STEPS | NC State University
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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
Learn more about 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
STEPS Announces a Roadmap Toward U.S. Phosphorus Sustainability
STEPS is pleased to share “25-in-25: A Roadmap Toward U.S. Phosphorus Sustainability,” a project led by our partner institution RTI. This roadmap serves as a guide for the actions needed to improve sustainable management of phosphorus (P) in the United States. We outline current P management problems and their impact on stakeholders and organize sets of actions into Impact Opportunities. This roadmap is the result of collaboration between STEPS and external stakeholders, including industry representatives, policymakers, and others.
Read the Roadmap (PDF)
Donate to STEPS
Your support helps advance phosphorus sustainability, support interdisciplinary research, and develop future scientists and engineers.
Student and Postdoctoral Opportunities
View current information on opportunities to join STEPS as an undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral scholar.
PHOSPHORUS IN THE NEWS
See More News
STEPS researchers create new way to remove phosphorus from contaminated water
Researchers have created an inexpensive hydrogel that can filter phosphorus from contaminated surface waters, drinking water supplies or wastewater streams to reduce P pollution and reuse the P for agricultural and industrial applications. In addition to efficiently capturing and releasing phosphorus, the hydrogels can be reused multiple times – making them cost-effective.
STEPS education team reaches over 130,000 students with P sustainability message this year
The STEPS’ Education Research team, led by NC State University Distinguished Professor of Science Education Dr. Gail Jones, has completed a highlight year. This team conducts research on student learning and experiences, such as in a convergence research center like STEPS, along with educational outreach.
STEPS leads discussion of phosphorus sustainability at UM6P’s Science Week
Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center faculty members traveled to Benguerir, Morocco last week to participate in the University of Mohammad IV Polytechnic’s (UM6P) annual Science Week conference.
STEPS’ Director Jacob Jones gave a keynote address on the first morning, “Shaping Our Future with Phosphorus.”
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🌱The STEPS Center is an NSF-funded research center advancing phosphorus sustainability for 🌎 food security | 💧🌽🚽📈🔬♻️ | HQ: @ncstate
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
Open post by steps_stc with ID 18456836239110574
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
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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
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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
11
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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
...
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🎉 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
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Open post by steps_stc with ID 18127490698575670
🎉 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
...
31
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:
#Pweek #GraduateStudents #Phosphorus
Open post by steps_stc with ID 18003604286728493
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:
#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
Open post by steps_stc with ID 18098677322099044
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
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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
Open post by steps_stc with ID 18062584091694601
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
...
Level up your science trivia! 💡 We’ve rounded up four fascinating facts about the 15th element to kick off Phosphorus Week.
Join the celebration by sharing your favorite phosphorus fact in the comments! 🌱
#PWeek #Element15 #ScienceTrivia
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Level up your science trivia! 💡 We’ve rounded up four fascinating facts about the 15th element to kick off Phosphorus Week.
Join the celebration by sharing your favorite phosphorus fact in the comments! 🌱
#PWeek #Element15 #ScienceTrivia
...
In recognition of the 15th week of the year, we are proud to celebrate Phosphorus Week! 🌱💧🌎
Help us raise awareness for P-sustainability by sharing industry news and honoring the collective efforts of organizations working toward a more sustainable future.
#PhosphorusWeek #Phosphorus #Sustainability
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Open post by steps_stc with ID 18075978548164301
In recognition of the 15th week of the year, we are proud to celebrate Phosphorus Week! 🌱💧🌎
Help us raise awareness for P-sustainability by sharing industry news and honoring the collective efforts of organizations working toward a more sustainable future.
#PhosphorusWeek #Phosphorus #Sustainability
...
10
Donating to the STEPS Enhancement Fund this #DayOfGiving helps scholars like Imani innovate for a more phosphorus-sustainable future.
Your support provides the resources, research opportunities, and community needed to solve one of our planet’s most "hidden" environmental challenges. Let’s invest in the scientists who are engineering a food-secure world.
Support Imani and the STEPS using the link in our story!
#DayofGiving #STEPS #Phosphorus
Open post by steps_stc with ID 18400844617196328
Donating to the STEPS Enhancement Fund this #DayOfGiving helps scholars like Imani innovate for a more phosphorus-sustainable future.
Your support provides the resources, research opportunities, and community needed to solve one of our planet’s most "hidden" environmental challenges. Let’s invest in the scientists who are engineering a food-secure world.
Support Imani and the STEPS using the link in our story!
#DayofGiving #STEPS #Phosphorus
...
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