Key Takeaways:
- Meghan Jackson has been appointed as the director for Food, Agriculture, and Environment Security (FAES) at the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska.
- The FAES focus area was created in 2022 to address threats to U.S. food and agriculture systems and the environment.
- Jackson’s role will bridge IANR’s agricultural research capabilities with NSRI’s expertise in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.
- Research priorities include African swine fever, climate-related disease impacts, cybersecurity in agriculture, and more.
- Jackson brings experience from the USDA and the Department of Homeland Security, enhancing NU’s ability to support national security through agriculture.
Strengthening Food and Agriculture Security
The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska (NU) and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) have appointed Meghan Jackson as the new director for Food, Agriculture, and Environment Security (FAES). This appointment is part of an ongoing effort to address intentional, accidental, and natural threats to U.S. food and agriculture production systems, as well as the environment.
The FAES focus area was created in 2022 to help U.S. government agencies protect the nation’s agricultural systems from diverse threats, including those to crop production, livestock, and natural resources. Since its inception, NSRI and IANR have brought together researchers from NU’s four campuses to collaborate on these challenges. Jackson’s appointment marks the next step in further advancing these efforts.
Jackson’s Role and Expertise
In her new role, Jackson will work to integrate IANR’s history of agricultural research and partnerships with NSRI’s expertise in CBRN threats. She will leverage NSRI’s status as a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), a designation by the U.S. Department of Defense, to facilitate collaborations that address emerging national security issues. The UARC designation allows NSRI to access specific contracts that shorten the timeline between identifying security needs and executing projects.
Dr. Neal Woollen, NSRI associate executive director for CWMD allied programs, emphasized the importance of having a dedicated director to lead this initiative. “The next step in activating this initiative is to have a person dedicated and at the helm, guiding our research priorities, rallying talent, and tackling research deliverables,” he said.
Jackson brings a wealth of experience in protecting U.S. agriculture from transboundary animal diseases, having worked with both the USDA and the Department of Homeland Security. Her previous work includes leading the first national African Swine Fever Outbreak Laboratory Response Course and supporting the transition of the Foreign Animal Disease Laboratory from Plum Island to the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Kansas.
Key Research Priorities
The FAES focus area will prioritize several critical research initiatives, including:
- African Swine Fever (ASF) Vaccine Research: ASF poses a significant threat to the U.S. pork industry, with potential economic losses estimated at $74 billion over 10 years if the disease enters the U.S. Jackson will help drive research to prevent and mitigate this risk.
- Climate and Disease Research: NU researchers will explore the impacts of drought and extreme weather on the rise of diseases like West Nile Virus, with a focus on creating opportunities to investigate other diseases affecting U.S. warfighters.
- Cybersecurity in Agriculture: As agricultural systems become more automated, cybersecurity threats are emerging. Research will be conducted to develop secure systems and technologies to protect the industry from potential cyberattacks.
Dr. Derek McLean, dean of the UNL Agricultural Research Division, highlighted the importance of these efforts: “The security of our agri-food systems and natural resources is an important component of national security.”
Advancing National Security Through Agriculture
Jackson’s expertise in technical program management and her work with agricultural researchers will play a pivotal role in furthering NU’s contributions to U.S. defense. Her appointment is seen as an important step in building partnerships with federal and state agencies and expanding NU’s research opportunities in agriculture security.
Reflecting on her new role, Jackson expressed her enthusiasm for the work ahead. “I have been extremely impressed by the resources that NU offers to this critical initiative,” she said. “The diversity of Nebraska itself provides us with an opportunity to conduct research here that is applicable around the world. I am hitting the ground running.”
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