The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pleased to announce that eight Research Ambassadors have been selected for the 2023-2024 academic year:
Travis Banet, University of Kentucky
Jensina Davis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Ella Hampson, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Max Harman, Michigan State University
Leannah Hicks, University of Massachusetts
Sendi Mejia Jimenez, Purdue University
Ty Thomas, North Carolina State University
Alexandria Tran, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Developed and funded by NCGA’s Sustainable Ag Research Action Team, the objective of the Research Ambassador program is to build a network of future leaders in the agricultural sector. To qualify, students must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and be involved in research relevant to corn production.
"As we embark on the third year of the Research Ambassador Program, we continue to advance the connection between the field and the lab,” said Nebraska grower and NCGA Sustainable Ag Research Action Team Chair Jason Lewis. “Creating vital connections between our farmers and these students not only brings opportunities for collaboration and problem-solving, but it strengthens the necessary bridge between academia and agriculture with each passing season."
Through the program, each NCGA Research Ambassador will receive the following:
- Financial award of $2,500 directly to the student.
- Up to $750 for registration and travel reimbursement for participation in scientific research conferences.
- Fully-funded travel to participate in NCGA events throughout the year, which could include grower research committee meetings, congressional visits at the state or federal level, Commodity Classic, Corn Congress, farm field days, etc.
To learn more, visit the NCGA Research Ambassador Program.