Wanderson Novais is currently an HCS PhD student being advised by Dr. Alex Lindsey; his research focuses on Agronomy & Crop Ecophysiology. Wanderson recently received the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) Nelson Yield-Limiting Factors Graduate Student Scholarship. He will be formally presented with the award at the ASA, CSSA & SSSA International Annual Meeting on November 8th, 2022, in Baltimore, Maryland! You can read the full press release here.
Until then you can learn a bit more about Wanderson's research & involvement with ASA:
What does winning this award mean to you?
I feel honored to receive this award from my professional society. It motivates me to keep working towards sustainable agronomic solutions to improve field crops. This award represents to me that my research under the guidance of my advisor, Dr. Alex Lindsey, has the potential to help farmers soon.
What's your favorite aspect of being involved with ASA?
I have been a member of ASA for the past two years. My favorite aspect is the many opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and service the society offers. I have been mainly involved with the specialty group LGBTQ+ Scientists and Allies. Still, I look forward to contributing to the Graduate Students Committee and giving back to society.
Could you expand a bit on how your studies on "management strategies to improve corn growth, reduce yield penalty, and optimize nitrogen management in regions prone to waterlogging" are going?
This year has been more challenging than last, mainly because of waterlogging and flooding, the same problem I am working on. Due to the high precipitation in Ohio in the past few weeks, many aspects of the project got delayed, but eventually, with my advisor, the farmer managers, my lab, and Dr. Sprunger Lab, we got the project in the two locations up and running. With last year's and this year's data, we expect to get closer to understanding how nitrogen source, N rate, time of fertilizer application, and cover crops can help with corn growth when waterlogging is present. We hope that by tackling different aspects of the waterlogging problem, we can make recommendations for farmers that maximize yield and reduce N losses to the environment.
Closing thoughts...
I just want to acknowledge the many people that have been helping me with the project, including my lab mate Nasib, undergraduate interns, the farm managers and staff from Northwest and Wooster, the Sprunger Lab, my advisory committee, Dr. Laura Lindsey for her recommendation, and especially my advisor Dr. Alex Lindsey that not only encouraged me to apply for this award but has been a great mentor in the past year.
You can learn more about all the ASA specialty groups, including LGBTQ+ Scientists and Allies here. You can also follow along with Wanderson's journey on Twitter or Instagram!