Kang Xia has been named associate director of Michigan State University AgBioResearch. Her appointment begins April 14.

Xia, who most recently served as associate director of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station at Virginia Tech, joins MSU AgBioResearch director George Smith and associate director James Averill in leading MSU’s long-standing research unit dedicated to discovering dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment.

As associate director, Xia will promote the full spectrum of fundamental and applied research across MSU disciplines, working closely with MSU AgBioResearch-affiliated faculty to build synergies for future collaborations, identify research initiatives, seek funding opportunities and support team efforts in pursuing large grants and investments.