Kang Xia named MSU AgBioResearch associate director
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EmailXia, former associate director of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station at Virginia Tech, begins her role with MSU AgBioResearch April 14.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Kang Xia has been named associate director of Michigan State University AgBioResearch. Her appointment begins April 14.
Xia, who most recently served as associate director of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (VAES) at Virginia Tech, joins MSU AgBioResearch director George Smith and associate director James Averill in leading MSU’s long-standing research unit dedicated to discovering dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment.
As associate director, Xia will promote the full spectrum of fundamental and applied research across MSU disciplines, working closely with MSU AgBioResearch-affiliated faculty to build synergies for future collaborations, identify research initiatives, seek funding opportunities and support team efforts in pursuing large grants and investments.
She’ll also connect with external partners and stakeholders within the Michigan agricultural and natural resources communities to communicate impacts delivered by MSU AgBioResearch scientists and gather input that will help inform decision-making on prospective research activities and opportunities to work together.
“I’ve been in a faculty role since 1998, so I understand the challenges faculty face and what makes them excited and proud,” Xia said. “What I want to do in this administrative role is to pay it back to faculty. I’m committed to supporting them, especially the younger faculty, in overcoming their challenges and achieving their academic aspirations.”
Xia earned a bachelor’s degree in soil chemistry from Beijing Agricultural University (now China Agricultural University), a master’s degree in soil chemistry from Louisiana State University, and a doctoral degree with a major in soil chemistry and minor in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
She’s held faculty positions at Kansas State University, University of Georgia, Mississippi State University and Virginia Tech. During her academic career, she’s led a successful multidisciplinary research program as a principal and co-principal investigator that was externally funded for more than $19 million, published in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and taught several undergraduate and graduate courses.
In addition to serving as VAES associate director since 2023, she simultaneously acted as director of Virginia Tech’s Center for Advanced Innovation in Agriculture, leading major initiatives in fields such as precision agriculture, agricultural biotechnology, cybersecurity in agriculture, and agrivoltaics.
“Dr. Xia has an abundance of knowledge and experience she’s bringing with her to this role,” Smith said. “She has embodied the land-grant mission throughout her career, and I have no doubt she’ll be a champion for our MSU AgBioResearch scientists and the essential work they do to support Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources industries. We’re excited for her to join our leadership team.”
Founded Feb. 26, 1888, as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU AgBioResearch is part of a nationwide network of agricultural experiment stations housed at land-grant universities across the U.S. Originally established to deliver agricultural advancements to farmers, MSU AgBioResearch has broadened its focus to include a robust research portfolio that supports approximately 300 MSU researchers who address topics relating to food, health and natural resources.
By uniting with Michigan commodity organizations and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MSU AgBioResearch — along with MSU Extension — has also helped to create programs such as the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture, the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program and Project GREEEN, which provide further capacity for MSU researchers to assist growers and producers with emerging challenges and needs.
“My experiences have taught me how to make connections and advocate for faculty by showcasing their impact,” Xia said. “It’s utterly important to make our faculty visible. We as administrators are behind the scenes building teams and making connections for them so that they can focus on what they do best, which is teaching, research and outreach. I look forward to continue doing this in my role with MSU AgBioResearch.”
Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists discover dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment. More than 300 MSU faculty conduct leading-edge research on a variety of topics, from health and climate to agriculture and natural resources. Originally formed in 1888 as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU AgBioResearch oversees numerous on-campus research facilities, as well as 15 outlying centers throughout Michigan. To learn more, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu.
