Ph.D. student awarded scholarship from national potato organization

September 3, 2024 Agriculture, Food Science and Nutrition, Potatoes

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) awarded Xiuyan Zhang, a Ph.D. student with the University of Maine’s Ecology and Environmental Sciences Program, its 2024-25 Academic Scholarship. 

The $10,000 scholarship, awarded annually to a graduate student who is interested in research that could benefit the potato industry, will support Zhang, who is studying under associate professor Jianjun Hao with the School of Food and Agriculture, as she investigates the dynamic behavior of bacterial species that cause potato blackleg and soft rot disease, according to the organization. 

“I am truly humbled and motivated by this selection,” said Zhang after receiving the scholarship. “This not only supports my research but enhances the potato industry and its future. I extend my deepest gratitude to Potato LEAF for their commitment to fostering research, innovation, and development. Together, we will drive meaningful advancements that will greatly benefit potato growers around the globe and ensure a vibrant future for the U.S. potato sector.” 

Read the full story about Zhang’s award on the Potato LEAF website.