Alberta Wheat Commission graduate receives research scholarship in crop science
For the past decade, the Alberta Wheat Commission (now Alberta Grains) has proudly supported 20 students – both aspiring and current researchers to help with advancements in agriculture and food sciences at the University of Alberta (U of A).
Since the inception of the fund, graduate student recipients of the Alberta Wheat Commission Scholarship have received more than $100,000 while undergraduate students have received more than $13,000.
Researchers at the U of A are constantly working to improve the quality of life for all Canadians by collaborating with closely connected, dedicated networks whose members share their goal of sustainably solving hunger nationwide.
Jeremy Boychyn, Director of Research and Director of Agronomy & Extension with Alberta Grains agrees that this type of funding and specialized research does wonders for the province of Alberta.
“The Alberta Wheat Commission, and now Alberta Grains, in conjunction with the University of Alberta is proud to offer trustworthy research information, so that we can continue to elevate and build on our provincial research excellence” said Boychyn. “This vibrant community has included passionate industry, producers, and partners, like the Alberta Grains, whose generous support of students has helped to make this goal a reality.”
Additionally, the scholarships have provided vital and encouraging support to Agriculture, Life and Environmental Science (ALES) students at the U of A. These awards do much more than support innovative research; they provide students with motivation, encouragement, and vital support that, in some cases, is the one thing that enables these students to continue with their studies.
The Alberta Wheat Commission Graduate Research Scholarship in Crop Science include the following recipients:
Keshav Battarai (2023) | Graduate Research Assistant, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
Adam Fast (2022) | Field Research Associate, BASF Group
Jacey Toerper (2021) | Ph.D. candidate, Plant Science
Momna Farzand (2020) | Cropping Agrologist, Lakeland Agricultural Research Associate
Dinithi Kumarapeli (2019) | Graduate Research Assistant, University of Alberta
Isabela Ciechanowska (2018) | Research Associate, University of Alberta
Dhanuja G. Lekamge, Ph.D. (2017) | Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Alberta
Azam Nikzad, Ph.D. (2016) | Market Analyst & Coordinating Researcher, Government of Alberta
Graham R. Collier, Ph.D. (2015) |Research Scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The Alberta Wheat Commission Award in Crop Science have been awarded to the following recipients:
Huynh Phuong Mai Vuong (2023)
Yanna G. Bosvik (2022)
Logan Snow (2021)
Tara Steenbergen (2020)
Lane Schopfer (2019)
Kyrene Benedicto (2018)
Michele Tran (2017)
Lindsey Doerksen (2016)
Jorn Peeters (2015)
Kathryn Wyering (2014)
The 2023 recipient of the AWC graduate research scholarship in crop science, Keshav Bhattarai, was born and raised in rural Nepal, where he was inspired from an early age to pursue agriculture and contribute to its improvement.
“Receiving the Alberta Wheat Commission Graduate Research Scholarship has been a pivotal moment in my academic journey. This generous support has not only alleviated my financial pressures but has also provided a profound sense of encouragement and validation of my work in the field of crop science. I am extremely grateful to the Alberta Grains for empowering young researchers like me to focus more intently on our research and to generate innovative solutions for pressing global challenges.”
- Keshav Bhattarai, Graduate Research Assistant, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
The 2023 recipient of the AWC award in crop science, Huynh Phuong Mai Viong (Mai), is a first-year crop science student in ALES. She was born and raised in Vietnam, where her family operates a farm that grows coffee and macadamia.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks to Alberta Grains. Being an international student, I am extremely grateful for this scholarship. It has been very helpful to my educational journey – I have learned so many new things since coming to Canada. This scholarship expanded my opportunities to research and gain practical experience while pursuing my studies.”
- Huynh Phuong Mai Vuong, First-year crop science student
We look forward to our continued partnership with the U of A under the new Alberta Grains name; together, we will continue to pursue cutting-edge technology and practices that will help protect and strengthen producers and industry and sustain Canadians for many generations to come.