The Institute of Business, Environment, Communications, and Transportation at South Carolina State University has opened the new BECT Education and Research Greenhouse as a part of their efforts to enhance the educational options in STEM.
Students will have the opportunity to engage directly with plant biology, environmental science, and agribusiness concepts in the greenhouse, which will act as a center for research and experimentation.
“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, director of the BECT Institute. “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.”
With the greenhouse’s Controlled-Environment Agriculture technology, students will be able to observe commercial plant production using vertical growth systems and hydroponics. Additionally, a number of educational materials and videos will be used in this interactive lab to describe procedures and results.
During an open house back in November, the BECT Institute was able to demonstrate functions of the greenhouse and introduce current projects that will be led by the students and faculty. Plant and environmental scientist Dr. Florence Anoruo described how she uses the greenhouse in her lab work on plant physiology. The greenhouse is also being used for hydroponic research led by Dr. Brandon Huber, an extension associate and research scientist with South Carolina State 1890 Research & Extension. The Environment Club students are actively experimenting with microgreens and plant cultivation.
The lead investigator, Dr. Adams, was able to establish the greenhouse with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “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,” she said, expressing her excitement about the long-awaited facility.
Cuttings, transplants, and seeds are just a few of the propagation methods available to faculty and students. The spring 2025 semester will feature events and internships that encourage involvement in agricultural projects.
