contacts: Kelly Fair, (919) 513-3419, agdiscovery@science-house.org;

Camille Morris, (919) 855-7340, camille.e.morris@aphis.usda.gov

www.science-house.org

With more than 31,000 students and nearly 8,000 faculty and staff, NCSU

is a comprehensive university known for its leadership in education and

research, and it is globally recognized for its science, technology, engineering, and mathematics leadership. As one of the leading land-grant institutions in the Nation, NCSU is committed to playing an active and vital role

in improving the quality of life for the citizens of North Carolina, the Nation,

and the world. Consistently ranked among the Nation’s top 50 public

universities and ranked by Princeton Review as a best value for students,

NCSU is a place where students can fit in—and dig in. NCSU students

start work on their major as freshmen, whether it’s conducting research

alongside faculty or starting a challenging co-op or internship.
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HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Students selected for the 2011 AgDiscovery summer session will pay only

the cost of their transportation to get from home to the college campus for

the start of the session and back again at the end of the session. (Note: 

Students are also responsible for arranging their transportation at the start 

and end of the session; AgDiscovery does not provide a shuttle or other 

such transportation services at those times.) The cost of tuition, room and

board, and lab supplies for the 2- to 3-week program will be covered by

various offices within APHIS.

HOW DO I APPLY?

For the program at Alcorn State University, students between the ages

of 12 and 16 are eligible to apply for admission to AgDiscovery. For all

other participating universities, the eligible ages for AgDiscovery program

admission are 14 through 17 years old. (Note: You must be at least the 

minimum eligible age and no older than the maximum eligible age for your 

selected program as of May 31, 2011.) 

You must submit a complete application package to APHIS that is postmarked no later than April 15, 2011. APHIS will not accept application

packages that are postmarked after that date and/or are incomplete.

Here’s what to put in your application package: 

•	 A two-page essay entitled “Why I Want to Attend the AgDiscovery

Program at ______ (indicate the participating university you would like

	 to attend) and What I Want to Learn.” In the essay, include information 	 	

	 on your interests and hobbies and explain what you want to do when 	 	

	 you grow up. Be sure to include your full name, age, home 	 	 	

	 address, home telephone number, and email address.
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• Three character references—letters from people not related to you

	 who know you well. At least one of the three references must come 	 	

	 from a teacher or counselor.

•	 A completed application form. (If you did not receive one with this

leaflet, you can print the form from the Web. Go to

www.aphis.usda.gov and click on the AgDiscovery Program hotlink.)

Mail your completed package to: 

Ms. Beatrice Jacobs

USDA-APHIS Office of the Administrator

Civil Rights Enforcement and Compliance

4700 River Road, Unit 92

Riverdale, MD 20737-1234

On or prior to May 15, 2011, APHIS will notify you if you have been selected

for this summer’s AgDiscovery program. Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn

more about APHIS or this year’s participating universities, visit these

Web sites:

www.aphis.usda.gov www.famu.edu/herds

	 www.alcorn.edu	 www.kysu.edu
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www.uapb.edu www.umd.edu

www.desu.edu	 www.ncsu.edu

www.iastate.edu	 www.scsu.edu

www.arizona.edu www.tuskegee.edu/caens

www.hawaii.edu www.fvsu.edu
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For More Information

For additional information about the AgDiscovery program, contact:

Ms. Terry Henson or

Ms. Beatrice Jacobs

USDA-APHIS Office of the Administrator

Civil Rights Enforcement and Compliance

4700 River Road, Unit 92

Riverdale, MD 20737-1234

Phone: (301) 734-6312

Fax: (301) 734-3698

Email: terry.a.henson@aphis.usda.gov

beatrice.f.jacobs@aphis.usda.gov
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all

its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age,

disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs,

reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any

public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication

of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact

USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400

Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800)

795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity

provider and employer.

Issued February 2011
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