NDSU plant pathology graduate student Mayowa Aderoju recently received a Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences Gold Scholarship Award at the 38th MANRRS conference in Chicago.
MANRRS is a global platform that promotes academic and professional advancement by empowering minorities in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences.
“This award felt really special and immensely significant as I will be the first NDSU student who conferred the Gold Scholar award,” Aderoju said. “The event was phenomenal with eye-opening sessions, highlighting the amazing talent and research within minority communities in agriculture and related fields.”
At the conference, Aderoju had the chance to interact and network with professionals from top agricultural companies like John Deere, Corteva, Bayer, Cargill, Syngenta and many others, which Aderoju said is a great resource for his future career as a plant pathologist.
Aderoju also recently visited Capitol Hill as a delegate member of Citizens Climate Lobby to represent the North Dakota Constituency at the Conservative Climate Leadership Conference and Lobby Day.
As a junior delegate among veteran climate lobbyists, Aderoju had the opportunity to engage with senators and representatives advocating for the "Permitting Reform" and the "Farm Bill," among other climate-related policies.
Aderoju was able to contribute to issues revolving around sustainable agriculture from the standpoint of a plant pathologist.
“This event was truly life-changing for me,” he said. “It instilled in me a sense of responsibility as a changemaker, offering a chance to influence policies that positively impact climate conservation and sustainable agriculture.”
