Funding Agency: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

Collaborators: Michelle Soupir (PI, Iowa State University); Adina Howe (Iowa State University); Daniel Andersen (Iowa State University); Diana S. Aga (University at Buffalo); Shannon Bartelt-Hunt (University of Nebraska-Lincoln); Amy Schmidt (University of Nebraska-Lincoln); Bing Wang (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

Project Description: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is deeply interconnected across environmental, biological, and societal systems. Its emergence and persistence are driven by complex interactions among natural processes, microbial evolution, and human activities. Because AMR affects—and is affected by—the health of humans, animals, and the environment, it has been widely recognized as a critical One Health challenge requiring coordinated, cross-disciplinary solutions. This project links measurement of antibiotics, AMR genes, and indicator organisms with predictive modeling and educational activities to evaluate risks and support decision-making. By integrating AMR fate and transport modeling with stakeholder engagement, it aims to develop a flexible, scalable framework to assess AMR risks in agro-ecosystems, enhance understanding of AMR pathways and impacts, and identify effective mitigation strategies to protect human health.

The overall goal of the project is to assess the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies for reducing risk to human health in agro-ecosystems by developing an adaptable framework, Connecting AntiMicrobial Resistance Agricultural Decisions and Environmental Systems, CAMRADES. We will integrate predictive models of AMR transport and associated risks to human health, improve stakeholders' understanding of AMR, potential risks, and mitigation strategies, and motivate the adoption of research-based practices to protect human health.

The objectives of the study are to: (1) Characterize and predict transport of AMR targets via surface and subsurface pathways in agro-ecosystems; (2) Integrate results into a novel adaptable framework (CAMRADES) to assess risk associated with transport of AMR through agricultural environments to humans as a result of farming practices; (3) Improve knowledge of AMR-related risks and inspire adoption of practices among food producers to combat AMR-related health and food safety risks associated with agroecosystems.

Recent Publications: None yet.