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ASA, CSSA and SSSA present scholarships and fellowships

MADISON, WI, SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 – The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) will present the following 2010 Scholarships and Fellowships at their Annual Meetings on Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Long Beach, CA, 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 2010 Hank Beachell Future Leader Scholarship will be presented to: Jason Cavadini – University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Jason Cavadini is a senior majoring in crop and soil science at The University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He is currently serving as the Vice President of the UW-River Falls Crops and Soils Club. Cavadini has gained agricultural experience through employment with Dow AgroSciences and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Soil Science. He has also facilitated an independent research on the impact of row spacing on sediment and phosphorus losses in no-till soybeans. He plans to attend graduate school to focus on soil fertility and nutrient management upon graduating in the spring of 2011.

• 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 2010 United Soybean Board Fellowship will be presented to:

  Kyle Kocak – University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Kyle Kocak is a graduate student in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He received a B.S. in agronomy from Iowa State University. Kocak's research is focused on iron deficiency chlorosis in soybeans.

  Trulie Campbell – Purdue University. Trulie Campbell is a graduate student in the Agronomy Department at Purdue University in Soybean Breeding and Plant Genetics. Campbell received a B.S. from Purdue University. Her program focuses mainly on improving genetic traits in soybeans to common agronomic problems, including soybean aphid resistance. She served as a teaching assistant for several agronomic labs at Purdue, a graduate research assistant in her own lab and is currently completing her second internship with Monsanto Company to identify aphid resistant soybean varieties.

• 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 2010 Cross-Cultural Experience Scholarship will be presented to: April Maxwell – Auburn University. April Maxwell is a sophomore majoring in agronomy and soils at Auburn University. She is also the secretary of the Agronomy Club at Auburn University. After graduation, she plans to acquire a Ph.D. in agronomy. Then she will pursue a career as a professor. She will study abroad at Northwest Agricultural & Forestry University in China during the summer of 2011.

• The Frank D. Keim Graduate Fellowship is awarded to enhance the National Student Recognition Program and to honor the unparalleled academic advising of the late Frank D. Keim, whose students and work have reached around the world. It is funded by the Frank D. Keim Fund of the Agronomic Science Foundation. The 2010 Frank D. Keim Graduate Fellowship is awarded to: Jared Crain – Oklahoma University. Jared Crain received a B.S. in plant and soil science at Oklahoma State University, and is working toward an M.S. at Oklahoma State University with emphasis in soil nutrient management. As a Fulbright Scholar, Jared is conducting research to extend sensor based nitrogen management technology to developing countries. His current research is in collaboration with Oklahoma State University and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).

• The J. Fielding Reed Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding undergraduate senior pursuing a career in soil or plant sciences. It was established in recognition of Dr. Reed's life-long commitment to advancing the knowledge of agriculture through his work in soil science and natural resources, and his passion for educating students. It is funded through the Agronomic Science Foundation. The 2010 J. Fielding Reed Scholarship is award to: Ross Bender – University of Illinois. Ross Bender is a M.S. student in crop physiology at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. He received a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in crop and soil sciences. His graduate program focuses mainly on nitrogen use efficiency and products/practices that may enhance the uptake and use of nitrogen. Specifically, he is analyzing nitrification inhibitors that may prevent nitrification, potentially allowing nitrogen to remain in the soil longer until nitrogen intensive reproductive stages occur.

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 2010 Gerald O. Mott Scholarship will be presented to: James Rutledge – Purdue University. James Rutledge received a B.S. and M.S. from North Carolina State University, and a Ph.D. from Purdue University. His doctoral research at Purdue University focused on understanding the morphology and physiology of roughstalk bluegrass. Dr. Rutledge is currently a product development manager working in herbicide development at Bayer CropScience. His responsibilities include commercial development of new herbicide active ingredients and continued expansion of existing registered products.

• The Golden Opportunity Scholars Institute is a program of the CSSA that matches undergraduates with scientist-mentors during the ASA, CSSA, and 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 2010 Golden Opportunity Scholars based on their academic achievements and interest in crop science:

  Carolyn Butts – University of Kentucky. Carolyn Butts is a junior in the Plant and Soil Science Department at the University of Kentucky majoring in crop and soil science with minors in mathematics and in statistics. She plans on graduating in May 2012. Her goal is to become a research professor at an academic institution. Her study focuses mainly on plant genetics and production agriculture. Butts is an ambassador for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, an officer in her college's Ag Student Council, and is an active member in her church and community. She plans on attending graduate school in plant breeding.

  J. Connor Ferguson – Oklahoma State University. J. Connor Ferguson is a senior majoring in plant and soil sciences with a minor in agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University. Upon graduating this May, Ferguson is looking to attend graduate school or work for Crop Quest Inc. as a crop consultant. He is currently working as a Wentz Scholar for Undergraduate Research under Dr. Joe Armstrong, Oklahoma's weed extension specialist. He served as the OSU Agronomy Club President during the past school year and is also a member of the Alpha Zeta Agricultural Honors Fraternity.

  Elke Grether – Oklahoma State University. Elke Grether is a student in the Plant and Soil Sciences Department at Oklahoma State University majoring in plant and soil sciences with a minor in biochemistry. Grether is a junior planning to graduate in May 2012. She intends to obtain a Master's and doctorate in plant science and breeding. Grether is focusing her education on plant breeding and genetics in hopes of developing better crops for foreign nations. She currently serves as the National SASES Activities Chair, the OSU Agronomy Club Secretary, and is a member of Alpha Zeta Agricultural Honors Fraternity.

  Adrianne Huber – Purdue University. Adrianne Huber is a sophomore in Purdue University's Agronomy Department studying international agronomy, and plans on continuing on to graduate school in environmental science engineering after completing her undergraduate degree. Her endeavor is to be an aid worker in a third world country teaching small villages and orphanages about sustainable farming practices. Huber has been actively involved with Purdue's Agronomy club, does volunteer tutoring, and has ongoing research surrounding sustainable agricultural practices in Uganda.

  Roberta Laing – Alcorn State University. Roberta Laing is a student in the Advanced Technologies Department at Alcorn State University majoring in applied science with concentrations in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and natural resources management. Laing is a senior and plans on graduating in December 2010. Her goal is to become an environmental scientist in a private industry or an academic institution. Her study focus areas are in water quality and natural resources. Roberta has been a member of ESA-SEEDS campus chapter. She plans to attend graduate school in environmental science.

  Emmaline Long – Cornell University. Emmaline Long is currently a junior at Cornell University majoring in agricultural sciences with a concentration in crop production and management. Her interests within agronomy include cover crops and vegetable production. Along with research on cover crops and nitrogen management, she is a student member of SASES and is president of the Agricultural Sciences Ambassadors. She is also involved in Alpha Zeta and Collegiate 4-H. She hopes to attend graduate school and eventually become a crop consultant.

  Mariko Matsuda – Colorado State University. Mariko Matsuda is a senior majoring in soil and crop science at Colorado State University, with a focus in plant breeding, genetics and biotechnology. She is the current Vice President of her local SASES chapter, and is performing research in plant insect resistance for her upcoming Honors thesis, which she will complete in May. After graduation Matsuda hopes to spend time in Germany, furthering her research experience, before returning to the U.S. for a Master's degree in plant genetics.

  Lara Nichols – Virginia Tech. Lara Nichols is a senior at Virginia Tech, double majoring in environmental science and environmental policy and planning. Nichols plans to attend graduate school in soil science after graduating in May 2011. Her long-term goals are to enter the fields of consulting or education. Her study focuses mainly on soil systems. Nichols has been conducting undergraduate research on improving soil compaction and biomass yield. She has also worked with The New River Planning District and Mercer County Solid Waste Authority. She plans to attend graduate school in soil science after graduating in May 2011.

  Andy Otto – University of Minnesota. Andy Otto is a senior at the University of Minnesota studying agricultural industries and marketing with a crops and soils emphasis. Otto is wrapping up his studies early and will be graduating in December 2010. Upon graduating he plans on entering into the agriculture industry working with seed and fertilizer as well as keeping ties to his family's farming operation in Wisconsin. Otto has been a member of his local SASES chapter; The Gopher Crops and Soils Club for his entire college career.

  Kaylene Sattanno – University of Florida. Kaylene Sattanno is a senior in the Agronomy Department at the University of Florida. She will graduate in May 2011 with a B.S. degree in plant science, specializing in sustainable crop production and management. She plans to attend graduate school in agronomy and work with integrated crop-livestock production systems, evaluating the sustainability and economics of the system as a whole. Her goal is to help design an integrated system that reduces inputs without compromising the economic profits of the farmer.

  Lynn Veenstra – Iowa State University. Lynn Veenstra is a junior in the Agronomy Department at Iowa State University. She is double majoring in agronomy and genetics. Veenstra plans on graduating in May 2012. Her goal is to become a plant breeder in private industry or a public institution. Her main interests are in plant nutrition and drought tolerance. She has been a member of the Iowa State University Agronomy Department Learning Community and is a member of the ISU Agronomy Club. She plans to attend graduate school in plant breeding.

  Germán Wies – Beunos Aires University. Germán Wies is a student in the Faculty of Agronomy at Buenos Aires University. He is majoring in crop science with a minor in agronomy. Wies is a junior and plans on graduating in July 2011. His goal is to become an agronomist to advise producers and technicians in the implementation of agricultural technologies. His study focuses mainly on grain crops eco-physiology. Wies has been an honorary assistant in the Department of Ecology, Faculty of Agronomy (UBA) during 2006-2007. He plans on attending graduate school in crop eco-physiology.

Soil Science Society of America Scholarships:

• 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 2010 National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists Scholarships will be awarded to:

  Jason Cavadini – University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Jason Cavadini is a senior majoring in Crop and Soil Science at The University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He is currently serving as the Vice President of the UW-River Falls Crops and Soils Club. Cavadini has gained agricultural experience through employment with Dow AgroSciences and The University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Soil Science. He has also facilitated an independent research on the impact of row spacing on sediment and phosphorus losses in no-till soybeans. He plans on attending graduate school to focus on soil fertility and nutrient management upon graduating in the spring of 2011.

  Ashlyn Smith-Sawka – University of Florida. Ashlyn Smith-Sawka is a senior in the Soil & Water Science Department at the University of Florida with an interest in soil genesis and landscape relationships. She works in the Environmental Pedology Lab. Her minor is environmental policy. After her junior year, she successfully competed for a summer internship at the University of Arizona in the Soil Water & Environmental Department where she assisted Craig Rasmussen with his work on soil pedogenesis and landscape relationships. Upon graduation, she plans to attend graduate school.

• The Francis and Evelyn Clark Soil Biology Scholarship was established to recognize the importance of soil biology and the understanding of soil, plant, and microbial interactions and of nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The scholarship is supported by a gift from Dr. and Mrs. Francis Clark to the Agronomic Science Foundation and administered by the Soil Science Society of America. The 2010 Francis and Evelyn Clark Soil Biology Scholarship will go to Raj Setia – University of Adelaide. Raj Setia received a B.S. from Rajasthan Agriculture University, India and a M.S. from Punjab Agriculture University, India. He was awarded an EIPRS and The University of Adelaide Scholarship and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in soils at the University of Adelaide, Australia. His dissertation is titled, "Understanding organic matter dynamics in salt affected soils by linking remote sensing, organic matter chemistry and modeling".

For more information on the 2010 awards presented at the ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Annual Meetings, please visit www.agronomy.org/awards/award or contact Sara Uttech, 608-268-4948, suttech@sciencesocieties.org

Photos of the recipients receiving their awards will be posted online following the Annual Meetings. We will place a link to the photos on our News & Media page: www.agronomy.org/news-media

The American Society of Agronomy (founded in 1907) is dedicated to the development of agriculture enabled by science, in harmony with environmental and human values. The Society supports scientific, educational, and professional activities to enhance communication and technology transfer among agronomists and those in related disciplines on topics of local, regional, national, and international significance.

The Crop Science Society of America (founded in 1955) is a scientific society comprised of members who advance the discipline of crop science by acquiring and disseminating information about crops in relation to seed genetics and plant breeding; crop physiology; crop production, quality, and ecology; crop germplasm resources; and environmental quality.

The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) is a progressive, international scientific society that fosters the transfer of knowledge and practices to sustain global soils. Based in Madison, WI, and founded in 1936, SSSA is the professional home for 6,000+ members dedicated to advancing the field of soil science. It provides information about soils in relation to crop production, environmental quality, ecosystem sustainability, bioremediation, waste management, recycling, and wise land use.

Because of their common interests, ASA, CSSA, and SSSA share a close working relationship and same office staff in Madison, WI. Each organization is autonomous with its own bylaws and governing boards of directors.

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