Sacramento, CA (March 30, 2021) - The Pacific Seed Association (PSA) Scholarship program was established to assist outstanding college students in achieving their scholastic goals.
This program is designed to interest and encourage young people to enter the seed industry. Each year, four $1,000 scholarships are funded through contributions from members of the seed and allied industries.
It is our belief that everyone benefits from this program. The students receive assistance towards attaining their chosen goal and the industry receives the new talent needed to remain competitive in today’s business world.
Students’ eligibilities revolve around the following major fields of study, but are not limited to: plant science, plant physiology, soil science, botany, agribusiness, etc. Special interest in the seed industry is a plus. Anyone enrolling as an undergraduate junior or senior or graduate student are eligible. The criteria the committee bases their decisions are based on the following criteria:
- Affiliations through programs, events, tours and/or classes related to the seed industry. This includes interest, current and future, particularly in the seed industry and agriculture in general.
- Scholastic achievement and activities.
- Essay.
- Letter of recommendation.
- Financial need.
The PSA announced the following winners of the 2021 PSA Scholarships:
Rebecca Fleming
Rebecca Fleming
Rebecca is currently attending California State University, Chico majoring in Agricultural Business. She has been involved in agriculture her whole life. Her family has farmed walnuts and rice and captured her interest at a young age. She was a member of 4-H and FFA and then decided to pursue a career in agriculture. She developed an interest that entailed seed development and research, specifically as it relates to rice in the North Valley. She plans to begin her career after graduation at the Rice Experiment Station in Biggs, CA. This position involves research and maintenance around the breeding nurseries and seed production fields. With a degree in Agricultural Business there are many opportunities to look forward to pursuing.
Jonah Hernandez
Jonah Hernandez
My name is Jonah Hernandez and I live in Corcoran, Ca. I am currently attending College of the Sequoias, where I will be completing my Associates of Science in Agriculture Business. At the conclusion of attending College of the Sequoias, I will be enrolling at California State University, Chico. I plan to graduate with honors from Chico State while earning a Bachelor’s degree in Ag Business, along with a minor in agriculture, and a certificate in plant protection. I also hope to become involved in Chico’s sheep unit and Ag clubs on campus. While at Chico State, I want to obtain a job in plant production to gain more experience in the field. I hope to work my way up to an Agronomist once I have finished completing my education.
Marilen Nampijja
Marilen Nampijja
I am currently in the 2nd year of my PhD in the Plant Pathology Department at Washington State University, and I am very motivated to do research on a bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. aptata (psa) that causes bacterial leaf spot, which is a big challenge in the table beet and Swiss chard seed production industry currently. I am optimistic that my research findings will enable a better understanding of Psa’s biology to keep it checked and that an effective seed treatment will be available to clean up infected seed lots. I am hopeful that my research findings will be translatable to other vegetable crops.
Katie Webb
Katie Webb
Katie is an Undergraduate in Plant Science at Utah State University. Her time brainstorming with Utah State University’s Plant Science Club on activities has built her understanding of organization, increased her brainstorming skills, and taught her how to better give direction and be efficient and productive as a team. In the campus laboratory I work in, I have learned to be reliable and an example to my fellow peers. I have also recently learned how to present and communicate findings to share improvements with the plant community from my laboratory experience. To make my goals reality, I need to continue to grow through education. With your help, I will work to make a better future for Agriculture in America and across the world.