South Central Region

Sun Grant Program

The South Central Sun Grant Center at Oklahoma State University has announced the selection of six new eight-month research projects funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA–NIFA). These awards support transformative research in bioenergy, biobased products, sustainable materials, and workforce development across Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

The 2026 funding portfolio includes a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site and five competitive research projects, each contributing to the region’s growing bioeconomy and strengthening national leadership in renewable and sustainable technologies.

2026 Awarded Projects:

1. REU SITE: Biobased PATH — Biobased Products and Technologies Hub
   Lead Institution: The University of Kansas
   PI: Dr. Felipe Anaya
   Funding: $104,000
   This USDA–NIFA REU Site will immerse undergraduate students in hands‑on research related to biofuels, biobased products, and emerging biotechnologies. The program will: Engage students in meaningful research experiences; Train them to understand engineering and bioprocessing scales; Strengthen innovation and science communication skills; Prepare participants for careers in academia, national laboratories, industry, and startups; and Evaluate the long‑term impact of REU participation on student development.
   Expected Impact: A highly trained cohort of future scientists and engineers equipped to advance the U.S. bioeconomy.
2. Optimization and Evaluation of Wheat Bran‑Derived Antioxidants for Skincare Cosmetic Applications
   Lead Institution: Kansas State University
   PI: Dr. Yonghui Li
   Funding: $80,000
   This project will optimize extraction processes to produce antioxidant‑rich wheat bran fractions for use in skincare products. Researchers will characterize bioactive components and evaluate anti‑aging efficacy using validated skin cell and tissue models.
   Expected Impact: A scientific foundation for future commercialization of wheat bran–derived cosmetic ingredients, supporting value‑added agricultural innovation in the region.
3. Graphene Production from Biobased Materials for Concrete Enhancement
   Lead Institution: Texas A&M University
   PI: Dr. Janie Moore
   Funding: $83,703
   This project explores the production of high‑quality graphene from biomass‑derived waste and its application as a performance‑enhancing additive in concrete. Research activities include: Comparing biochar produced at varying pyrolysis temperatures; Evaluating precursor gases in chemical vapor deposition (CVD); Characterizing film purity and morphology; Testing graphene‑enhanced concrete strength; Conducting techno‑economic and life‑cycle assessments of regional biomass feedstocks.
   Expected Impact: A sustainable, scalable pathway for producing graphene from agricultural and municipal waste streams, with demonstrated improvements in concrete durability and mechanical performance.
4. Vegetable Oils as Sustainable Feedstock for Mechanocatalytic Fabrication of Diamond‑like Carbon Films
   Lead Institution: Oklahoma State University
   PI: Dr. Pranjal Nautiyal
   Funding: $84,034
   This research investigates the mechanocatalytic conversion of vegetable oils into diamond‑like carbon (DLC) films, a promising class of protective coatings. The project will examine how oil chemistry and catalyst composition influence reactivity and film formation.
   Expected Impact: Foundational knowledge enabling the development of biobased DLC materials and next‑generation catalysts for sustainable advanced coatings.
5. Separation of Levulinic Acid from One‑Pot Biomass Conversion Stream
   Lead Institution: University of Arkansas
   PI: Dr. Xianghong Qian
   Funding: $72,315
   This project aims to improve the extraction of levulinic acid, a valuable platform chemical, from biomass conversion streams. Researchers will optimize salt‑assisted extraction processes and evaluate performance in both model and real biomass systems.
   Expected Impact: Enhanced efficiency in recovering levulinic acid from biomass processing solvents, supporting the development of cost‑effective biorefineries.
6. Biomass‑Derived Polyol Flocculants for Sustainable Clarification of Sugar Juice
   Lead Institution: Louisiana State University AgCenter
   PI: Dr. Qinglin Wu
   Funding: $80,000
   This project will develop a novel chitosan‑polyurethane (CSPU) bioflocculant by integrating functionalized chitosan with bagasse‑derived polyols. The research includes synthesis, performance evaluation, and commercial viability assessment.
   Expected Impact: A renewable, high‑performance flocculant that provides a sustainable alternative for sugar juice clarification and supports innovation within the regional sugar industry.

“These six projects highlight the innovation and regional collaborations that advance the Sun Grant mission,” said Mari Chinn, Associate Director and Technical Lead of the South Central Sun Grant Center. “USDA–NIFA’s investment empowers our researchers and educators to develop sustainable technologies and train the next generation of professionals to benefit agriculture, industry, and rural communities across the South‑Central region.”