The School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (SAFHS) hosted its annual AgDiscovery Camp, June 8-12 on the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff campus. The camp served local students from surrounding school districts and the Boys & Girls Club of Pine Bluff.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in hands-on activities, presentations and tours designed to introduce them to agriculture and related career opportunities. The five-day camp was directed by UAPB’s Dameion White, who coordinated interactive learning experiences to help students gain a better understanding of agriculture and careers in the field.
“The purpose of this camp is to introduce young students to the different career pathways in agriculture,” White said. “Agriculture is more than farm work. That’s why we exposed students to our research laboratories, AI research lab and hands-on activities that demonstrate the many opportunities available within the agriculture industry.”
The week began with students attending presentations from several campus departments and programs, including the Office of Recruitment; the SAFHS 1890 Scholarship Program, presented by program director Dr. Tomeika White; entomology, presented by associate professor Dr. Yong Park; and the 4-H program, led by Teki Hunt, UAPB Extension 4-H director.
Students also participated in Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship Day, led by Dr. Kimberly Haynie, associate professor of nutrition and food services. During the event, students worked in groups on activities involving fruits, vegetables and processed foods. Additional activities included a vitamin C experiment and a competition in which students developed presentations for the healthiest lemonade and snack stand.
The following day, students toured the Sweetpotato Program laboratories and participated in a biotechnology lab activity.
“Students explored DNA extraction from sweet potato samples and had the opportunity to evaluate DNA quality using a NanoDrop instrument,” said Dr. Sathish Ponniah, professor of plant science.
Following the laboratory activity, students visited the campus greenhouse, where Shaun Francis, sweetpotato director, discussed his research focused on planting and growing virus-free sweetpotato slips developed through biotechnology.
AgDiscovery Camp also featured a presentation and activity led by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Investigative and Enforcement Services team. Representatives explained their roles and how the agency operates. UAPB campus police officers and APHIS agents conducted an interactive mock investigation, allowing students to participate in a simulated traffic stop and learn about regulations governing the transportation of plants.
Later in the week, students toured the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Discovery Farm Educational Center, where they learned about ongoing animal science research and conservation practices designed to help producers protect land and water resources. During the visit, livestock technician Bernard Wooten explained how the farm’s goat herd is used in both research and educational programs, giving students a firsthand look at livestock management and agricultural research.
Students also toured the aquaculture and fisheries laboratories, led by Dr. Yatish Ramena, director of the Aquaculture/Fisheries Centers of Excellence, and Annik Segree, aquaculture and fisheries research associate. The tour introduced students to research and career opportunities in aquaculture and fisheries sciences while providing an overview of fish production systems and aquatic research. Students learned about the role aquaculture plays in supporting food production and promoting environmental sustainability.
During the closing ceremony, students received certificates of participation, and one group was recognized for winning the lemonade stand competition.
