Autumn McLaughlin, a Ph.D. candidate in Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee is one of twelve students awarded scholarships for the fall 2023 semester through the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) scholarship program.

Autumn was selected by a committee of NCGA grower leaders to receive a $2,500 scholarship.

“We are thrilled to see that Autumn’s research efforts for Tennessee corn producers have been recognized by NCGA,” said Executive Director of the Tennesee Corn Promotion Board Carol Reed. “It is great to see her dedication and hard work in advancing sustainable practices for corn growers acknowledged in such a meaningful way.”

Autumn grew up in Unicoi, Tennessee. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Crop and Soil Science at the University of Tennessee at Martin and a Master’s of Science in Entomology at Auburn University. Her Ph.D. research is focused on evaluating pre-harvest management strategies for corn ear-rots and their associated mycotoxins. Specifically, she investigates plant-incorporated Bt, genetics, chemical and biological controls to mitigate aflatoxins, fumonisins and vomitoxins.

Autumn has devoted her academic and future career to researching multidisciplinary crop protection approaches to provide growers with sustainable solutions. She recently accepted a position as a field specialist with Corteva.

NCGA is proud to support students like Autumn through its scholarship programs. This year, over 200 applications were submitted.

“NCGA works to build a strong future for corn farmers in all programs. These scholarships provide an important investment in building tomorrow’s ag industry leaders and problem-solvers,” said NCGA Member and Consumer Engagement Action Team Chair Dan Nerud. “Given the number of quality applicants and the breadth of their talents, I am excited to see how these students will help shape the industry and find solutions that keep farms strong well into the next generation.”

Congratulations to Autumn and all of the outstanding students!

Graduate Student Scholarship Winners:

Maxwell Harman, Michigan State University

Autumn Mclaughlin, University of Tennessee

William C. Berg Academic Excellence Scholarship Winners:
Sponsored by BASF Corporation

Molly Niewoehner, Iowa State University

Delaney Nichols, Iowa State University

Tyler Schneider, West Texas A&M University

Kiley Holbrook, The Ohio State University

Natalie Beckendorf, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Madison Kreifels, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Technical School and Community College Scholarship Winners: