The CFAES Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration hosted its Undergraduate Carbon Academy on March 6, 2026, offering students an in‑depth learning opportunity focused on the science, economics, and societal importance of carbon. Designed as an informative academic workshop, the program introduced participants to key concepts shaping today’s carbon conversation.
The session began with an overview of the basic concepts of terrestrial carbon, helping students understand how carbon moves through soil, vegetation, and ecosystems. This foundation supported deeper discussions on how carbon can be increased in soils and trees, highlighting the natural processes and land‑management practices that enhance carbon storage across landscapes.
Students were also introduced to the assessment of carbon credits, including how carbon sequestration is quantified and verified for participation in carbon markets. The workshop further explored the societal value of carbon, emphasizing its role in climate mitigation, sustainable development, and environmental resilience.
The program concluded with an explanation of payments for ecosystem services, an increasingly important framework that financially supports land managers for practices that deliver ecological benefits, including carbon sequestration, water quality improvement, and biodiversity enhancement.
The 2026 Undergraduate Carbon Academy provided students with a clear, accessible introduction to the world of carbon science and policy. Through expert instruction and engaging discussion, the event strengthened participants’ understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of carbon management.
Many thanks to everyone who made this Academy a great success:
Michelle Smith, Center Manager
Dr. Rattan Lal, Distinguished University Professor of Soil Science, OSU
Dr. Klaus Lorenz, Senior Research Associate, OSU
Kyle Sklenka, Research Associate & Lab Manager, OSU
Dr. Asmita Murumkar, Assistant Professor, Ecosystems Services Field Specialist, OSU
Karnpanich Tunskul, PhD Student, Department of Agricultural, Environmental, & Development Economics, OSU
Dr. Joseph Campbell, Senior Lecturer, School of Environment & Natural Resources, OSU
Dr. Tania Burgos-Hernández, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, CSCC