About

I lead technical training, project design, and infrastructure development supporting the research and outreach mission of the NCSU Water Resiliency Initiative, based at the Vernon James Center in Plymouth, NC. Our Phase II work (2024–2026) is building out soil-plant-environment sensor networks, wireless telemetry, and water-efficient irrigation and controlled drainage infrastructure at the Tidewater Research Station and a private site near Bath, NC. We also conduct soil and groundwater investigations to assess the agricultural and environmental impacts of salinity, an emerging threat to coastal communities tied to climate forcing. This work draws on decades of combined experience across soils and agronomy, mechanization, advanced sensor technology, irrigation and drainage contracting, and civil water and wastewater infrastructure. I leverage that expertise daily to mobilize R & D capacity to solve complex global issues in how we feed, fuel, clothe, and shelter ourselves, and as the owner and operator of Cypress Prong Farms, a commercial operation producing premium hay, novel and emerging crops, and timber.