Join us at the 2026 CASFER Connect Symposium, taking place November 5–6, 2026, in East Lansing, MI. Attendees traveling to the event are expected to arrive on November 4, 2026. Hotel reservations are available beginning November 4, with the option to check out on Saturday, November 7. The main symposium will take place on Thursday, November 5, followed by facility tours on Friday, November 6, and student and leadership activities that afternoon.
This year’s event will bring together a dynamic community of researchers, industry leaders, students, and partners united by a shared vision for transforming the future of agriculture. As global food demands continue to grow, CASFER Connect will explore how innovative technologies, groundbreaking research, and cross-sector collaboration can move ideas from the lab into the real world—advancing fertilizer production, nutrient recovery, and nitrogen management. Together, we’ll connect research with impact and turn innovation into action.
To register for the 2026 CASFER Connect Symposium, please click below!
AGENDA
Marriott East Lansing at University Place
300 MAC Avenue
East Lansing, MI 48823, US
TIME (ET)
Thursday, Nov. 5
The main program will be hosted at Marriott East Lansing.
8:00am-9:00am
Networking Breakfast & Poster Set-Up
Breakfast and designated time for scholar poster set-up
9:00am-9:15am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
CASFER Vision & Highlights
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Gerri Botte, PhD, CASFER Center Director
Welcome Remarks
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Wei Liao, PhD, Michigan State University
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Matthew Daum, PhD, Associate Provost & Dean College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
9:15am-10:15am
How CASFER is Enabling the Future of Fertilizer + Q&A
Overview of CASFER Progress, research priorities, technology translation, and vision for the next phase of the Center
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Gerri Botte, PhD, CASFER Center Director
10:15am-10:30am
Morning Break
Refreshments and Networking
10:30am-11:00am
CASFER at Michigan State University: Research, Facilities, and Opportunities for Collaboration + Q&A
Introduction to MSU capabilities relevant to CASFER, including agricultural systems, anaerobic digestion, nutrient recovery, and related research and demonstration capabilities.
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Wei Liao, PhD, Michigan State University + MSU Team
11:00am-11:45am
Present and Future of the Biosolids and Organic Fertilizer Business + Q&A
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James Dunbar, M.B.A, P.E. / Lystek International
11:45am-12:30pm
Presentation Title TBD + Q&A
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Dr. Hui Li, a university foundation distinguished professor and the associate director of MSU Center for PFAS research
12:30pm-1:30pm
Lunch & Networking
1:30pm-2:30pm
Plants Insights & CASFER Fertilizers
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Haydee Laza, PhD, Texas Tech University
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Lindsey Slaughter, PhD, Texas Tech University
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Odemari Mbuya, PhD, Florida A&M University
2:30pm-3:30pm
Poster Session
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CASFER Students
3:30pm-4:00pm
CASFER Flowsheet Updates
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Joe Scott, PhD, Georgia Institute of Technology
4:00pm-4:15pm
Afternoon Break
Refreshments and Networking
4:15pm-5:00pm
Separations and Discovery Projects
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Marta Hatzell, PhD, Georgia Institute of Technology + team
5:00pm-6:00pm
Industry and Regulatory Panel
A moderated discussion with CASFER industry partners focused on current industry challenges, technology translation, and opportunities for collaboration
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James Dunbar, M.B.A, P.E. / Lystek International.
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Xin Zhang / University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
6:00pm-6:05pm
Closing Remarks
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Gerri Botte, PhD, CASFER Center Director
6:30pm-8:00pm
CASFER Reception & CFEAL Graduation
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Location: MSU Union / Lake Huron Room, 49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
TIME (ET)
9:00am-9:15am
9:15am-11:45am
12:00pm-1:00pm
1:00pm-5:00pm
1:00pm-5:00pm
Friday, Nov. 6
Departure for MSU Facilities
Transportation from Marriott
MSU Facility Tours
Lunch at MSU Dairy Facility
Translating Research: Finding the Right Words for the Right Audience
Session for CASFER scholars (Postdocs, Graduate, Undergraduate students) hosted by the SLC and offered by the Alda Center for Science Communication
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Location: MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching & Research Center, 4075 College Rd, Lansing, MI 48910
Closed Session - CASFER Leadership Strategic Planning Retreat
This is an invite-only session for CASFER leadership.
PARTNER INSTITUTIONS
Industry Members
ACCOMMODATIONS
The official conference hotel will be the Marriott East Lansing at University Place. CASFER faculty, students, staff, and researchers do not need to book their own hotel room. Hotel check in will be Wednesday Nov 4 and check out Saturday Nov 7. Any non-CASFER attendees will be responsible for their lodging unless other arrangements have been made with CASFER Leadership.
Attendees traveling to the event are expected to arrive on November 4, 2026. Hotel reservations are available beginning November 4, with the option to check out on Saturday, November 7. The main symposium will take place on Thursday, November 5, followed by facility tours on Friday, November 6, and student and leadership activities that afternoon.
The conference will be held at the hotel, but there is a variety of public transportation to help you navigate Lansing if you choose.
For those traveling by air, we recommend flying into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and taking the Michigan Flyer bus from DTW to East Lansing.). Information for CASFER attendees on flight reimbursement will be provided to PIs. Non-CASFER attendees will be responsible for their own travel arrangements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
6. Can I present or participate as a speaker/panelist?
We are not currently accepting proposals for speakers or panelists.
7. Will the event be recorded or live-streamed for virtual attendees?
No. This is an in-person event.
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.
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.
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.
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!
12. Who can I contact for more information or assistance?
For more information or if you have any questions please contact casfer@ttu.edu.