New associate director named at MSU AgBioResearch

Kang Xia has been appointed associate director of Michigan State University AgBioResearch, effective April 14. She will work alongside director George Smith and associate director James Averill to advance research supporting Michigan agriculture and natural resources.

Xia previously served as associate director of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station and directed Virginia Tech’s Center for Advanced Innovation in Agriculture. Her experience spans multiple universities and research programs, with a focus on soil chemistry, precision agriculture, biotechnology and agrivoltaics.

At MSU, Xia will help promote fundamental and applied research, support faculty collaboration and development, identify research initiatives and secure funding opportunities. She will also serve as a liaison between MSU researchers and external stakeholders in Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources sectors.

“I’m committed to supporting [faculty], especially the younger faculty, in overcoming their challenges and achieving their academic aspirations,” said Xia.

Xia earned her bachelor’s degree in soil chemistry from Beijing Agricultural University and advanced degrees from Louisiana State University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her academic career includes over $19 million in external research funding and numerous peer-reviewed publications.

MSU AgBioResearch supports about 300 researchers across disciplines addressing food, health and environmental issues. It partners with MSU Extension and industry groups on programs such as Project GREEEN and the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program to assist growers with evolving challenges.