SOLANKI LAB

OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

Science grows
through connection.

Genomics education, field engagement, and industry partnerships connect molecular discovery with communities and crop health.

01 / GENOMICS EDUCATION

GeN-G
Genomics for NewGen

A hands-on outreach program introducing students to genomics, DNA sequencing, and plant health through interactive activities, including the Brickopore LEGO DNA sequencer. Developed in collaboration with Dr. Richard Leggett, Earlham Institute, UK.

Explore Brickopore ↗
Hands-on learning with plants in the laboratory.
Hands-on learning with plants in the laboratory.
Demonstrating the Brickopore LEGO DNA sequencer.
Demonstrating the Brickopore LEGO DNA sequencer.
Lab members together during a laboratory visit.
Lab members together during a laboratory visit.
GeN-G Genomics for NewGen outreach poster.
GeN-G Genomics for NewGen outreach poster.

EXPANDING ACCESS

GeN-G BRING

Our GeN-G BRING program expands hands-on genomics education to rural and Native communities, connecting students with sequencing, plant science, and emerging technologies while strengthening links between communities and research institutions.

02 / FIELD CONTACT

Across South Dakota.

Our field outreach focuses on soybean disease surveys, corn microbiome research, and crop health across South Dakota. We regularly visit fields, collect samples, and meet directly with farmers and stakeholders across the state to connect laboratory research with real-world production challenges.

Participants at a soybean research symposium.
Participants at a soybean research symposium.
Field discussion and examination of crop samples.
Still image from a field video.
Close-up views of soybean stem symptoms.
Close-up views of soybean stem symptoms.
Lab members discussing plant health research with visitors at an outreach display.

03 / INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

Solutions shaped
by farmer needs.

We work with local industry partners to develop practical formulations aligned with farmer needs, particularly from our research in microbiome genomics, biostimulants, and biological control. The goal is to translate laboratory discoveries into field-ready crop health solutions.

Explore biostimulants and biocontrol ↗