S10E131 Kaylee South / Virginia Tech - Sharing a Passion for CEA and Inspiring the Next Generation of Plant Scientists

In this episode, I speak with Kaylee South, an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) at Virginia Tech. Kaylee shares her journey from a rural upbringing, where her passion for horticulture was nurtured by family and educators, to her current role where she combines research with teaching the next generation of horticulturists. We dive into how her work not only involves growing plants but also exploring innovative agricultural methods and improving plant resilience through scientific research. Kaylee’s story is a testament to the impact of early exposure to agriculture and the profound influence of mentors.

Our conversation also explores the broader implications of CEA in revitalizing urban spaces and enhancing educational programs. Kaylee highlights the potential of vertical farming to transform underutilized buildings into productive agricultural sites, offering fresh perspectives on sustainable urban development. She emphasizes the importance of industry-academia collaboration in advancing CEA technologies and practices. This episode is packed with insights not just about plant science but also about the evolving role of agriculture in addressing contemporary challenges. Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about the future of farming, Kaylee’s experiences and insights underscore the dynamic nature of agricultural science and its critical role in shaping sustainable futures.

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Key Takeaways

00:06:27 - Application of Research in Real-world Settings

00:13:34 - Involvement in CEA Summit and Indoor Ag-Con

00:14:08 - Differences Between CEA Summit East and Other Conferences

00:29:10 - Interest and Opportunities in Vertical Farming

00:35:23 - Future Research Directions and Challenges

00:39:15 - Increasing Interest in CEA Among Students

Tweetable Quotes

"I grew up helping my parents and grandparents in their gardens, which sparked my passion for horticulture. My high school agriculture teacher, Mr. Minyard, particularly encouraged me by involving me in greenhouse work, which solidified my love for working with plants."

"My dissertation research involved using beneficial bacteria to improve plant defense against pathogens, specifically targeting botrytis cinerea, a common issue in greenhouse production. This research aimed to explore biocontrol agents and biostimulants to enhance plant growth and disease resistance."

"Vertical farming offers unique opportunities, especially in urban settings where traditional farming isn't feasible. It's exciting to see interest from various sectors, including education, where vertical farms are used as tools for teaching and engaging students in agriculture and science."

Resources Mentioned

Twitter - https://twitter.com/south_kaylee

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylee-south/

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Mentioned in this episode:

2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews

2025 Precision Ag Report

2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews

2025 Precision Ag Report