FFAR Fellows Program: Future Leaders for Food & Agriculture

Meet Joy Amajioyi, a 2024-2027 FFAR Fellow! Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Joy’s passion for agriculture was sparked during a visit to a rural community where she witnessed the struggles farmers faced despite their hard work. This experience inspired her to pursue a career dedicated to solving agricultural challenges. Now at Colorado State University, Joy's PhD research focuses on understanding herbicide resistance mechanisms in problematic weeds like Palmer amaranth and Waterhemp, utilizing molecular tools to address these global challenges. Sponsored by Bayer Crop Science, her work is guided by mentors Dr. Todd Gaines and Dr. Franck Dayan, with the goal of improving sustainable weed management strategies. Read More >>> https://lnkd.in/gxQPDi9u

Ever wondered what makes a blueberry not just delicious but also tough enough to handle the journey from farm to table? FFAR Fellow Heeduk Oh’s research dives into the science of blueberry texture, aiming to develop firmer, more resilient berries that stay fresh longer and withstand the rigors of transport. His team is uncovering how to measure and predict texture, ensuring blueberries meet consumer expectations and have a longer shelf life. Don’t miss the full story—check out the blog post below! ?? https://lnkd.in/gZyiUET8

Meet Sarah Brickman, a 2024-2027 FFAR Fellow! Growing up in Sarasota, Florida, Sarah’s passion for agriculture was sparked during her first year of college in a course called the World Food Economy. This eye-opening experience connected her interests in food security, environmental conservation, and social justice, driving her to explore sustainable farming practices. Currently pursuing her PhD at University of California, Davis, Sarah’s research focuses on the effects of soil conservation practices on soil properties and resilience to climate change. Sponsored by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, her work includes a systematic review of soil health management, an observational study in Napa County vineyards, and a field trial in Chile examining cover crop strategies. With a vision to enhance policies and initiatives in the food system, Sarah is excited to engage with diverse stakeholders and lead interdisciplinary teams. Read More >>> https://lnkd.in/gnsqedph

Meet Laissa Cavallini, a 2024-2027 FFAR Fellow, sponsored by Syngenta! Growing up in a farming family in Santa Adelia, S?o Paulo, Brazil, Laissa witnessed the challenges posed by pest and disease outbreaks in crop production. Her curiosity about overcoming these challenges led her to study biological sciences, focusing on pest management and sustainable agriculture. Laissa's research at North Carolina State University centers on thrips, a significant pest in cotton, and explores the potential of ThryvOn cotton as a sustainable control method. By analyzing thrips infestation levels and their impact on plant biomass, she aims to provide data-driven recommendations for farmers to optimize insecticide use, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impacts. Read More >>> https://lnkd.in/g9fq8MC9

?? Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2025-2028 FFAR Fellows cohort! ?? Join the future leaders of food and agriculture! This fellowship is your opportunity to advance your research and professional development to maximize your impact. Apply today: https://lnkd.in/g42aSrBZ

Reflecting on a truly memorable week with the?2022-2025 FFAR Fellows?in St. Louis focusing on the Ag-Tech Ecosystem! Special thanks to our site-visit contacts who made it happen:?Michael Davies at the?Helix Center Biotech Incubator;?James Carrington and Tam McGuire at the?Donald Danforth Plant Science Center;?Daniela Pezzini and?Phil Taylor?at?Bayer Crop Science; and?Kevin Kapelski, Kevin Dill, and?Gretchen Riley, MBA?at Purina Mills, LLC

This week in St. Louis, I attended my final in person meeting with the FFAR Fellows Program: Future Leaders for Food & Agriculture. As always, I got so much out of attending. We visited Bayer, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Purina Mills, LLC and Helix Center Biotech Incubator. We also took workshops on Crucial Influence from Crucial Learning, and Meeting Planning and Facilitation from Community At Work. My experience as a FFAR fellow has been one of the highlights of my PhD, I have been exposed to many professional development opportunities and workshops that graduate students aren't typically exposed to, and I have so enjoyed doing it alongside an amazing group of fellow graduate students. Getting to know my cohort had been so fun, and I look forward to connecting with this amazing group of people throughout my career. Thank you FFAR Fellows Program: Future Leaders for Food & Agriculture, my funders at the Waste Water and Treatment Division of King County, WA, and thank you to Rebecca Dunning, PhD for all the work she does to make the FFAR Fellows program what it is!

Meet Ryan Hamberg, a 2024-2027 FFAR Fellow! Growing up on a first-generation row crop and cattle farm in Keosauqua, Iowa, Ryan's interest in agricultural research was sparked by his early involvement in farm management, particularly in weed control. Now at Texas A&M University, Ryan’s PhD research focuses on innovative non-chemical weed control technologies like directed energy and electrocution, aimed at reducing reliance on herbicides and tillage. Sponsored by Cotton Incorporated and mentored by Dr. Gaylon Morgan, his work seeks to offer sustainable solutions that benefit both conventional and organic farming practices. Read More >>> https://lnkd.in/gGnV-J4B

Calling all future leaders in agriculture! Applications for the 2025-2028 FFAR Fellows cohort open this Friday, November 1st! If you're passionate about innovative research and seeking to enhance your professional development, this fellowship is for you. Eligibility includes: ??Completion of a master's degree or one year of a PhD program by June 2025 ???Acceptance into a PhD program by May 2025 ???At least three years remaining in your PhD program (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028) ???A confirmed PhD faculty advisor ???A confirmed matching sponsor (see our website for details on eligible sponsors and scholarships in the Professional Development Category) ???Residency or study visa

Meet Selvin Carrillo, a 2024-2027 FFAR Fellow!? Growing up in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, Selvin developed a passion for agriculture by nurturing fruit trees and cultivating staple foods in his family’s backyard. His experiences trading produce with neighbors ignited his interest in sustainable farming practices, especially as his community faced increasing water scarcity. Selvin’s research focuses on optimizing water use and resources for peach production. Sponsored by the Office of Industry Partnerships and the Department of Horticulture at The University of Georgia, he aims to create evidence-based recommendations that enhance fruit quality while promoting sustainable practices. With aspirations to support smallholder farmers and advance in the agricultural industry, Selvin is dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by climate variability and improving food security. Read More >>> https://lnkd.in/ghtgmdf5