Darrel S. Metcalfe Student Manuscript Contest

Showcase your flair for research and writing

The Darrel S. Metcalfe Student Manuscript Contest provides an opportunity for undergraduate students interested in agronomy, crop science, and/or soil science to gain experience in researching, organizing, and writing articles for publication.

• Nominations are open until Oct. 23, 2025

Submit your manuscript

Overview

The Darrel S. Metcalfe Student Manuscript Contest invites undergraduate student members of ASA, CSSA, and SSSA to submit original manuscripts in one of the following formats:

•    A research report on an experiment conducted by the student.
•    A literature review or “term paper” with the student’s own analysis and perspectives.
•    An article written for a popular magazine audience.
•    A creative version or combination of the above.

This contest honors Dr. Metcalfe’s leadership and dedication to students, while encouraging undergraduates to strengthen their communication and writing skills.

Applications are accepted until Oct. 23, 2025.

Awards & recognition

The authors of the top three entries will receive:

•    1st place: $500 and a one-year subscription to Natural Sciences Education
•    2nd place: $300 and a one-year subscription to Natural Sciences Education
•    3rd place: $200 and a one-year subscription to Natural Sciences Education

Winning entries will be published in Natural Sciences Education. Results will be announced in CSA News, and awards will be presented during the SASES Awards Program at the ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Annual Meetings.
 

Eligibility

•    Open to all undergraduate student members of ASA, CSSA, and/or SSSA.
•    Former recipients are not eligible.
•    Entries must be submitted prior to the student’s graduation.

Submission requirements

Each submission must include:

•    A manuscript of 1,000–1,500 words (excluding figures, references, and title page).
•    A complete title page with the author’s name, university, entry title, the words “Darrel S. Metcalfe Manuscript Contest”, and the year.
•    At least one illustration, photograph, table, or graph.
•    A PDF upload of the manuscript through the ASA Awards system (see submit button below to get started).

Submissions

During submission, students must certify that:
•    They are a current ASA, CSSA, or SSSA member.
•    The manuscript is their original work.
•    Assistance received was limited to topic suggestions, material sources, and feedback from a single reviewer (no editorial rewriting).
•    If selected as a winner, they agree to publication of their entry (with editorial adjustments as required).

Judging

Please reference the judging rubric to gain insight on specific requirements.

1. Content 40

Appropriateness for intended audience (10), Accuracy (10), Quality & Originality (10), and Conclusions (10)

2. Readability 25

Clarity (10), Spelling & Punctuation (5), Sentence Structure (5), Paragraph Structure (5)

3. Organization 15

Material should be presented in a logical and concise order that is easy for readers to follow

4. Figures, Tables, Images, or Illustrations 10 (Must have at least one)

Quality, appropriateness for the paper with meaningful captions.

5. Identification of sources 5

Statements of facts and use of data from other sources should be acknowledged by naming or referencing the sources in-text with subsequent full citation in the References section.

6. Neatness 5

General overall appearance of the paper.

Total = 100

Contacts

Contest Chairs 

• Eric Brennan | Send Message
• Robert Rhykerd | Send Message

ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Contact: Student Programs | Send Message