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Agronomy, crop and soil science societies to present scholarships in Pittsburgh

Outstanding students recognized for their accomplishments in agronomy, soil science and crop science

MADISON, WI, October 1, 2009 – The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) will present the following 2009 Scholarships and Fellowships at their Annual Meetings on Nov. 1-5 in Pittsburgh, PA, www.acsmeetings.org.

American Society of Agronomy Scholarships:

• The Hank Beachell Future Leader Scholarship, funded through the Agronomic Science Foundation, was established in recognition of Henry A. Beachell's commitment to advancing the knowledge of agriculture through his work in rice breeding and development. The purpose is to expand the agricultural knowledge of undergraduate students participating in activities that enhance their university studies. The ASA 2009 Hank Beachell Future Leader Scholarship will be presented to: Zoe E. Teague – University of Arkansas. Zoe E. Teague is a junior environmental, soil, and water science major at University of Arkansas with minors in agricultural business and entomology. She serves as an Associated Student Government Senator for the College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences, and is a member of the Razorback Band. She recently returned from Belize where she spent the summer studying sustainable agriculture as a part of a Community Development Service Learning Project.

• The United Soybean Board Fellowship promotes graduate education in the area of plant sciences, emphasizing the development of improved soybean varieties, understanding soybean genetics, and developing improved ways to grow and use soybeans. The intention of the fellowship is to attract the highest quality students whose careers will continue to advance the science of soybean improvement. Funds for the fellowship are provided by the United Soybean Board. The 2009 United Soybean Board Fellowship will be presented to:
  • Raechel Baumgartner – Iowa State University. Raechel Baumgartner is a graduate student in the Agronomy Department at Iowa State University. She received a B.S. in agronomy at Iowa State. She is studying plant breeding and working with the soybean breeding project. Her M.S. thesis analyzed the tocopherol content of soybean lines with mid-oleate and 1%-linolenate content. Her dissertation involves determining the aphid threshold for soybeans with Rag1 resistance and characterizing a virus that is problematic for soybeans grown off-season in Puerto Rico.

  • Landon Ries – University of Minnesota. Landon Ries is a graduate student in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at University of Minnesota. He received a B.S. in agronomy and seed science from Iowa State University in 2007. Ries received a M.S. in crop physiology from University of Arkansas in 2009, studying soybean drought tolerance under Dr. Larry Purcell. Currently he is pursuing a Ph.D. focusing on soybean breeding, genetics, and physiology under Drs. James Orf and Seth Naeve.

• The Cross-Cultural Experience Program is awarded to an undergraduate student going on a study abroad. It provides the student with summer learning and working experience to learn more about agricultural sciences and agricultural education through international agricultural programs. It also provides an opportunity for students to live with students of another culture and language. It is funded through the Agronomic Science Foundation, Lewis B. Nelson Fund. The 2009 Cross-Cultural Experience Scholarship will be presented to: Samantha Jones – University of Arkansas. Samantha Jones is a junior environmental, soil, and water science major at University of Arkansas with a minor in German. She is a member of the Crop, Soil, and Environmental SASES Chapter and served as secretary/treasurer in 2008. Jones will be attending the Scottish Agriculture College in Edinburgh, taking courses in environmental protection and sustainable environmental management. She will also be learning about different agricultural systems. After graduation, she plans to start her own farm, and she hopes her experiences in Scotland will help her understand the responsibilities and techniques needed to develop an eco-friendly business.

Crop Science Society of America Scholarships:

• The CSSA Gerald O. Mott Scholarship is provided to a meritorious student who has completed at least one year of graduate work leading to an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in a field of emphasis within crop science and who has outstanding potential for leadership. The scholarship is supported through a contribution by Mrs. Lorraine Mott and family and contributions to the Agronomic Science Foundation. The 2009 Gerald O. Mott Scholarship will be presented to: Carlos Acuña - Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Argentina. Carlos Acuña is an assistant professor in Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias (Agronomy Department) at Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (University of the Northeast) in Argentina. He received a B.S. from University of the Northeast, and a M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Florida. His program focuses on plant breeding of tropical and subtropical grasses. Dr. Acuña conducts research on the use of apomixis for fixing superior hybrids. He also teaches genetics and plant breeding.

• The Golden Opportunity Scholars Institute is a program of the CSSA that matches undergraduates with scientist-mentors during the ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings. The program encourages talented students to enter the crop sciences, cultivate networks, and develop the necessary workforce to sustain the profession. The following undergraduates have been selected as 2009 Golden Opportunity Scholars based on their academic achievements and interest in crop science:
  • Sarah Bertrand – Louisiana State University. Sarah Bertrand is a junior in the School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences at Louisiana State University (LSU), majoring in plant and soil systems with minors in environmental management systems and biological sciences. She is a member of ASA, CSSA, and LSU's Agronomy Club. Bertrand also conducts independent research with LSU's Coastal Plants Breeding Program. She plans to pursue graduate work in plant breeding, focusing on research related to improved crop varieties.

  • Dara Boardman – University of Missouri. Dara Boardman is a senior at University of Missouri, majoring in plant science with an emphasis in breeding, genetics, and biotechnology. She is an active member of Sigma Alpha Agriculture Sorority and the Agronomy Club, where she served as president. After graduation in December 2009, Boardman will begin graduate school in agronomy. She hopes to help farmers utilize new agricultural technology to improve crop yields and production practices.

  • Jessica Bubert – University of Minnesota. Jessica Bubert is a junior at University of Minnesota, majoring in applied plant science, with a plant improvement emphasis. She is also completing minors in agronomy and plant biology. Bubert is involved with collegiate and national organizations for women in agriculture, the Crops and Soils Club, and Beta of Clovia Agricultural Sorority. She plans to attend graduate school for plant breeding and hopes to have a career as a researcher in industry or academia.

  • Austin Case – Colorado State University. Austin Case is an undergraduate at Colorado State University majoring in soil and crop sciences, with a concentration in plant biotechnology, genetics, and breeding. Case has been an active member of the Agronomy Club and is currently serving as the organization's treasurer. He plans to attend graduate school for plant breeding and genetics and hopes to research crop improvement methods.

  • Jason Cavadini – University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Jason Cavadini is an undergraduate student in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences at University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He is majoring in crop and soil sciences. Cavadini is currently an officer of the Crops and Soils Club and is a member of the Soil Judging Team. He has also conducted research on the effect of row-spacing on soil erosion in no-till soybeans. Cavadini plans to attend graduate school to study soil science and nutrient management.

  • Emma Flemmig – Iowa State University. Emma Flemmig is a senior at Iowa State University majoring in agronomy, biology, and international agriculture. She is active in the International Association of Students in Agriculture and Related Sciences and the Crop Judging Team. Flemmig has studied in Argentina and has extensive research experience. She plans on attending graduate school in plant breeding and hopes to run a public breeding program with an international focus.

  • Katherine Frels – Iowa State University. Katherine Frels is a junior at Iowa State University majoring in agronomy with a plant breeding and biotechnology option. She is a member of her local SASES chapter and the Honors Program. Frels plans to attend graduate school for plant breeding and hopes to become involved in research and development at a major seed company or university.

  • Race Higgins – University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign. Race Higgins is a junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in plant biotechnology and molecular biology with a minor in chemistry. His study focuses mainly on crop breeding and genetics. Higgins is a member of Crop Science Ambassadors and serves as the reporter for Field and Furrow, his local SASES chapter. He plans to attend graduate school for plant breeding and hopes to become a researcher in private industry or an academic institution.

  • Chang Lian – Cornell University. Chang Lian is a senior at Cornell University majoring in agriculture sciences with a concentration of crop production and management. Before transferring to Cornell in 2008, he attended the China Agricultural University. Lian plans on attending graduate school to study agricultural economics and policy. He hopes to become an agricultural product analyst in private industry or a science policy advisor for the government.

  • Leah Ruff – Iowa State University. Leah Ruff is a junior at Iowa State University majoring in agronomy with a minor in Spanish. Her study focuses on plant breeding and biotechnology. Ruff is a member of the Agronomy Club, Soil Judging Team, and the KKY, an honorary co-ed service fraternity. She is also a community advisor in the dorms. Ruff plans to attend graduate school in plant breeding and hopes to become a plant breeder for industry or for an academic institution.

  • Jenae Skelton – Kansas State University. Jenae Skelton is a senior at Kansas State University majoring in agronomy with a plant science and biotechnology option and a minor in international agriculture. Skelton is an active member of the Wheat State Agronomy Club. She has held offices with the organization for the past three years in addition to serving as the SASES Recording Secretary in 2007-08. She plans to attend graduate school in plant breeding and hopes to work in crop genetics and plant breeding.

  • Lindsey Slaughter – University of Tennessee-Martin. Lindsey Slaughter is a senior at the University of Tennessee- Martin (UTM) majoring in environmental management. Her study focuses on environmental conservation and soil science. Slaughter is an officer in the UTM chapter of the Tennessee Wildlife Society, a member of the Soil Judging Team, and a member of the University Scholars Organization, the highest honors program awarded at UTM. She plans to become a conservation planner or environmental consultant for a government institution or private industry.

  • Hunter Stambaugh – Penn State. Hunter Stambaugh is a junior at Penn State majoring in environmental soil science with a minor in agronomy. Stambaugh is a member of the Agronomy Club. He has also worked on several projects within the Crop and Soil Sciences Department including soil core and soybean analysis. After graduation he plans to attend graduate school for crop production systems and hopes to work as a crop consultant or extension agent.

  • Heather Taylor – Virginia Tech. Heather Taylor is a senior at Virginia Tech double majoring in agro-ecology and philosophy. Taylor is active in her local SASES chapter and the Soil Judging Team. She plans to stay at Virginia Tech to attend graduate school for environmentally restorative crop management systems. She would like to begin a career as a crop consultant after finishing graduate school, and she hopes to one day teach agriculture to elementary school students.

  • Sally Turpin – University of Wisconsin-Madison. Sally Turpin is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in animal science and agronomy. She has been a member of Badger Dairy Club, Saddle & Sirloin, Collegiate FFA, and Babcock House. Turpin would like to stay involved in production agriculture after graduation, possibly pursuing a career in crop scouting.

Soil Science Society of America Scholarship:

• The National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists (NSCSS) Scholarship was established to encourage undergraduate students to major in soil science degree programs. The scholarship recruits top quality students into nationally recognized soil science programs to meet the expanding and diverse needs of this field. The NSCSS also encourages soil science degree graduates to pursue a career in the field of professional consulting soil science to meet the various public needs and practical applications of this science. Funds for the scholarship are made available by a gift from the National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists, Inc. The 2009 National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists Scholarships will be awarded to:
  • AnnaRose Adams – Oregon State University. AnnaRose Adams is a junior at Oregon State University pursuing an honors double degree in bio-resource research, focusing on water sciences; and soil science, concentrating in soil ecology. She is also pursuing a minor in oceanography. Adams believes that the breadth of her degrees and undergraduate research experience will provide her with the academic foundation necessary to address environmental issues. She plans to attend graduate school in marine resource management.

  • Priscilla Woolverton – Oregon State University. Priscilla Woolverton is a senior at Oregon State University majoring in soil science and natural resource management. Her academic pursuits have focused on the effect of geomorphology, soil biology, and human management systems on soil processes. She is currently collaborating with Professors Maria Dragila and Markus Kleber in researching the phenomenon of soil hydrophobicity. Woolverton is an active member of the Oregon State Soil Judging Team, a student member of the Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association and the Oregon Society of Soil Scientists.

For more information on the 2009 awards presented at the ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings, please visit www.agronomy.org/awards/award or contact Sara Uttech, 608-268-4948, suttech@agronomy.org

Photos of the recipients receiving their awards will be posted to our News & Media webpage following the Annual Meetings: www.agronomy.org/news-media

The American Society of Agronomy (ASA) www.agronomy.org/, is a scientific society helping its 8,000+ members advance the disciplines and practices of agronomy by supporting professional growth and science policy initiatives, and by providing quality, research-based publications and a variety of member services.

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