Ag Bag Events are Back this Semester at UC Merced

Ag Bag gatherings are back at UC Merced this semester, creating space for faculty, staff, graduate students, and post-docs to come together and strengthen the agricultural research community on campus. Funded in part by the F3 Initiative, these sessions foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, spark new ideas, and provide updates on campus infrastructure and resources that support ag innovation in the Central Valley.

The last Ag Bag, held on February 5th, focused on climate resilience, carbon capture, and emerging technologies for agricultural sustainability. Dr. Beman explored how algae can remove carbon from the atmosphere while generating value-added products that enhance agricultural productivity. Dr. Pathak examined climate change impacts and predictive technologies that help forecast weather shifts and inform farm management decisions. Industry speaker Dominic Milano of Milano Technical Group shared how engineering solutions are advancing practical innovation in agriculture. Approximately 50 attendees participated in the conversation, bridging research, applied technology, and industry insight.

🌱 Join the Next Ag Bag:

Theme: Environmental Stressors & Resilience in Agricultural Systems

📅 Thursday, March 5, 2026

⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

📍 UC Merced – Conference Room 101

🥪 Light lunch provided

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Featured Presentations:

🦠 Dr. Katrina Hoyer – will present on Valley Fever, dust, and the microbiome, exploring environmental health impacts and agricultural implications.

☀️ Dr. Ashlie Martini – will present on “Solar Panel Durability in Harsh Agrivoltaic Environments”, discussing performance challenges and system resilience in dual-use ag systems.

🧬 Gehad Elfani – Founder of an innovative startup focused on converting methane into high-value proteins. She will discuss her company’s technology, its applications, and how it contributes to sustainable resource utilization.

Join colleagues across campus to exchange ideas, explore new research, and continue building a collaborative ag innovation community at UC Merced.