Undergraduate students gather in San Antonio to network, compete, learn, and have fun

The undergraduate student program—Students of Agronomy, Soils, and Environmental Sciences (SASES)—presented a variety of sessions during the 2024 Annual Meeting (now known as CANVAS), bringing undergraduate members together from around the world for an exciting week!

Students started their program on Sunday with tours around the San Antonio area, visiting locations such as Palmetto State Park, Luling Lavender Fields, and the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. This year, SASES participants were able to attend the ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Opening Keynote, which was followed by a brand-new event: the Undergraduate + Graduate Keynote Afterparty. 

Alongside competing in the variety of contests offered, undergraduate attendees had opportunities to network, hear many fascinating talks, and learn more about the Societies and potential career paths. 

The first day of the event included a SASES keynote speaker, Dr. Ole Wendroth, an SSSA and ASA Fellow and former SSSA president who shared his expansive professional experience in agricultural science. In the afternoon, students had time to compete in contests or attend professional events of their choice, followed by the crowd-favorite SASES Quiz Bowl. 

The second day began with elections for the 2025 national officers. Later in the day, SASES chapters from around the nation competed in the President’s Trophy contest for best club, followed by a networking session with past, present, and current Society presidents. In the afternoon, students had the opportunity to network in roundtable settings with graduate students, CCA/CPSS members, and industry professionals, followed by an awards dinner to celebrate the 2024 undergraduate competition winners. 

2024 undergraduate contest results 

Now, onto the 2024 undergraduate contest results. Congratulations to this year’s winners! 

Quiz Bowl

Champions: University of Wisconsin–River Falls (Heather Hatfull, Hannah Schull, August Roach, and Megan Culpitt)

Presidents’ Trophy

Winner: Steven Mai of Auburn University 

Undergraduate Research Symposium Poster Contest 

Session I: Soils

First place: Kathryn Young, Brigham Young University

Session II: Crop nutrients

First place: Alex Rodriguez, Cal State University–Monterey Bay

Session III: Crop disease, pest, and weed control

First place: Elayna Stirn, University of Wisconsin–River Falls

Session IV: Cropping systems 

First place: Joao Victor Colla Ferro, Oklahoma State University

Session V: General 

First place: Aidan Bobholz, Iowa State University; and Bryce Himmelberg, University of Missouri

Undergraduate Research Symposium Oral Contest 

Session I

First place: Steven Mai, Auburn University

Second place: Damon LeMaster, West Virginia University

Third place: Katherine Atkins, University of Texas-Arlington; and Fiona Todd, University of Minnesota

Session II

First place: Cassandra Stachler, Ohio State University

Second place: Amy Skelton, Texas A&M University

Third place: Racquel Gorden, University of Central Missouri

Internship Experience Poster Contest 

Sponsored by ASA’s Advancing Agronomy via Public-Private Partnerships Community

First place: Ella Schmidt, Michigan State University

Second place: Allie Blanchard, Michigan State University

Third place: Samuel Laws, University of Tennessee–Martin

Pedology Contest

First place: Claire Meara, University of Arkansas–Fayetteville

Second place: Elliot Nimmer, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point

Third place: Sam Anderson, Auburn University

Crops Judging Contest

Team

 Badger Crops Club of the University of Wisconsin–Madison

Individuals

First place: Rianne Wagner, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Second place: Cade Halbrook, Oklahoma State University

Third place: Derek Gehin, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Fourth place: Jason Emsweller, Purdue University

Fifth place: Carissa Sohm, Kansas State University

Sixth place: Lakin Giager, Kansas State University

Darrel S. Metcalfe Manuscript Contest

First place: Sarah Uschold, University of Tennessee–Knoxville

Second place: Kristen Cartee, Auburn University

Third place: Chloe Tilley, Texas A&M University

Thank you to the volunteers, advisers, and student participants who made this year a success. We’ll see y’all next year in Salt Lake City, UT!