Lackawanna College Receives $963,000 from NIST Grant 

Lackawanna College is proud to announce it has been awarded a $963,000 grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The grant will support a new partnership between the college and Vytal Plant Science Research (VPSR),  a non-profit, Hazleton-based biotechnology company dedicated to driving innovation and economic growth in agriculture and plant derived bio-manufacturing industries in Pennsylvania.

The funding was secured by former U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08), former ranking member of the House Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees NIST’s annual budget, as part of his Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding requests.

“This federal investment will boost an industry that was once a staple of Pennsylvania’s economy and today presents further opportunities for new businesses, farm income, good-paying jobs, and environmentally sound products,” said Congressman Cartwright. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact Lackawanna College will have on driving scientific innovation, advancing skilled labor training, and revitalizing local manufacturing in our region.”

The funding will allow VPSR to conduct genetic research and develop various strains of industrial hemp. This research will explore gene editing and metabolic engineering of hemp to create at least three new hemp seed varieties that will support the manufacture and deployment of innovative, bio-based products for application in green building construction, packaging, fabrics, renewable energy and land remediation.

Alongside this research, Lackawanna College will launch a 15-week certificate program focused on preparing individuals interested in the hemp industry. The program, created in collaboration with VPSR and other leading manufacturing partners, will focus on providing skills needed to work with hemp including horticulture, agriculture, the role of global climate change and artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML).

“Our 15-week certificate program is more than just education—it’s a gateway to meaningful careers in a rapidly evolving sector,” said Dr. Jill Murray, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Lackawanna College. “By collaborating with VPSR and leading manufacturing partners, we’ve developed a robust curriculum that will give students hands-on experience with the very latest advancements in hemp technology, ensuring they’re ready to contribute to this expanding industry. We’re not just training for today’s jobs, we’re equipping a workforce that can thrive as industries increasingly turn to sustainable solutions like hemp for the future.”

In addition to the certificate program, the NIST funding will also help develop new sustainable agriculture facility at Lackawanna College’s Hazleton Center. Students (K-16), teachers and farmers are welcome to participate in hands-on workshops at the facility dedicated to instructing tissue culture, cloning, gene editing, growing and the cultivation process. These workshops are designed to educate and prepare the next generation of the workforce for opportunities in the hemp industry.

“Advancing STEM education programs at two-year colleges is vital for creating pathways and opportunities that enable more talented individuals from diverse regions across the country to enter STEM fields,” said Dr. Shobha Rudrabhatla, Chief Scientific Officer at Vytal Plant Science Research. “Lackawanna College plays a key role in this effort, serving a large community of underrepresented minorities.”