Florida Turfgrass Research Foundation (FTRF) Awards $4,500 in Academic Scholarships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Heather Russo, Association Manager

(863) 688-9413 or Heather@FTGA.org

Florida Turfgrass Research Foundation (FTRF) Awards $4,500 in Academic Scholarships

LAKELAND, Fla. (October 14, 2024): The Florida Turfgrass Research Foundation (FTRF) has announced four Florida students will receive scholarships for the 2024 academic year. The recipients attend the University of Florida (UF) and are preparing for careers in turfgrass management. The FTRF is a 501(c)(3) foundation and is funded through FTGA membership dues and member contributions. To date, the FTRF has awarded more than $248,000 in scholarships.

Fernanda Arevalo, University of Florida, is awarded the Ralph W. White Scholarship for $1,000. She chose to study turfgrass because, “Turfgrass science is highly overlooked, and there is a world of opportunities in the research of turfgrass.” She is inspired by the vast availability of data and wants to be part of helping to improve turfgrass management. Arevalo received the Best Undergraduate Dissertation at the Department of Environmental Science in Sustainability at the Zamorano University. Currently, she is working under the guidance of Dr. Marco Schiavon at UF’s Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center.

Mohammed Kyum, University of Florida, is awarded the Ralph White Scholarship for $1,000. He attended undergraduate and graduate school in India. Kyum began his Ph.D. studies in plant biology at South Dakota State University, continuing his work with the Crispr/Cas9 gene editing technique in rice, corn, wheat and barley and says he transferred to UF because “[my] interests toward applied research prompted me to transition for the pursuit of my academic goals.” Currently, he is working under the guidance of Dr. Kevin Kenworthy in Gainesville and is responsible for overseeing and managing ongoing research projects, including turf trials and lab experiments.

Alejandra Sierra, University of Florida, is awarded the Col. Frank Ward Memorial Scholarship for $1,500. She is working on her Ph.D. and her research is dedicated to developing environmentally friendly practices for Florida lawns by finding innovative ways to reduce irrigation water consumption. She adds, “As a woman and an international student in a traditionally male-dominated field, this scholarship is a crucial opportunity; it represents a commitment to fostering diversity within the turfgrass industry.” Sierra is working under the guidance of Dr. Marco Schiavon at UF’s Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Cetner.

Jaspal Singh, University of Florida, is awarded the Ralph White Scholarship for $1,000. He passed the federal examination (NET) in India for the recruitment of assistant professors in agricultural meteorology, conducted by the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, Department of Agricultural Research and Education in Pusa, New Delhi. He began his Ph.D. studies in May 2024. Singh passion for nature and plant science aligns with his dedication to his turfgrass studies as he says, “The industry’s focus on sustainability and environmental impact is particularly appealing, as it allows me to contribute to eco-friendly practices such as water conservation, soil health improvement and the use of organic amendments. Singh is working under the guidance of Dr. Alex Lindsey in Gainesville.

The Florida Turfgrass Association was founded in 1952 and is dedicated to education, research and the promotion of environmentally responsible and scientifically based management practices for the turfgrass industry. Florida ranks No. 1 in the nation for turfgrass-related economic activity with total revenues estimated at $7.82 billion and total employment of more than 173,000 jobs. The FTGA continues to advocate for and promote the turfgrass industry with extensive research, continuing education and opportunities for turfgrass professionals to network with their colleagues.

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