Ferguson College of Agriculture

 

Dr. Sergio Abit, a professor in the OSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, is the Director of Undergraduate Research and Honors for the Ferguson College of Agriculture. He assumed this role in July 2025.

 

“I run the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, which is a collaboration between OSU Ag Research and the Ferguson College that provides funds to OSU Agriculture faculty who serve as mentors of undergrad researchers,” he said. “This position is aimed at increasing undergrad involvement in research.” 

 

In this role, Abit teaches a course for Freshman Research Scholars and mentors freshman researchers in planning their activities and proposals. He also serves as a liaison between Ferguson College and the university on activities/programs connected to undergraduate research.

 

He coordinates honors-related activities in the college, including teaching a research-related undergraduate course that counts towards Honors credits. 

 

“I evaluate and approve honors contracts between Ferguson College professors and students, and I am the liaison to the university for any activities and programs also connected to honors,” he said.

 

In a regular workday, Abit’s workload has remained essentially the same. 

 

“I have held on to my heavy teaching load and even gained additional courses to teach,” he said. “In terms of adjustments, I have to address undergrad research-related queries from both students and faculty in the college now.”

 

Through Abit’s appointment as director, he hopes to enhance student interest in doing research. 

 

“Initially, the target is to make more students aware of research opportunities in the college and assist them in getting connected with research mentors,” he said.

Due to his new appointment, Abit plans to balance his time allocation between his roles in Plant and Soil Sciences and as director. 

 

“The other short-term goal I have is to utilize the considerable face-to-face time with students that my teaching assignment provides to increase awareness of the support that we can provide students who are interested in research.”

 

Through Abit’s combined understanding of research work and the professional development needs of the students, he is confident in succeeding in his new role.

 

Congratulations to Dr. Abit on this assignment in uplifting undergraduate researchers.