At the Delaware Indoor Ag Lab (DIAL), we study how to grow high-value specialty crops more efficiently and sustainably in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA). Our work spans leafy greens, culinary herbs, microgreens, fruiting crops, and floriculture plants.

We focus on environmental plant physiology—understanding how factors like light, carbon dioxide, temperature, and nutrient solutions affect plant growth, photosynthesis, morphology, nutrition, and overall quality.

Our research uses state-of-the-art tools, including color-tunable LED lighting and growth chambers for indoor experiments, to optimize resource use. By strategically managing energy, water, and nutrients based on plant responses, we aim to improve both the efficiency and value of controlled-environment crop production.

Optimizing horticultural lighting

• Using color-tunable LED systems to study how dynamic light spectra and quantities affect plant growth, quality, nutrient uptake, and/or flowering in leafy greens, herbs, and floriculture crops.

Example: Meng, Q. and Severin, S.N., 2024. Continuous light can promote growth of baby greens over diurnal light under a high daily light integral. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 220, p.105695.

Studying plant-environment interactions

• Understanding how to co-optimize factors like CO₂, light, temperature, humidity, and nutrient supply for improved resource-use efficiency in CEA applications (e.g., indoor vertical farming and space crop production).

Example: Kennebeck, E.J. and Meng, Q., 2024. Far-red light and nitrogen concentration elicit crop-specific responses in baby greens under superelevated CO₂ and continuous light. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 149(2), pp.92-98.

Using biostimulants to address nutrient issues

• Investigating novel chemical biostimulants to mitigate nutrient deficiencies (e.g., lettuce tipburn caused by calcium deficiency) and enhance plant resilience and productivity in greenhouse and indoor conditions.

Example: Biradar, K. and Meng, Q., 2024. Nutrient solution application of a calcium-mobilizing biostimulant mitigates tipburn without decreasing biomass of greenhouse hydroponic lettuce. HortScience, 59(1), pp.92-98.

Joining the Delaware Indoor Ag Lab (DIAL) means becoming part of a supportive, research-driven team working on real-world challenges in controlled-environment agriculture.

As a M.S. or Ph.D. graduate student here, you will:

• Receive full funding through research assistantships (stipend + tuition + majority health insurance coverage) supported by our funding agencies including USDA, FFAR, and NASA.

• Work hands-on with advanced controlled-environment systems, including LED lighting, hydroponics, photosynthesis instruments, and sensor technologies.

• Develop skills in experimental design, data analysis and visualization, scientific writing, and presentations.

• Collaborate with industry and academic partners on applied research projects.

• Build your network and visibility through presentations at national conferences (e.g., ASHS, NCERA-101) and opportunities for publication.

We value intellectual horsepower (commitment, drive, and curiosity)*, collaboration, and professional growth—our goal is to help you launch a successful career in academia, industry, or beyond.

*Source: Drs. Bruce Bugbee and Royal Heins (2023, personal communication).

We are recruiting M.S. and Ph.D. students to join the Delaware Indoor Ag Lab (DIAL) at the University of Delaware starting in Spring (preferred), Summer, or Fall 2026.

Research areas include:

• Photobiological and environmental influences under LED lighting

• Hydroponic nutrient solution management

• Biostimulant application to address nutrient disorders in CEA

• Spectral effects on plant diseases in CEA

These projects focus on specialty crops grown in indoor vertical farms and greenhouses and are funded by agencies including USDA and FFAR.

How to apply:

Email Dr. Qingwu Meng (PI) with:

• A brief statement on your fit for the position (strengths, research experience, and preferred start date)

• A current CV

Priority deadline: August 10, 2025. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.