E.L. Holloway Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Center
Main Farm South Farm
Horticulture Education Research Center ( HERC)
WE NURTURE our students with Enriching Academic Programs
WE EXPLORE & INNOVATE sustainably through Research and Development
WE PROMOTE sustainability through the Delivery of Knowledge At Langston University, WE ROAR!
Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Built upon the foundational principles of its 1890 Land Grant origins, Langston University was established with the central mission to pioneer advancements in agricultural science and broaden access to higher education for African Americans. Today, the land grant mission remains a cornerstone of the University's empowerment. Langston University extends its educational offerings to all seekers of knowledge. With a focus on addressing the pressing needs of a growing population, our institution produces highly trained graduates capable of tackling challenges through contemporary research, cutting-edge academic initiatives, and extensive engagements in community outreach programs. From addressing agricultural dilemmas to fostering improved quality of life for people and community development, Langston University catalyzes positive change in Oklahoma and beyond.
SL/SAAS Research and Cooperative Extension & Outreach Programs
Langston University Research, Cooperative Extension, and Outreach Programs are dedicated to serving all citizens of Oklahoma. Programs and delivery methods are designed to address the needs of underserved and underrepresented diverse populations in the state, especially small farmers, and limited-resource consumers. Langston University Cooperative Extension and Outreach efforts are designed to serve as vehicles to take scholarly, peer-reviewed, and stakeholder-driven research findings, demonstrations, and education activities to the citizens of Oklahoma, many of whom are traditionally underserved. Projected outcomes and impacts include deliverables that enhance Oklahoma's citizens' economic status, health, and quality of life and make them more competitive as viable producers and consumers in niche markets and the broader global marketplace.
Following is an overview of laboratories and other facilities embodied by SL/SAAS that go a long way to support research, outreach, and extension programming.
Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Parasitology Laboratory (LAB 200)
Identifying and county helminth parasites
Identifying and counting protozoa parasites
Helminthic egg hatching and larval development
The Laboratory of Parasitology is dedicated to securing sustainable production of small ruminants in the USA by better controlling of parasitism in ruminant animals through innovative approaches. This laboratory is also dedicated to engaging students in every aspect of cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art laboratory technologies for preparing them for a broader and brighter future career.
Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
CENTER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION LABORATORY (LAB 201)
Genomics Studies
We focus on trait-specific gene screening for:
Daylily 24-hour- bloom lifespan extension
Peanut fungus resistance
Peanut shoot formation
Genetic Improvement: We perform editing of genes captured during genomics screening using CRSPR Cas 9 approach combined with bacterial gene transfer method for producing crop varieties with more improved Traits.
Cell, Tissue, and Organ Culture: We focus on developing methods on multiplying plants using different tissues including leaf, stem, root, and flower without seed intervention for crop improvement and meeting market supply needs.
Student Technologies Transfer: We focus on transferring knowledge, skills, and research experiences from lab discoveries and development to the next generation of our students.
PLANT, SOIL & WATER QUALITY LABORATORY (LAB 203)
Plant Production: Measure crop yields, nutritional and physical quality, and biomass to help identify best management practices for crop production.
Soil Health: Measure soil physical, chemical, and biological properties to help increase soil productivity by identifying limiting factors to plant growth.
Water Quality: Measure water quality across our soil and plant management practices to help protect against contamination of ground and surface water.
Student Training: Hands-on training of students to equip them with practical skills for successful careers in natural resources and related careers.
Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences Product Development Center
FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY (LAB 206)
Food Quality and Safety Assessment: We perform physicochemical and microbiological analyses to ensure food meets safety and quality standards and protects consumers.
Student Training Laboratory: Hands-on learning experiences for SL/SAAS students equip them with practical skills for successful careers in food science and related fields.
Local Farmers: We offer free sample processing and expert advice on characterizing and developing new food products, demonstrating our commitment to strengthening local agriculture and diversifying producer offerings.
Supporting FANH Sciences: Our lab contributes to advancing Food, Agricultur uman Sciences by providing valuab and bacteriological quality to rese s, and industry professionals.
Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Clinical Chemistry Laboratory (LAB 207)
Biochemical Analysis of Bodily Fluids: We perform biochemical analyses and quantification of hormones, proteins, peptides, fatty acids, and other molecules in plasma, serum, urine, and milk samples collected on experiments in SL/SAAS.
Student Training Laboratory: Hands-on learning experiences for SL/SAAS students equip them with practical skills for successful careers in animal science and related fields.
Supporting FANH Sciences: This lab contributes to advancing Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences by providing valuable data on blood constituents as affected by experimental conditions to students, educators, industry professionals, and national and international scientists.
Reproductive Physiology Laboratory (LAB 208)
Cardiometabolic Phenotyping
Molecular Biology Analysis
Histological /Immunohistochemistry Techniques
Hormone Measures
Assisted Reproductive Technology
To characterize the underlying mechanisms through which gestational nutrition and environmental factors during gestation impair fetal development and postnatal growth in farm animals.
Maternal stress and a poor start to life are associated with an increased risk of disorders throughout the life course of the animal that can significantly impact skeletal muscle development and productivity of livestock operations
Research results will be shared with other researchers and producers aiming to improve livestock productivity.
Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Wet Chemistry Laboratory (LAB 213)
Analysis and Quantification of Nutritional
and
Structural Properties of Plant Matter and Digeta: We perform chemical analyses to quantify the nutritional composition of feed and forages used in animal experiments. In addition, to determine the digestibility of feeds and forages, the same nutrients are determined on fecal and urine samples, as excreted by the animal. Evaluation of structural compounds in plant matter include fiber and lignin.
Student Training Laboratory: Hands-on learning experiences for SL/SAAS students equip them with practical skills for successful careers in animal and food science, as well as in related fields.
Supporting FANH Sciences: This lab contributes to advancing Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences by providing valuable data on the nutritional value of feed and forages, and how that impacts animal performance, to educators, industry professionals, national and international farmers and scientists.
Histology and Cell Biology Laboratory (LAB 214)
Animal tissue processing for histological analysis
Modern microscopy and imaging suites
Tissue/cell culture facilities
The Laboratory of Histology and Cell Biology conducts research in a variety of animal well-being, nutrition, and metabolism, improving the quality of animal products; and trains the next generation of animal science professionals through innovative educational programs and curricula.
Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Sample Preparation Laboratory (LAB 215)
Preparation of Samples: Samples are prepared for analysis
Student Training Laboratory: Hands-on learning experiences for SL/SAAS students equip them with practical skills for successful careers in animal science and related fields.
Supporting FANH Sciences: This lab contributes to advancing Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences by offering a space for researchers and students to prepare samples for analysis.
Central Laboratory (LAB 216)
Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory
We use Gas Chromatographs (GC) and a high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) to identify and quantify even trace amounts of compounds with high precision and accuracy in complex biological samples. Examples include the quantitation of amino acids in plasma and serum samples, and fatty acids in rumen fluid and milk.
This lab also contains instruments to quantify nitrogen in samples, ammonia-nitrogen in rumen fluid, phosphates in environmental water samples, and the fat content of carcass tissue and other types of samples.
Supporting FANH Sciences: The instrumentation in this laboratory is used to analyze samples from almost every experiment conducted in SL/SAAS and is essential to all research conducted at the American Institute for Goat Research. As such, this laboratory contributes to advancing Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences by providing valuable data to educators, industry professionals, and national and international scientists.
Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Aquaculture and Environmental Laboratory (LAB 217)
Aquaculture and Environmental Investigations: We perform various aquaculture and natural resource studies to improve the sustainability of aquaculture and the environment.
Student Training Laboratory: Hands-on learning experiences for SL/SAAS students equip them with practical skills for successful careers and graduate study in aquaculture, natural resources, and environmental fields.
Local Farmers: We offer free expert advice on aquaculture production and natural resource issues demonstrating our commitment to strengthening local agriculture and diversifying producer offerings.
Supporting FANH Sciences: Our lab contributes to advancing Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences by providing valuable data on aquaculture production and environmental issues to researchers, educators, students, and industry professionals.
Fat Extraction Laboratory (LAB 218
Extraction of Fats: We extract fats from various types of samples for further analysis. An example is the extraction of fat from milk, after which individual fatty acids, the building blocks of fats, are quantified on a Gas Chromatograph. Fatty acids are energy sources and membrane constituents. They also have biological activities that act to influence cell and tissue metabolism, function, and responsiveness to hormonal and other signals.
Student Training Laboratory: Hands-on learning experiences for SL/SAAS students equip them with practical skills for successful careers in animal science and related fields.
Supporting FANH Sciences: This lab contributes to advancing Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences by preparing fat samples from diverse experiments for further analysis to generate important scientific information to students, educators, researchers, and industry professionals.
Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Microscopy Laboratory (LAB 220)
THUNDER
Imaging Tissue Microscope
Innovative Technology: The Thunder Microscope utilizes advanced imaging techniques to enhance clarity and resolution in microscopic observations.
High-Speed Imaging: Capable of capturing high-speed images, making it ideal for observing dynamic processes in living cells.
Deep Tissue Penetration: Allows for detailed visualization of deep tissue structures without compromising image quality.
Enhanced Resolution: Provides significantly improved resolution compared to traditional microscopes, enabling more precise observations.
Live Cell Imaging: Suitable for live cell imaging, preserving cell viability while capturing real-time cellular activities.
Optical Sectioning: Features optical sectioning capabilities, which help in obtaining clear images of thick specimens by removing out-of-focus light.
User-Friendly Interface: Designed with an intuitive user interface, making it accessible for researchers and technicians.
Versatile Applications: Applicable in various fields such as biology, medical research, and materials science, due to its ability to reveal fine structural details.
Automated Features: Equipped with automation options to streamline repetitive tasks and enhance workflow efficiency.
Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Dairy Herd Information Laboratory (LAB 221)
Receive milk samples from dairy goat producers nationwide. Analyze fat, protein, and somatic cell count in milk samples. Partner with Dairy Record Management Systems (DRMS) for processing milk records.
Provide experiential learning opportunities for SL/SAAS students. Advise dairy goat producers for improved management skills
Molecular Biology Teaching Laboratory (LAB 222)
Molecular Biology: We perform DNA and RNA extractions of various tissue samples. We perform DNA library preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger Dideoxy Sequencing. We follow laboratory procedures according to safe guidelines.
Student Training Laboratory: Hands-on application for SL/SAAS students to provide access to knowledge-based skills to equip them with practical skills for successful careers in biologicalrelated fields.
Local Farmers: We provide research-based results towards providing farmers and ranchers with solutions for primary diseases using non-antibiotic or anthelmintic treatment of small ruminant livestock.
Supporting FANH Sciences: Our lab contributes to advancing Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences by providing valuable data and solutions for combating to researchers, educators, students, and industry professionals.
Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Farms
Main Farm – Dairy Goats
Grazing pastures
Maternity
Kids Managing Barn
Research experimental bar
Milking parlor creamery
The Main Farm houses the dairy herds, including Alpine and Nubian goats. The milking facility is a computerized parlor with automated goat identification, milk yield recording, and milking unit detachers. The Main Farm is primarily used for research, hands-on experience for students, and providing important information to dairy goat producers.
South Farm – Meat Goats and Hair Sheep
Grazing pastures
Maternity-kids managing pastures
Research experimental barns
The South Farm houses the meat goats and hair sheep, including Spanish, Kiko, and Boer goats, Katahdin, St. Croix, and Dorper sheep, and a small number of Angora and Stiff leg goats. The South Farm is primarily used for research, hands-on student training, and providing important information to goat and sheep producers.
Large Animal Unit – Beef Cattle
Grazing pastures
Maternity calves managing pastures
Animal handling facilities
The Large Animal Unit has been initiated recently and will offer the most advanced facilities for our research, teaching, and extension programs. The research will focus on beef cattle nutrition, reproduction, genetics, carcass quality, and other important issues. Importantly, this unit will generate practical and easily adaptable techniques for use by small-scale beef cattle producers.
Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
