Support the Graduate Student Travel Scholarship
Your Contribution Will Help Empower the Next Generation of Scientists
Attending professional conferences is critical to professional development of graduate students as they offer numerous benefits, including learning about ongoing research; mentoring; collaborating with others; exchanging scientific information; developing communication skills; and, most importantly, networking with other professionals in related fields. Despite all of these benefits, not all graduate students can take advantage of these opportunities, primarily because of the financial burden associated with those meetings. In response to this issue, the ASA, CSSA, and SSSA (ACS) Graduate Student Committee sponsors a scholarship entirely run by graduate students for graduate students. The ACS Graduate Student Travel Scholarship is designed to support graduate students who wish to present their research at the Annual Meeting but cannot bear the costs of registration, travel, lodging, and meals.
In 2021, the committee provided funding for the first 11 students to attend the ASA, CSSA, and SSSA International Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, UT. In addition, 10 students were awarded with financial aid in 2022, so that they could attend the Annual Meeting in Baltimore, MD.
Empower the Next Generation of Scientists
While awarding students every year, the ACS Graduate Student Committee has been continuously raising donations to transform the travel scholarship into a permanent and endowed fund. In 2021, the Agronomic Science Foundation (ASF) has agreed to back this effort and provide matching funds each year, until 2025.
The Graduate Student Committee is closer than ever to reaching its goal. By raising an additional $8,000 by October 2023, we would be able to deliver the 2023 scholarships AND reach the $35,000 goal to endow our fund before the Annual Meeting. All we have done so far was only possible thanks to the generous donors who have believed in this cause!
Now, we ask YOU to help us empower the next generation of scientists by donating to the Graduate Student Travel Scholarship. You can scan the QR code, visit a‐s‐f.org/content/graduate‐student‐travel‐scholarship/, or write a check directed to the Agronomic Science Foundation, with “Grad Student Travel Grant Fund” noted on the memo line: ASF, 5585 Guilford Road, Madison, WI 53711–5801.
The travel scholarship is for graduate students planning to present their research (oral and/or poster) at the ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Annual Meeting but who would not be able to attend the conference due to financial strain. By awarding up to $750 per student, the scholarship helps to cover registration, travel, meals, and lodging expenses. With the support of the travel grant, students can fully participate, present, network, and build their career goals without facing the financial burden.
By raising an additional $8,000 by October 2023, we would be able to deliver the 2023 scholarships AND reach the $35,000 goal to endow our fund before the Annual Meeting.
Apply Now for the Travel Scholarship
The Graduate Student Travel Scholarship nominations are open for the 2023 Annual Meeting, and students can apply at the following links:
- ASA: agronomy.org/awards/view/218
- CSSA: crops.org/awards/view/218
- SSSA: soils.org/awards/view/218
Nominations must be initiated by July 27, 2023, and the final submission deadline is July 28, 2023. Participants must be graduate student members of ASA, CSSA, and SSSA. Priority will be given to students presenting their research at the Annual Meeting, so it is advised to submit an abstract to be considered for the grant. The travel grant recipients will be notified before the Annual Meeting early registration deadline, Sept. 20, 2023.
Your Dollar Travels Farther Than You Think
Supporting graduate students through travel grants is an investment in the future of science. These grants provide the coming generation of scientists and scholars with the resources to advance their fields and innovate. When graduate students attend these events, they are better equipped to make significant progress in their research, contributing not only to their field of study but to the broader community. This can have a ripple effect that reaches far beyond an individual student and research, extending to our Societies and the community in a multitude of ways. Every dollar you give goes towards training the next generation of leaders across different disciplines of agronomy, crop science, and soil science. Large or small, your gifts energize graduate students to pursue their research and professional development and become more active within the Societies.
“[After] attending the conference, I felt more energetic and motivated toward my research work,” says 2022 travel scholarship recipient Jyoti Prasad Kakati. “I also attended the Graduate Student Leadership Conference, which was a great networking opportunity with fellow researchers, future leaders, and industry personnel. Meeting the renowned researchers from my research field and the leaders from all three Societies was exciting.”
The award supports the Societies’ goal to foster diversity and inclusion. By supporting students from underrepresented groups, you can help ensure that more diverse voices and perspectives are represented at these events, enriching emerging discussions and insights. Daniela Menendez, 2022 awardee, indicated that she was able to make several valuable connections with professors, researchers, and fellow students in a professional and academic setting for the first time. Chieh Yun Chang, 2022 recipient, stated that it would have been impossible for her to attend the meeting in person without this grant.
“I am grateful for this opportunity because it allowed me to present my research, network, and learn from scientists and peers from all over the world.”
—Hector Fajardo
“I am grateful for this opportunity because it allowed me to present my research, network, and learn from scientists and peers from all over the world,” says another 2022 travel grant recipient, Hector Fajardo. “I was not only able to participate in the graduate student competitions, but also won the second place award for my presentation. This encouraged me to continue working and boost my skills.”
We believe it is necessary to facilitate graduate student involvement to help grow and support the future of the Societies. Your donation will help us realize this mission and will encourage other people to follow your lead and contribute as well. Your dollar travels farther than you think, so please consider donating today!
CONNECTING WITH US
If you would like to give us feedback on our work or want to volunteer to join the committee to help plan any of the mentioned activities, please reach out to Maria Teresa (mariateresa.tancredi@uga.edu), the 2023 Chair of the committee! If you would like to stay up to date with our committee, learn more about our work, contribute to one of our CSA News magazine articles or suggest activities you would like us to promote, watch your emails, connect with us on Twitter (@ACSGradStudents) and Facebook (ACS.gradstudents), or visit agronomy.org/membership/committees/view/ACS238/members, crops.org/membership/committees/view/ACS238/members, or soils.org/membership/committees/view/ACS238/members.
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