From left: Eduardo Hatano, Katherine Kelly and Sophia Webster took home top prizes in a competition judged by the board of directors of the NC Agricultural and Life Sciences Research Foundation.
Ten students and postdoctoral scientists from across NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences took part in a contest on April 30 to explain their research with a two-minute presentation and one slide.
The winner of the N.C. Agricultural and Life Sciences’ Research Foundation Board of Directors Research Competition is Sophia Webster, of the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. Her project was titled “Genetically Engineering Insect Pests of Agricultural and Human Health.”
Katherine Kelly, a master’s student in the Department of Animal Science, took second place with her project “Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Behaviors and Performance of Limit-Fed Heifers.” In third place was Eduardo Hatano, also of Entomology and Plant Pathology. His presentation was “Novel Pest Control Strategies Using a Mechanism of Chemical Communication.”
Agriculture is an ever-changing industry, and the ability to develop new talent that builds on the changes is critical to long-term success.
Deborah Thompson, the college’s director of research partnership, said that the contest has given the board a greater understanding of the breadth and value of CALS’ research enterprise.
“Not only did we get positive feedback from the board on the competition, but after the first few times we ran it once a year, they have now requested that the competition take place twice a year,” said Deborah Thompson, the college’s director of research partnerships. “They were so enthusiastic about the value that it offers them.”
Board member Luke Bozeman agreed. He is director of research and development agricultural solutions for BASF North America, which has sponsored the competition’s cash prizes for the past few years.
“The competition has been a great success, giving students the opportunity to hone skills in communicating their research. I am always impressed with the quality and talent of the NCSU-CALS students,” he said. “Agriculture is an ever-changing industry, and the ability to develop new talent that builds on the changes is critical to long-term success, and BASF is happy to help.”