Thematic Areas
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
The department focuses on agribusiness, food security, and health through research that is locally relevant and globally impactful. Utilizing tools like market analysis and resource optimization, researchers explore pathways to balance food production with environmental conservation. This research supports urban and suburban agricultural extensions, empowering communities to adopt sustainable farming practices and innovative food distribution networks.
Bioeconomy and Circular Economy
By integrating bioeconomy and circular economy principles into their research, faculty members in this department emphasize systems where biological resources are reused and recycled, reducing waste and environmental impacts. Through close collaboration with scientists and engineers, researchers explore innovative economic models that align with sustainability goals, including bio-based product development and renewable resource management. This research offers a forward-looking alternative to traditional environmental economics, focusing on comprehensive and integrative solutions to global ecological challenges.
International Agricultural Development
To address global disparities in agricultural resources and economic opportunities, the department prioritizes international development with a focus on rural areas. Research in this domain seeks to enhance agricultural productivity in underdeveloped regions while promoting socioeconomic equity. Partnerships with global organizations, including NGOs and development agencies, enable faculty researchers to study and implement strategies that uplift rural communities through sustainable farming practices, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives.
Data Analytics and Modeling
Researchers in this department leverage data analytics and advanced modeling techniques to address complex challenges in agricultural, environmental, and economic systems. This research theme relies on predictive analytics, simulation models, artificial intelligence, and econometric techniques to analyze market dynamics, resource allocation, and policy impacts. These tools improve decision-making processes and support actionable strategies for both public and private stakeholders.
Health and Wellness
An emerging research area for this department, the health and wellness nexus bridges agriculture, food systems, and resource economics. This area focuses on data-driven surveillance and analysis of One Health (ecosystem and human) impacts arising from food insecurity, climate change, and poverty. Research also addresses health disparities stemming from the marginalization of communities locally and globally, with an emphasis on creating equitable and sustainable solutions.
Research
Prof. Yanhong Jin and Prof. James Oehmke, have been awarded an iPHD project on Socio-Economic Determinants of NJ Maternal Health.
Prof. James Oehmke, has been awarded an iPHD project on statistically based contagion modeling for NJ.
Prof. Yanhong Jin (co-author), Long- and short-term health effects pesticide exposure: a cohort study from China
Professor Ramu Govindasamy and team have been awarded
Community Engagement
Prof. Yanhong Jin serves on the New Jersey Food Council: Food Safety and Quality Committee
Prof. Yanhong Jin serves on the New Jersey Produce Safety Task Force to the NJ Department of Agriculture
Prof. James Oehmke has mentored a group of students working with NJ municipalities and corporations on benefit-cost analysis of PFAS remediation in NJ municipal water systems
Teaching
Prof. Yanhong Jin, 11:373:371 Food, Nutrition and Health
Oehmke, MBS practicum, statistically based contagion modeling for NJ
Prof. Y Jin et al. Bringing Behavioral Change Education to Life: Incorporating Health Eating into College Classroom Teaching
Economic Justice and Resource Allocation
Faculty employ quantitative tools to analyze issues such as income inequality, access to sustainable employment, and the distributional impacts of environmental policies. This research integrates economic principles with actionable policy recommendations to ensure marginalized communities benefit from advancements in sustainability and resource management. This theme aligns closely with other areas, such as international development, sustainability, and health/wellness, delivering comprehensive and equitable solutions.