Langston University Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences Research Laboratories (

Built upon the foundational principles of its 1890 Land Grant origins, Langston University was established with the central mission to pioneer advancements in agricultural science and broaden access to higher education for African Americans. Today, the land grant mission remains a cornerstone of the University's empowerment. Langston University extends its educational offerings to all seekers of knowledge. With a focus on addressing the pressing needs of a growing population, our institution produces highly trained graduates capable of tackling challenges through contemporary research, cutting-edge academic initiatives, and extensive engagements in community outreach programs. From addressing agricultural dilemmas to fostering improved quality of life for people and community development, Langston University catalyzes positive change in Oklahoma and beyond.

Langston University Research, Cooperative Extension, and Outreach Programs are dedicated to serving all citizens of Oklahoma. We design programs and delivery methods to address the needs of diverse populations in the state, especially small farmers and limited-resource consumers. Langston University Cooperative Extension and Outreach brings scholarly, peer-reviewed, and stakeholder-driven research, demonstrations, and education to Oklahoma citizens, many of whom are traditionally underserved. Projected outcomes and impacts include deliverables that enhance Oklahoma's citizens' economic status, health, and quality of life and make them more competitive as viable producers and consumers in niche markets and the broader global marketplace.

ThefollowingisanoverviewoflaboratoriesandotherfacilitiesembodiedbySL/SAAS thatgoalongwaytosupportresearch,outreach,andextensionprogramming.

ParasitologyLaboratory (LAB200)

Identifyingandcountyhelminthparasites

Identifyingandcountingprotozoaparasites

Helminthicegghatchingandlarvaldevelopment

The Laboratory of Parasitology is dedicated to securing sustainable production of small ruminants in the USA by better controlling of parasitism in ruminant animals through innovative approaches. This laboratory is also dedicated to engaging students in every aspect of cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art laboratory technologies for preparing them for a broaderandbrighterfuturecareer.

ShermanLewisSchoolofAgricultureandAppliedSciences

CENTERFORBIOTECHNOLOGYRESEARCHANDEDUCATIONLABORATORY (LAB201)

GenomicsStudies

Wefocusontrait-specificgenescreeningfor:

Daylily24-hour-bloomlifespanextension

Peanutfungusresistance

Peanutshootformation

Genetic Improvement: We perform editing of genes captured during genomics screeningusingCRSPRCas9approachcombinedwithbacterialgenetransfer methodforproducingcropvarietieswithmoreimprovedTraits

Cell,Tissue,andOrganCulture:Wefocusondevelopingmethodsonmultiplying plants using different tissues including leaf, stem, root, and flower without seed interventionforcropimprovementandmeetingmarketsupplyneeds

StudentTechnologiesTransfer:Wefocusontransferringknowledge,skills,and research experiences from lab discoveries and development to the next generation ofourstudents.

PLANT,SOIL&WATERQUALITYLABORATORY (LAB203)

Plant Production: Measure crop yields, nutritional and physical quality, and biomasstohelpidentifybestmanagementpracticesforcropproduction.

Soil Health: Measure soil physical, chemical, and biological properties to help increasesoilproductivitybyidentifyinglimitingfactorstoplantgrowth.

ShermanLewisSchoolofAgricultureandAppliedSciences

Water Quality: Measure water quality across our soil and plant management practicestohelpprotectagainstcontaminationofgroundandsurfacewater.

Student Training: Hands-on training of students to equip them with practical skillsforsuccessfulcareersinnaturalresourcesandrelatedcareers.

FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY (LAB206)

Food Quality and Safety Assessment: We perform physicochemical andmicrobiologicalanalysestoensurefoodmeetssafetyand qualitystandardsandprotectsconsumers.

StudentTrainingLaboratory:Hands-onlearningexperiencesfor SL/SAAS students equip them with practical skills for successful careersinfoodscienceandrelatedfields.

Local Farmers: We offer free sample processing and expert advice on characterizing and developing new food products, demonstrating our commitmenttostrengtheninglocalagricultureanddiversifyingproducer offerings

SupportingFANHSciences:Ourlabcontributestoadvancing Food,Agriculture,NaturalResources,andHumanSciencesby providing valuable data on food composition and bacteriological quality to researchers,educators,students,andindustryprofessionals.

ShermanLewisSchoolofAgricultureandAppliedSciences

ClinicalChemistryLaboratory (LAB207)

BiochemicalAnalysisofBodilyFluids:Weperformbiochemicalanalyses and quantification of hormones, proteins, peptides, fatty acids, and other moleculesinplasma,serum,urine,andmilksamplescollectedon experimentsinSL/SAAS.

StudentTrainingLaboratory:Hands-onlearningexperiencesforSL/SAAS students equip them with practical skills for successful careers in animal scienceandrelatedfields.

SupportingFANHSciences:ThislabcontributestoadvancingFood, Agriculture,NaturalResources,andHumanSciencesbyproviding valuabledataonbloodconstituentsasaffectedbyexperimental conditionstostudents,educators,industryprofessionals,andnational andinternationalscientists.

THUNDER

ImagingTissueMicroscope

InnovativeTechnology:TheThunderMicroscopeutilizesadvancedimaging techniquestoenhanceclarityandresolutioninmicroscopicobservations.

High-SpeedImaging:Capableofcapturinghigh-speedimages,makingit idealforobservingdynamicprocessesinlivingcells.

DeepTissuePenetration:Allowsfordetailedvisualizationofdeeptissue structureswithoutcompromisingimagequality.

EnhancedResolution:Providessignificantlyimprovedresolutioncompared totraditi l i bli i b ti s.

THUNDER

ImagingTissueMicroscope(cont.)

LiveCellImaging:Suitableforlivecellimaging,preservingcellviability whilecapturingreal-timecellularactivities.

OpticalSectioning:Featuresopticalsectioningcapabilities,whichhelpin obtainingclearimagesofthickspecimensbyremovingout-of-focuslight.

User-FriendlyInterface:Designedwithanintuitiveuserinterface,makingit accessibleforresearchersandtechnicians.

VersatileApplications:Applicableinvariousfieldssuchasbiology,medical research,andmaterialsscience,duetoitsabilitytorevealfinestructural details.

AutomatedFeatures:Equippedwithautomationoptionstostreamline repetitivetasksandenhanceworkflowefficiency.

PrecisionDiseaseBiologyLaboratory (LAB208)

Our group focuses on disease transmission and pathogenesis using integrated in vivo and in vitro models, including immunohistochemistry and gene editing, supported by multiomicsandadvancedbioinformaticsapproaches.

Disease Transmission Dynamics: Investigating mechanisms of pathogen spread inanimalpopulations

Pathogenesis and Host–Pathogen Interactions: Understanding molecular and cellularprocessesdrivingdiseaseprogression

In Vivo and In Vitro Disease Models: Utilizing animal models and cell culture systems, including immunohistochemistry and gene editing approaches, to study infectionbiology

Omics-Based Approaches: Leveraging genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, andmetabolomicstouncoverdiseasemechanisms

Bioinformatics and Systems Biology: Applying advanced computational tools fordataintegration,pathwayanalysis,andbiomarkerdiscovery

Translational Research and Diagnostics: Developing innovative strategies for diseasedetection,prevention,andcontrol

ShermanLewisSchoolofAgricultureandAppliedSciences

WetChemistryLaboratory (LAB213)

AnalysisandQuantificationofNutritionalandStructuralPropertiesofPlantMatter andDigesta:Weperformchemicalanalysestoquantifythenutritionalcomposition

offeedand forages used in animal experiments.In addition,to determine the digestibility of feeds and forages, the same nutrients are determined on fecal and urine samples, as excreted by the animal. Evaluation of structural compounds in plant matter include fiber andlignin

StudentTrainingLaboratory:Hands-onlearningexperiencesforSL/SAASstudents equipthemwithpracticalskillsforsuccessfulcareersinanimalandfoodscience,as wellasinrelatedfields

SupportingFANHSciences:ThislabcontributestoadvancingFood,Agriculture, NaturalResources,andHumanSciencesbyprovidingvaluabledataonthe nutritional value of feed and forages, and how that impacts animal performance, to educators,industryprofessionals,nationalandinternationalfarmersand scientists

HistologyandCellBiologyLaboratory (LAB214)

Animaltissueprocessingforhistologicalanalysis

Modernmicroscopyandimagingsuites

Tissue/cellculturefacilities

TheLaboratoryofHistologyandCellBiologyconductsresearchinavarietyofanimalwellbeing, nutrition, and metabolism, improving the quality of animal products; and trains the next generation of animal science professionals through innovative educational programs and curricula.

ShermanLewisSchoolofAgricultureandAppliedSciences

SamplePreparationLaboratory (LAB215)

PreparationofSamples:Samplesarepreparedforanalysis

StudentTrainingLaboratory:

Hands-onlearningexperiencesforSL/SAASstudentsequip themwithpracticalskillsforsuccessfulcareersinanimalscienceandrelatedfields.

SupportingFANHSciences:ThislabcontributestoadvancingFood,Agriculture,Natural Resources,andHumanSciencesbyofferingaspaceforresearchersandstudentstoprepare samplesforanalysis.

CentralLaboratory (LAB216)

AnalyticalInstrumentationLaboratory

WeuseGasChromatographs(GC)andahigh-performanceliquidchromatograph (HPLC)toidentifyandquantifyeventraceamountsofcompoundswithhighprecision andaccuracyincomplexbiologicalsamples.Examplesincludethequantitationofamino acidsinplasmaandserumsamples,andfattyacidsinrumenfluidandmilk.

This lab also contains instruments to quantify nitrogen in samples, ammonia-nitrogen in rumen fluid, phosphates in environmental water samples, and the fat content of carcass tissueandothertypesofsamples.

SupportingFANHSciences:Theinstrumentationin this laboratory is used to analyze samples from almost every experiment conducted in SL/SAAS and is essential to all research conducted at the American InstituteforGoatResearch.Assuch,thislaboratory contributes to advancing Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences by providing valuable data to educators, industry professionals, andnationalandinternationalscientists.

AquacultureandEnvironmentalLaboratory

(LAB217)

AquacultureandEnvironmentalInvestigations:

Weperformvariousaquacultureand studiestoimprovethesustainabilityofaquacultureandthe naturalresourceenvironment.

StudentTrainingLaboratory:Hands-onlearningexperiencesforSL/SAASstudents equipthemwithpracticalskillsforsuccessfulcareersandgraduatestudyin aquaculture,naturalresources,andenvironmentalfields.

Local Farmers: We offer free expert advice on aquaculture production and natural resource issues demonstrating our commitment to strengthening local agriculture and diversifyingproducerofferings.

SupportingFANHSciences:OurlabcontributestoadvancingFood,Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences by providing valuable data on aquaculture production and environmental issues to researchers, educators, students, and industry professionals

FatExtractionLaboratory (LAB218)

Extraction of Fats: We extract fats from various types of samples for further analysis. An example is the extraction of fat from milk, after which individual fatty acids, the building blocks of fats, are quantified on a Gas Chromatograph. Fatty acids are energy sources and membrane constituents. They also have biological activities that act to influence cell and tissue metabolism, function, and responsiveness to hormonalandothersignals.

StudentTrainingLaboratory:Hands-onlearningexperiencesforSL/SAASstudents equip them with practical skills for successful careers in animal science and related fields.

Supporting FANH Sciences: This lab contributes to advancing Food, Agriculture, NaturalResources,andHumanSciencesbypreparingfatsamplesfromdiverse experimentsforfurtheranalysistogenerateimportantscientificinformationto students,educators,researchers,andindustryprofessionals.

FatExtractionLaboratory (LAB219)

This lab currently focuses on finding hidden health threats with DNA technology. The analysis of samples from 15 Oklahoma farms mapped over 45,000 data points and 478 unique resistance markers. This output provided farm-specific heatmaps that identified localized AMR "hotspots" and rare resistant strains often missed by traditional testing. These detailed genetic profiles delivered the actionable intelligence needed to implement targetedstewardshipandpreventsignificanteconomiclossesforOklahomaproducers.

Analyzing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) provides livestock producers with critical tools tomitigatemonthlyincomelossesofupto11%causedbytreatmentresistantinfections.

Analyzing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) provides livestock producers with critical tools tomitigatemonthlyincomelossesofupto11%causedbytreatmentresistantinfections.

Ultimately, this genomic surveillance secures the economic viability of livestock production whileprotectingpublichealththroughacomprehensiveOneHealthapproach.

ShermanLewisSchoolofAgricultureandAppliedSciences

DairyHerdInformationLaboratory (LAB221)

Receive milk samples from dairy goat producers nationwide. Analyzefat,protein,andsomaticcellcountinmilksamples. PartnerwithDairyRecordManagementSystems(DRMS)forprocessingmilk records.

ProvideexperientiallearningopportunitiesforSL/SAASstudents. Advisedairygoatproducersforimprovedmanagementskills.

MolecularBiologyTeachingLaboratory (LAB222)

MolecularBiology:WeperformDNAandRNAextractionsofvarioustissuesamples.We performDNAlibrarypreparationfornext-generationsequencing(NGS)andSangerDideoxy Sequencing.Wefollowlaboratoryproceduresaccordingtosafeguidelines.

StudentTrainingLaboratory:Hands-onapplicationforSL/SAASstudentstoprovideaccessto knowledge-based skills to equip them with practical skills for successful careers in biologicalrelatedfields.

Local Farmers:We provide research-basedresultstowardsprovidingfarmersandrancherswith solutions for primary diseases using non-antibiotic or anthelmintic treatment of small ruminant livestock.

SupportingFANHSciences:OurlabcontributestoadvancingFood,Agriculture,Natural Resources,andHumanSciencesbyprovidingvaluabledataandsolutionsforcombatingto researchers,educators,students,andindustryprofessionals.

ShermanLewisSchoolofAgricultureandAppliedSciences

Farms

MainFarm–DairyGoats

Grazingpastures

MaternityKidsManaging

BarnResearch

ExperimentalbarMilkingparlorcreamery

The Main Farm houses the dairy herds, including Alpine and Nubian goats. The milking facility is a computerized parlor with automated goat identification, milk yield recording, and milking unit detachers The Main Farm is primarily used for research, hands-on experience for students, and providing important information to dairy goat producers.

SouthFarm–MeatGoatsandHairSheep

GrazingpasturesMaternity-kids

ManagingpasturesResearch

Experimentalbarns

The South Farm houses the meat goats and hair sheep, including Spanish, Kiko, and Boer goats, Katahdin, St. Croix, and Dorper sheep, and a small number of Angora and Stiff leg goats. The South Farm is primarily used for research, hands-on student training, andprovidingimportantinformationtogoatandsheepproducers.

Grazingpastures

Maternitycalvesmanagingpastures

Animalhandlingfacilities

The Large Animal Unit has been initiated recently and will offer the most advanced facilities for our research, teaching, and extension programs. The research will focus on beef cattle nutrition, reproduction, genetics, carcass quality, and other important issues. Importantly, this unit will generate practical and easily adaptable techniques for use by small-scale beef cattle producers.

ShermanLewisSchoolofAgricultureandAppliedSciences

HorticultureEducationResearchCenter(HERC)

The HERC facility opened in the spring of 2023 and is now in full operation. The facility supports research, teaching, and extension missions in plants, soils, honeybee keeping, aquaponics, and environmental science. The facility is equipped with state-of- the-art modern greenhouses, high tunnels, a weather station, and a mobile aquaponic unit. Additionally, we are introducing precision agriculture to our programs and so far, we have dronetechnologythatweuseforremotesensing,sprayapplication,andaerialmapping

Real-timeweatherdatacollection

Greenhouseseedlingsproduction

Hightunnelresearchonhigh-valuespecialtycropssuchasginger,eggplant,andtomato

Climate-smartagriculturalresearchplotswithdifferentcroppingsystems

Beekeepingforpollinationandhoneyproduction

Modernstate-of-the-artclassroomforworkshopsandtraining

Workshopstoeducatelimitedresourceproducersonclimate-smartagriculturalpractices

Student’shands-ontrainingondailyfieldoperations

Anewmobileaquaponicunit

Communitygardensforourneighboringcommunities

Agribusiness,Analytics&FinancialResourceCenter (AFRC)

The Agribusiness, Analytics, and Financial Center (AFRC) is an experiential learning environment that will enhance analytical competencies and allow students and other stakeholders to observe data interaction, market concepts, and behaviors in real-time and through simulated trading and analyses. Based on research and observations across the country, it has been found that the proximity of stock and global news information adds essential realism to the classroom. Students in Agribusiness, Applied Economics, and various other academic programs will see and interact with data and markets in realtime.

Financial management, wealth building, and investment strategies will be focal areas of the AFRC. Throughteam-basedandindividualstudy,Studentswillbetterunderstandhowfinancialmarketsrespond to new information. In a rapidly growing and competitive society, the need for students and stakeholders tounderstandmarketsandinvestmentstrategiesiscritical.

From a research and extension perspective, the ARFC offers broad opportunities for faculty, community stakeholders, and student collaborations. The ability to quickly access and assimilate current and historical financial and other databases significantly supports quantitative faculty research while also providing learning opportunities for students who assist in extracting the required information. Additionally, access to commodities and financial data creates opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This exposure will enhance the competitiveness ofSL/SAASgraduates.

The AFRC is an element of the SL/SAAS [Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources] Agribusiness and Applied Economics Program. Funding is provided through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Capacity Building Grant (CBG) program and complemented by USDA Capacity funds. Nirodha De Silva, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Agribusiness and Applied EconomicsProgramLeadercoordinatestheCenter.

Forfurtherinformation,pleasecontact: Dr.NirodhaDeSilva,405-466-6163|Email:nirodha.de silva@langston.edu Dr.KanyandMatand,(405)466-6145|Email:matand@langston.edu

ShermanLewisSchoolofAgricultureandAppliedSciences

PathwaystoCareersinAgriculture

AfilmbyNicolRagland

The staff of the Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project, Inc. is taking an active role in therecruitmentanddevelopmentofthenextgenerationofAgricultureprofessionals. In gratitude to Alcorn University for empowering a short film that highlights The Oklahoma BlackHistoricalProjectandLangstonUniversitytoexpandopportunitiesandcareersin agricultureacrossthenation.Oklahoma’sonlyHBCU,LangstonUniversity,isoneof nineteen1890LandGrantHBCUs. Viewthefull10-minutefilmbelow:

ShermanLewisSchoolofAgricultureandAppliedSciences

DiscovertheFutureofInnovation

ExploreOurUniversityResearchLaboratoriesandFacilities

Are you curious about the cutting-edge research that shapes our world? Dive into the heart of innovation at our university, where state-of-the-art laboratories and world-class facilities empower groundbreaking discoveries and transformative advancements. Our research centers are more than just spaces; they are dynamic environments where curiosity meets opportunity and where students, faculty, and collaborators push the boundaries of knowledge. From pioneering medical breakthroughs to revolutionary technological developments, our laboratories are equipped with the latest tools and technologies to support a wide array of scientific endeavors.

WhyExploreOurFacilities?

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Learnhowourfacilitiesfostercollaborationacrossvarious fields,encouraginginnovativesolutionstocomplexproblems.

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Discoverthehands-onexperiencesavailabletostudents,providing themwiththeskillsandknowledgeneededfortheirfuturecareers.

GroundbreakingResearch

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Whetheryou'reaprospectivestudent,afellowresearcher,orsimplypassionateaboutscience andtechnology,ourdetaileddescriptionswillgiveyouaninsidelookatthevibrantresearch communityandtheexceptionalresourcesthatmakeouruniversityahubofinnovation.

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