BECT Education and Research Greenhouse opens on SC State campus

The greenhouse is used to conduct environmental science and agribusiness experiential learning.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University’s Institute of Business, Environment, Communications and Transportation (BECT Institute) has established a greenhouse for research and education on the university’s campus.

The BECT Education and Research Greenhouse is an educational tool to provide hands-on learning and experimentation in plant biology, environmental science, agri-entrepreneurship and more.

“Greenhouse education is an excellent way to increase STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and get student exposure to potential agricultural, agribusiness and environmental career paths,” said Dr. Barbara Adams, BECT’s director. “Thus, the greenhouse will be used to grow, teach lessons and conduct research in environmental science and agribusiness as well as become a marketplace for students to apply entrepreneurial skills in growing and selling plants and vegetables.”

Adams said the greenhouse will be an interactive Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Lab to get students to understand commercial plant production from start to finish. Hydroponics and vertical growing will be used and documented using a series of videos and informative articles.

On Nov. 21, BECT conducted an open house at the greenhouse and showcased the work of some faculty and students:

• Dr. Florence Anoruo, a plant and environmental scientist in the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, utilizes the greenhouse for part of her plant physiology lab projects and other related research. So, the greenhouse projects augment the empirical laboratory activities conducted in the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences.
• Dr. Brandon Huber, research scientist an extension associate for SC State 1890 Research & Extension, conducts research using hydroponics in the greenhouse.
• Students in the Environment Club experiment with growing plants and microgreens.
   

The greenhouse was funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant with Adams as principal investigator to advance innovation and engage students in the agribusiness industry.

“It has taken several years to get the greenhouse on campus, but I’m happy we are finally able to provide this opportunity for faculty and students to learn and engage in research in plant physiology and provide a marketplace to apply entrepreneurial skills,” Adams said.

All faculty and students are invited to experiment with three different ways to start plants (propagate), which include cuttings from mother plants, transplants and seeds. A series of activities are planned for the Spring 2025 Semester. Internship opportunities are also available.

The greenhouse is managed by Penelope Fennell, a December SC State agribusiness graduate who is working on a Master of Business Administration in agribusiness at the university.

The greenhouse sits between SC State’s ROTC building and the old Police Station. Operating hours will be announced soon.

To learn how you may become involved, contact Dr. Barbara Adams at badams@scsu.edu  or Penelope Fennell at pfenennl1@scsu.edu.

Learn more about the BECT Institute at www.scsu.edu/bect/..