Chinese research administrators visit SU Ag Center

Two Chinese research administrators, Li Yuhong, director of Basic Research Division, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, and Hou Xiaolong, director of Division of Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Peoples Republic of China, visited the Southern University Ag Center research facility, Urban Forestry Program and its research labs, as well as the GIS facility in late August.

During the visit, the Chinese delegation met with Kirkland E. Mellad, Ag Center vice chancellor for research, Walter Wiles, director of SU System International Programs, Southern University Ag Center research scientists, and SU Urban Forestry faculty.

The meeting enabled both the Chinese and American scientists to explore areas of mutual interest in order to expand the existing scientific and technical exchange between the two entities.

The Chinese delegation expressed their continued interest in scientific and technical exchange and collaboration with Southern University, in urban forestry, natural resources and environment. In the near future, the collaboration will include areas of human nutrition and health, economics, and community and youth development. This will open scientific exchange opportunities for faculty, staff, and students and collaboration in research/extension between Southern University and Beijing Forestry University, and between SU and other key universities under the Ministry of Education of China.

The visit was partially funded through a grant from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service under the U.S. China Scientific and Technical Exchange Agreement, and organized by Yadong Qi, professor, urban forestry, and the project director.