Essential Element
Phosphorus is an essential element to life, underpinning many critical biological processes and driving the productivity and sustainability of global food systems.
The Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center is a convergence research community of diverse and leading scientists that addresses the complex challenges in phosphorus sustainability by integrating disciplinary contributions across the physical, life, social, and economic sciences. The STEPS vision is to facilitate a 25% reduction in human dependence on mined phosphates and a 25% reduction in losses of point and non-point sources of phosphorus to soils and water resources within 25 years, leading to enhanced resilience of food systems and reduced environmental damage.
The STEPS Partnership Program
STEPS REU Program
STEPS will support 15 students for ten weeks during Summer 2026 through a multi-institutional Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program.
Multi-institutional Research Experience
Convergence research through a collaborative cohort project.
Projects that align research and career interests.
A Roadmap to Phosphorus Sustainability
Could a "critical" label change the future of phosphorus?
A new article from the lab of Dr. Justin Baker explores how the recent critical mineral designation for phosphate rock shifts the focus toward supply chain resilience. Authors Justin Baker, Clarisse Owens, and Chanheung Cho discuss how this status could unlock new incentives for P-use efficiency and secondary recovery.
Read the full breakdown at https://loom.ly/LbZlTGc
#Phosphorus #CriticalMineral #STEPS
Congratulations to our very own Kailyn Harris-Gilliam! 🌟
Kailyn was recently recognized at the NC State 2026 College of Engineering Awards, taking home the Award for Excellence in Human Relations. As our Student Engagement Coordinator, she has gone above and beyond to create a welcoming, inclusive community for STEPS trainees across the country.
Thank you for everything you do to make the STEPS Center a success, Kailyn!
#STEPS
Excited to share an upcoming opportunity from the STEPS Center!
We’re hosting a Research Spotlight & Networking Mixer on May 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM as part of our annual meeting, bringing together nearly 100 faculty, researchers, and graduate scholars from 11 institutions across the U.S.
This event will feature brief research spotlights from scholars across disciplines, including environmental science, engineering, agriculture, data science, AI, economics, policy, and the social sciences, followed by a networking session to build connections across academia, industry, and organizational partners.
There are also several ways to engage:
🔹 Attend and connect with our research community
🔹 Serve as a judge or share a brief lightning talk
🔹 Sponsor the event to support scholar development and increase your organization’s visibility—even if you’re unable to attend in person
If you’re interested in emerging research, collaboration opportunities, or connecting with talented students and early-career scholars, this is a great space to engage.
📣 Please feel free to share with your networks or reach out to learn more!
#STEPS #ScienceAndResearch
Found in our soil, our water, and the very DNA of every living thing 🌿
For #EarthDay, we’re spelling it out: Phosphorus is a building block of life. At the STEPS Center, we’re working to ensure this essential element is managed sustainably so our planet can keep blooming for generations to come. 🌎
#STEPSCenter #PhosphorusSustainability
Protecting our water starts with how we manage phosphorus
Hear STEPS Scholar Maria Torres explain her work in phosphorus management, a vital contribution to the global fight against water pollution. 💧🌱
#Sustainability #STEPSCenter #Phosphorus
Our T2PM Workshop in Belle Glade (April 21-22) is approaching fast. This event is designed for STEPS members to share insights, solve challenges, and network with leaders in the field.
Whether you are a subject matter expert or looking to expand your knowledge, your voice is vital to our planning process.
✅ Provide your input here with this survey: https://loom.ly/yiJ0Cnk
✅ Register here: https://loom.ly/_EJubAA
We look forward to a productive two days!
#Phosphorus #Sustainability
We’re closing out our #PhosphorusWeek festivities with a look back at our time at the NC State Earth Fair. From sharing our STEPS vision to seeing who actually knows their P trivia, it’s been a week to remember. Thanks for celebrating with us! 🌍
#Sustainability #EarthMonth #Pweek
🎉 Meet our April Scholar of the Month: Ke’shan Lighty! 🎉
With both P Week and Graduate Student Appreciation Week in full swing, there is no better time to celebrate Ke’shan’s work. 🎓
His research investigates phosphorus in diverse environments, from capturing it in agricultural runoff to using it to modify bio-oil chemistry. This work helps link environmental remediation and agricultural products to sustainable materials engineering.
We are proud to highlight Ke’shan`s dedication as he helps to secure a phosphorus-smart future!
#Pweek #GraduateStudent #Phosphorus
Alongside our P Week events, we are recognizing Graduate Student Appreciation Week! We’re sharing a special sound bite from scholar, Barira Rashid, on her contributions to phosphorus sustainability.
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge on phosphorus research, be sure to tune in to the PhosForUs Podcast at:
https://loom.ly/BWmW5Sc or https://loom.ly/t0keGoQ
#Pweek #GraduateStudents #Phosphorus
The celebration of P Week continues with our friends at the PhosForUs Podcast! 🎙️
This week’s episode, "STEPS Toward a P-Resilient World," is a must-listen for our community. Join STEPS Center leadership, Maude Cuchiara and Jacob Jones, as they reflect on the center`s vision and the growing importance of building a connected community around phosphorus sustainability.
Check out the latest episode on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! 🎧
#STEPS #PWeek #Phosphorus
Phosphate Rock is now a U.S. Critical Mineral, underscoring its irreplaceable role in our world!
As we celebrate the 15th element this week, we must remember it is a finite resource. By supporting better recycling and smarter use, we can secure this "element of life" for generations to come!
#ResourceSecurity #PWeek #CriticalMineralsList
Did you know that every spark of energy in your body is powered by phosphorus?
As we celebrate Phosphorus Week, we’re taking a closer look at how the human body utilizes Element 15. 🧬🦴
#Phosphorus #PWeek #Element15 #DidYouKnow
