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How to get today's kids excited about science and agriculture

Dr. Craig Wilson is director of the USDA Future Scientists Program.
Texas A&M University
Dr. Craig Wilson is director of the USDA Future Scientists Program.

The federal government's agriculture agency – the USDA – is doing cutting-edge scientific research at labs all over the country.

Dr. Craig Wilson’s job is to use that quest for knowledge – about pests or drones or whatever else – to get the next generation of scientists excited to go into the field too.

Wilson is the director of the USDA’s Future Scientists program. It links the teachers with the USDA’s scientists, their local laboratory site and current agricultural science research.

Wilson will visit Bloomington-Normal on Sept. 20 to speak to various audiences about how science and agriculture intersect in amazing ways, including a presentation for ag literacy coordinators with the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom program. And then from 4-5 p.m., Wilson will lead a free, interactive after-school program from at the Normal Theater. The presentation is free to attend, but reservations are required.

Learn more about Wilson’s work by listening to the interview above.

Ryan Denham is the digital content director for WGLT.
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