Across the board, the innovative faculty members within the Texas Tech University's Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources had a solid record of research success during the past year with the number of awards granted and the value of those awards rising. Davis College had $15.5 million in total awards, according to officials with Texas Tech Office of Research Services. 

“That's a 14 percent increase relative to 2021-2022,” said Davis College Dean Clint Krehbiel. “I thank the faculty for their great work and appreciate everyone's efforts.”

Relative to 2021-22, this past year Davis College researchers produced:

• 14 percent higher in total value of awards
• 128 percent higher in the number of awards
• 3 percent higher in value of proposals
• 34 percent higher in number of proposals

“While more larger federal grants are desirable, we continue to get a good mix of industry and federal grants which is consistent with historical norms and engagement with industry that generates those awards,” added Darren Hudson, Davis College Interim Associate Dean for Research, and the Larry Combest Endowed Chair for Agricultural Competitiveness in the Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics. “The faculty should be applauded for their productivity.”

Davis College has a strong history of research success, addressing regional issues with national and global impact, Krehbiel said. These talented researchers promote and support multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and inter-institutional research programs, while addressing real world issues faced by producers, processors and consumers of food, fiber and natural resources.

Davis College has been the center of agricultural research in the region for a century. Starting from basic animal and crop production and farm management, the college's research has expanded over the years into many areas including genomics, high-tech sensors and precision management, food safety and quality, management and protection of natural resources, and landscape design to improve environmental and human health.

USDA-NIFA funding helps support the college's genomics research on crop stress tolerance that is leading to seed technology that improves drought tolerance in cotton, sorghum, and soybeans, which is a critical asset for future agricultural production. 

In addition, the college's research relationship with the USDA Agricultural Research Service's Ogalalla Aquifer Program has led to important improvements in water conservation strategies and increased productivity and profitability in water-limited regions of the Great Plains region.

Research programs within Davis College are diverse and include:

• Community Wellness
• Companion Animals, Animal-Human Bonds & Health
• Economic & Social Systems
• Food Safety, Security, And Nutrition
• Human, Animal, Plant and Wildlife Stress & Disease
• Integrated Crop & Livestock Systems
• Landscapes & Wildlife
• Rural Preventative Healthcare
• Water Security & Conservation

In addition, Davis College is committed to the cross-cutting issues of climate resilience, international engagement, and workforce development.

CONTACT: Clint Krehbiel, Dean, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or Clint.Krehbiel@ttu.edu

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