By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS | Adapted from Alabama A&M University
Alabama A&M University students are gaining paid research experience while exploring how land surrounding the campus solar farm could support agriculture, recreation and renewable energy.
The interdisciplinary initiative involves urban planning, engineering, computer science and agricultural sciences, giving students opportunities to help shape campus development.
“Students need to have a say in their campus development and site design,” said Dr. Ahmed Ouf, professor of urban design and architecture.
Ideas under consideration include outdoor classrooms, walking trails, gathering spaces and raised planting beds. Agriculture students are exploring crops that could grow around solar panels and the possible use of sheep to manage vegetation.
Engineering and computer science students plan to combine drone imagery, thermal measurements and solar production data to identify equipment problems and improve maintenance decisions.
Meanwhile, construction of a nearby battery energy storage system began around September 2026, with completion expected by spring 2027. It will store solar-generated electricity for AAMU’s electric buses, including nighttime charging.
Many proposals remain exploratory, but the initiative is connecting classroom learning with practical workforce development and campus planning.