Jenna Hershberger and Ella Taagen, doctoral candidates in plant breeding, are among 10 graduate students nationwide who’ve been selected as National Association of Plant Breeders Borlaug Scholars.

The Borlaug Scholars program aims to enhance the plant breeding profession by providing each scholar with funding to attend the annual NAPB meeting. Each student is also paired with a NAPB member, who serves as their mentor.

The program is named for Norman Borlaug, an American agronomist who championed improved agricultural production worldwide. He won the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize.

“I am incredibly humbled to have my name linked to Dr. Borlaug, who has long been a positive role model for science and humanity,” Taagen said. “The award has opened doors to a broad network of scientists who are equally committed to our collective vision to provide effective, affordable and quicker responses to the challenges our food system faces.”

For Taagen, whose research focuses on genetic recombination in plants to address issues of global food security, the program’s mentoring component has provided avenues for further professional development and clarity for her career path after Cornell.

“The Borlaug Scholar mentorship is invaluable in providing a window into industry’s vision of successful leadership and self-directed career growth,” she said. “I’m eager to seek insight from professionals outside the academy.”

Hershberger expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect with industry professionals during the online annual meeting, Aug. 17-20.

“To be associated with [Borlaug] and identified as one of the top students in my field is a great honor and has already led to making many great connections with other scientists,” she said.

At Cornell, Hershberger’s research focuses on breeding higher-quality cassava, developing open-source software for analysis, and understanding the genetic control of nutritional quality in New York sweet corn. She looks forward to continuing to learn about other NAPB members’ research.

“More than anything, the annual meeting reminded me why I love the field of plant breeding,” Hershberger said. “I’m proud to belong to such a great group of scientists who have dedicated their careers to developing better plant varieties for producers, processors, consumers and the environment.”

Katya Hrichak is a communications assistant in the Graduate School.