WASHINGTON — The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pleased to announce the eight Research Ambassadors that were selected for the 2024-2025 academic year:
Elliot Braun, Michigan State University
Jodi Callwood, Iowa State University
Sarah Fitzsimmons, University of Missouri at Columbia
Kathryn Koirtyohann, Florida State University
Sarah Lipps, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Morgan Molsbee, Texas A & M University
Karlene Negus, Iowa State University
Diana Ruggiero, Oregon State University
Within the portfolio of NCGA’s Research and New Uses Action Team, the Research Ambassador program aims 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 enter the fourth year of the Research Ambassador Program, we remain committed to fostering deeper connections between the innovation happening in the lab and the expertise cultivated in the field,” said Kansas grower and Research & New Uses Action Team Chair Chad Epler. “Each new group of ambassadors brings fresh perspectives and opportunities for collaboration, further strengthening the essential link between academic research and practical agriculture, ensuring our industry’s future remains both sustainable and innovative.”
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.
–National Corn Growers Association