

INNOVATION
IN ACTION

Join us at the 2025 CASFER Connect Symposium, taking place November 6-7, 2025, in Cambridge, MA. This year’s event will bring together a dynamic community of researchers, industry leaders, students, and partners committed to shaping the future of agricultural. As global food demands intensify, this symposium will serve as a vital platform for discussing how innovative technologies and collaborative research can transform fertilizer production, nutrient recovery, and nitrogen management.​​
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For full guidelines on travel, the poster session, CASFER member reimbursement and key dates, please click below!

AGENDA
Samburg Conference Center
50 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, MA 02142
Koch Institute
500 Main St.
Building 76
Cambridge, MA 02139
TIME (ET)
Thursday, Nov. 6
1:00pm-2:00pm
IPAB Meeting (Closed Meeting)
at the Landau Building Room 66-480
6:30pm-8:30pm
Welcome Reception, Sponsored by Inside Out, LLC
at the Samburg Conference Center
8:00am-12:00pm
Synagro Tour
Travel will be arranged from the hotel.
2:00pm-5:30pm
CASFER Leadership & Boards Meeting (Closed Meeting)
at the Landau Building Room 66-360
TIME (ET)
Friday, Nov. 7
All events will be hosted at the Koch Institute
8:00am-9:00am
Networking Breakfast & Poster Set-Up
Buffet breakfast and designated time for students to set up their posters
9:00am-9:30am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
CASFER Vision & Highlights
- Gerri Botte, PhD
Welcome Remarks
- MIT Leadership
- IPAB Leadership
9:30am-10:30am
The Innovation Revolution: How CASFER is Pioneering Breakthough Solutions to Redefine Waste, Reinvent Fertilizer, and Reshape Our Sustainable Future
- Gerri Botte, PhD
10:30am-10:45am
Morning Break
Refreshments and Networking
10:45am-11:45am
Models for Economic Fertilizer Resilience
- CASFER Research Team & Industry Partners
11:45am-12:45pm
CASFER in Action: E-Grow® and Bio-Grow
- CASFER Research Team & Industry Partners
12:45pm-1:00pm
Lunch Served
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1:00pm-2:00pm
Meet CASFER CFEAL: Cultivating the Next Generation of Engineering Leaders
- CASFER CFEAL Student Presentations & Panel Discussion
2:00pm-3:00pm
Student Poster Session​
Display of Student Posters
3:00pm-3:15 pm
Afternoon Break
Refreshments and Networking
3:15pm-4:15 pm
Industry Panel
Moderated Panel Discussion of Current Industry Challenges and Wins
4:15pm-5:15pm
Student and Industry Round Table Discussion
Student-led Discussion with Industry Members
5:15pm-5:30pm
Closing Remarks
- Gerri Botte, PhD
5:30pm-7:30pm
Closing Reception
- hosted by MIT
ACCOMMODATIONS
The official conference hotel will be the Boston Marriott Cambridge. CASFER faculty, students, staff, and researchers do not need to book their own hotel room. Hotel check in will be Thursday Nov 6 and check out Saturday Nov 8. Any non-CASFER attendees will be responsible for their lodging unless other arrangements have been made with CASFER Leadership.
There is a variety of public transportation to help you navigate the Boston metroplex if you choose. However, the hotel is conveniently located and only a 5 minute walk to the Koch Institute.
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The closest airport is Boston Logan International. Information for CASFER attendees on flight reimbursement will be provided to PIs. Non-CASFER attendees will be responsible for their own travel arrangements.
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More information about accommodations will be coming soon, so please check back!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Who should attend this event?
Anyone who would like to learn more about the work CASFER is doing to revolutionize waste streams and bolster food security. It is open to professors, researchers, students, and industry. Industry members seeking to partner with CASFER are particularly encouraged to attend. CASFER students should consult their PI to determine if they should attend, as well.
2. Is there a registration fee or cost to attend?
There is no registration fee, however you must register to gain entrance into the event.
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3. What is the agenda or schedule for the event?
Please see the schedule above for details. The agenda will be updated as speakers are announced and changes are made, so check back often.
4. Will meals or refreshments be provided?
Meals will be provided for attendees. Please include any dietary restrictions that you have when you register.
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5. Are travel or lodging accommodations available?
Attendees are responsible for their travel and lodging. Hotel check in will be Thursday Nov 6 and check out Saturday Nov 8. More information about lodging and accommodations will be available soon.
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For CASFER researchers and students, travel and lodging will be provided by CASFER. More details will become available to you as we draw closer to the event. If you have any questions, please email casfer@ttu.edu.
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6. Can I present or participate as a speaker/panelist?
We are not currently accepting proposals for speakers or panelists.
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7. Will the event be recorded or live-streamed for virtual attendees?
No. This is an in-person event.
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8. Are there any competitions, poster sessions, or project showcases for students?
There will be a poster session in the morning and a student pitch competition during lunch. Students will receive information about requirements and guidelines soon.
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9. What should I bring to the event (e.g., laptop, ID, resume)?
Bring an inquisitive mind and a means to be able to take notes if you would like to.
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10. Can students from other universities or schools attend?
Yes, however, only CASFER-related students will be allowed to present posters and participate in the pitch competition.
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11. How can I stay updated about event changes or announcements?
For updates and event changes, please follow us on our social media channels and check back to this website often!
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12. Who can I contact for more information or assistance?
For more information or if you have any questions please contact casfer@ttu.edu.