Center for Advancing Sustainable & Distributed Fertilizer Production

Olatunde Akanbi is a PhD candidate using cutting-edge tech to enhance agricultural systems and promote the future of agriculture. His research harnesses large-scale datasets—from satellites to river sensors—to track soil health, reduce fertilizer waste, and protect our waterways.

With support from the Freedman Fellowship at Case Western Reserve University, Olatunde is helping CASFER pave the way for precision agriculture that boosts crop yields and optimizes resource use.

Olatunde represents some of the incredible work that our scholars do everyday. He is an invaluable asset to CASFER and continues to push the development of technologies that are vital for the future of agriculture.

Researcher Using Advanced Computing to Support Sustainable Agriculture | The Daily Olatunde Akanbi, PhD candidate at Case Western Reserve University, is researching how advanced computing can support sustainable agriculture.

CASFER Brings Scientific Innovation to Capitol Hill

Earlier this week, we represented CASFER at the Congressional Showcase of National Science Foundation (NSF)-powered Research in Washington, D.C.

Hosted by the Coalition for National Science Funding, this bipartisan event gathered 20+ NSF-funded initiatives under one roof. As lawmakers and policy experts toured the showcase, we demonstrated how CASFER's breakthrough work transforms theoretical concepts into practical solutions that strengthen communities and advance American innovation.

The atmosphere was energizing—watching representatives from across the political spectrum engage with cutting-edge science reminded us of research's unique power to unite through shared pursuit of progress.

Standing near the Capitol, explaining our work to those who shape national science policy, was both humbling and motivating. We've returned with fresh perspectives and renewed determination.

We're immensely proud of CASFER's contributions and grateful for the opportunity to showcase them on such a significant stage.

Come visit the CASFER booth at the Waste to Worth conference hosted by Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community in Boise, Idaho. Stop by and learn more about the incredible work that CASFER is doing and how you can help enable research that will feed the future!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

We were ecstatic that Chris French, from CASFER industry partner Inside Out, got a chance to facilitate discussion with one of Dr. Kay Millerick's classes. He got to share his expertise on sludge and biosolids, while also providing students with invaluable insight and a global perspective.

CASFER strives to connect students with industry professionals and to give students the skills they need to flourish upon graduation. We hope for all CASFER students to have an active network of industry and academic professionals, and events like this help us make these connections.