Meet the 2026 SASES national officers
Join us in welcoming our 2026 national officers for SASES (the Students of Agronomy, Soils, and Environmental Sciences), the undergraduate program of ASA, CSSA, and SSSA. Students from SASES clubs around the country elect their national officer team every year. The officer team meets via video conference and plans student events and sessions during CANVAS.
Society staff asked each officer to introduce themselves below in their own words.
Austin Wilson, President
I am a junior pursuing a major in Plant Science with a focus in Crop Management, as well as minors in Agricultural Systems Technology and Agribusiness Management. At the University of Missouri, I serve as the president of the Agricultural Systems Technology Club as well as the contest coordinator of the University Agronomy Club.
Following graduation, I plan to earn a master’s degree as well as my CCA certification in hopes of working in research and consulting. As president, I hope to expand the membership of the SASES community by bringing in new universities and introducing them to the numerous benefits our organization provides.
Emma Kuhl, Vice President
Hi there! My name is Emma Kuhl, and I am honored to serve as the SASES national vice president this year. I am from southern Michigan and attend Michigan State, where I am a junior in the Crop and Soil Sciences major. I have a special interest in weed science and am a molecular weed science undergraduate researcher. There, I work with herbicide-resistant plants, especially waterhemp and pigweed. I plan to get my master’s in Molecular Weed Science once I graduate. I farm with my family and friends during the summer and breaks. I love the ability to meet people at the SASES and CANVAS conferences and look forward to meeting new faces and making friends!
Amelia Meng, Treasurer
Hello! My name is Amelia Meng, and I am a sophomore at Kansas State University, majoring in Agronomy with a minor in Plant Pathology. I grew up near Cheney, KS, on a farm that raised beef cattle and grew wheat. Helping my dad on our farm inspired my strong passion for agriculture. My time in high school FFA furthered that passion, and I’ve been blessed to pursue it professionally at K-State. I am currently the secretary of the Wheat State Agronomy Club and a member of the Crops Judging and Forage Bowl Teams. After graduation, I haven’t decided whether I will attend graduate school or enter the crop protection industry. However, I know I want to pursue a career in research and genetics, focusing on disease resistance in crops. After attending SASES for the past two years, I’m excited to serve as an officer in 2026! I can’t wait to welcome new and returning members and share the experiences and opportunities SASES has to offer.
Raena Stierwalt, Historian
I am a junior majoring in Crop Sciences with a minor in Food and Agribusiness Management at the University of Illinois. I serve as vice president of the Field and Furrow Agronomy Club, hold a position on Sigma Alpha’s Service Committee, and am involved in Collegiate Farm Bureau and Illini Equestrians. After graduation, I plan to pursue graduate school to prepare for a career in agronomy. I grew up on a corn and soybean farm in East Central Illinois and have been immersed in Midwestern agriculture from a very young age. As I have grown older, my passion for agriculture has grown with me. Through SASES, I have had the opportunity to connect with fellow agriculture students, test my knowledge, and learn more about advancements in agricultural research. I am excited to serve as this year’s SASES historian and look forward to sharing these opportunities with new and returning members!
Emma Smith, Recording Officer
Hello! My name is Emma Smith, and I am a sophomore majoring in Agronomy with a minor in Natural Resources and Environmental Science at Purdue University. At Purdue, I am involved as an Agronomy Department Ambassador, member of the Purdue Agronomy Club, and competitor on the Soil Judging Team. After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in Soil Science. I grew up on a farm in Morrow County, Ohio and have been surrounded by agriculture my entire life. My profound involvement and passion within the industry have shown me the importance of agricultural literacy and educating individuals about agricultural processes. SASES has presented me with many memories and opportunities already. I am extremely excited to be serving as national recording officer where I can continue to advance agricultural knowledge, expand the reach of SASES, and meet more fellow SASES members!
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