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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fort Collins, Colorado » Center for Agricultural Resources Research » Agricultural Genetic Resources Preservation Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #410322

Research Project: Curation and Research to Safeguard and Expand Collections of Plant and Microbial Genetic Resources and Associated Descriptive Information

Location: Agricultural Genetic Resources Preservation Research

Title: Workforce development and capacity-building: Applications of HRD to online training in plant genetic resources

Author
item ZARESTKY, J - Colorado State University
item BIGLER, M - Colorado State University
item BYRNE, P - Colorado State University
item CEREMELE, G - Colorado State University
item CHEN, K - Colorado State University
item Gu, Lirong
item Kinard, Gary
item MORRIS, G - Colorado State University
item NAMUTH-COVERT, D - Colorado State University
item Volk, Gayle

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/2023
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: N/A

Technical Abstract: Progress in crop improvement and global food security depends on plant genetic diversity. The U.S. National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) is among the world’s largest collections of plant genetic resources (PGR). Researchers use PGR to evaluate and develop cultivars with improved resistance to biotic and abiotic threats, product qualities, and enhanced yields (Byrne et al., 2018). Qualified, trained personnel are critical to maintaining the NPGS collections (Volk et al., 2019b), a personnel and training challenge well-suited to disciplinary expertise of the Human Resource Development (HRD) field. Although some educational materials exist on PGR topics, there are gaps in coverage and availability (Friesner et al., 2021). In an online survey, most respondents either “strongly agreed” or “agreed” with the following: 1) there is a shortage of high-quality PGR learning materials; 2) availability of high-quality PGR learning materials would provide information useful to me in my current position; and 3) availability of high-quality PGR learning materials would be useful in teaching or providing information to others (Volk et al. 2019a). In response to Volk et al.’s (2019a) results, this project aimed to improve PGR training resources available to the agricultural workforce. An online repository provides access, tracks usage, and disseminates materials broadly. Additionally, the materials were utilized to develop graduate-level online courses. This study aims to understand students’ and PGR professionals’ reactions and perceptions of the learning content, including any changes in career interest. The purpose of this work-in-progress poster is to present this study’s preliminary results, guided by two research questions: 1. What are the respondents' perceptions of the training and professional development opportunity of project materials? 2. How do participants view careers in PGR? This project will inform future instructional design decisions, aid in the enhancement and maintenance of the project’s academic modules, and provide the PGR community means to recruit and support the future PGR workforce. Beyond the context of PGR, this study can provide insight into training and development and workforce development approaches in other STEM fields. Results may be applicable to broader conversations in career development and workforce training and development. Situated against industry needs, we anticipate alignments and opportunities for professional development of skilled STEM workers and capacity-building in high-needs industries and industries that provide critical infrastructure.