The 39th National MANRRS Conference was a great success, with 26 U of A student members of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences participating in the event. The conference took place in Memphis, Tennessee, and provided a platform for students to showcase their research, present their findings, and network with peers, faculty, and industry leaders.
Original Research Presentations
A total of 18 students presented original research at the conference, including:
- Eniola Ola, a master’s degree student in food science from Nigeria, presented “Beyond the Label: Unpacking Sensory Perception and Consumer Acceptance of Gluten-Free Cookie” (mentor Han-Seok Seo, food science professor of sensory and consumer science)
- Damilola Oni, a master’s degree student in agricultural economics from Nigeria, presented “Factors Associated With Time to Adopt Irrigation Water Management Practices by Rice Farmers in the Arkansas Delta Region” (mentor Qiuqiong Huang, professor in agricultural economics and agribusiness)
- Chetanjot Romana, a Ph.D. candidate in food science from India, presented “Nutrition Innovation for the Aging: Characterizing Rheological, Functional, Textural Analysis and In-Vitro Digestibility of Protein-Enhanced Gluten-Free Formulations” (mentor Jamie Baum, food science professor of nutrition)
These students, along with their peers, competed in various competitions, including the graduate student presentation competition, graduate poster presentation, and oral presentation competitions.
Graduate Student Presentation Competition
The graduate student presentation competition was one of the most competitive categories, with four U of A students placing in the top three. The top three winners were:
- Eniola Ola, first place, for her presentation on gluten-free cookies
- Damilola Oni, second place, for her presentation on irrigation water management practices
- Chetanjot Romana, third place, for her presentation on protein-enhanced gluten-free formulations
In addition to these students, Agnes Amfo-Adu, an M.S. student in human development and family sciences from Ghana, presented a poster and received the Gold MANRRS Scholarship, which provides $500 and conference support.
National Officer Election
Cris Caballero, an M.S. student in agricultural economics from Panama, was elected to the MANRRS national officer position of vice president for Region IV. This is a significant achievement, as it recognizes her leadership skills and commitment to the organization.
National Scholarship Recipients
Several U of A students received national scholarships, including:
- Kelvin Rivera, animal science major from Panama, received the National Farm Credit VIP Scholarship
- Akwasi Tagoe, Ph.D. student in agricultural education, communications and technology from Ghana, received the National Grain and Feed Association Scholarship
- Paul Dahunsi, M.S. student in animal science from Nigeria, received the John Deere Scholarship
- Ashley Rivera, animal science major from Panama, received the John Deere Scholarship
- Misuly Cedeno, animal science major from Panama, received the John Deere Scholarship
These scholarships provide financial support and networking opportunities for the students, which can help them advance their careers in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences.
Undergraduate Presenters
In addition to the graduate students, several undergraduate students from the U of A also presented their research at the conference. These students include:
- Hellen Molina, animal science major from Panama
- Yanis Vasquez, M.S. student in cell and molecular biology from Panama
- Md. Nurul Azmir, Ph.D. student in biological and agricultural engineering from Bangladesh
- Rupasri Sura, M.S. student in AEAB from India
These students showcased their research and presented their findings, demonstrating their commitment to the field of agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences.
About the MANRRS RSO
The MANRRS RSO (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences) is a student organization that provides academic support, networking, and career development opportunities for students interested in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences. The organization is housed in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences
The Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences is a premier institution that provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability, and human quality of life. The college is named after Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture.
| Student | Major | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Eniola Ola | Food Science | Nigeria |
| Damilola Oni | Agricultural Economics | Nigeria |
| Chetanjot Romana | Food Science | India |
| Agnes Amfo-Adu | Human Development and Family Sciences | Ghana |
| Cris Caballero | Agricultural Economics | Panama |
| Kelvin Rivera | Animal Science | Panama |
| Akwasi Tagoe | Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology | Ghana |
| Paul Dahunsi | Animal Science | Nigeria |
| Ashley Rivera | Animal Science | Panama |
| Misuly Cedeno | Animal Science | Panama |
Learn more about the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences
Quote from the Adviser
“MANRRS is a powerful avenue for helping students build connections with peers, faculty, and industry leaders at a local and national level,” said recently appointed adviser Isabel Whitehead-Adams. “Our students gained valuable experience participating in a variety of research and business presentations and professional networking. The energy of the conference was undeniable, and it was rewarding to see many of our group be recognized for their submissions.”
Quote from the Graduate Assistant
“A picture is worth a thousand words, and I am proud of the representation showcased from Arkansas at MANRRS39,” said Wendell Scales, graduate assistant adviser and a Ph.D. student in AECT. “Our goals will align with next year’s national theme, with a twist: AR Leadership to Legacy. Our collaboration across institutions and communities makes the collection of talented future agriculture professionals amazing.”
About the Conference
The 39th National MANRRS Conference was a great success, with 26 U of A student members of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences participating in the event. The conference provided a platform for students to showcase their research, present their findings, and network with peers, faculty, and industry leaders. The conference was attended by students from over 120 universities and schools, and provided a unique opportunity for students to learn from leaders in the field and build connections with peers and industry leaders. The MANRRS RSO is open to all students on campus, and provides a supportive community for students to connect with peers and industry leaders. The college is committed to providing a supportive community for students to connect with peers and industry leaders, and to providing opportunities for students to learn and grow in their academic and professional pursuits.
Quote from the Assistant Dean
“We would like to thank our numerous sponsors and supporters this year so that more of our students could attend the conference, including Farm Credit Mid-America, the Division of Agriculture, and so many friends and family members who supported our fundraiser last fall,” said Jacquelyn Dee Mosley, Bumpers College Assistant Dean. “We are grateful for the support of our community, and we look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for students to learn and grow in their academic and professional pursuits.”
Quote from the Professor
“A picture is worth a thousand words, and I am proud of the representation showcased from Arkansas at MANRRS39,” said Wendell Scales, graduate assistant adviser and a Ph.D. Our collaboration across institutions and communities makes the collection of talented future agriculture professionals amazing.”
About the Conference
The conference was attended by students from over 120 universities and schools. The conference was a great success, with 26 U of A student members of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences participating in the event.
About the Conference
The 39th National MANRRS Conference was a great success, with 26 U of A student members of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences participating in the event.
Quote from the Professor
“A picture is worth a thousand words, and I am proud of the representation showcased from Arkansas at MANRRS39,” said Wendell Scales, graduate assistant adviser and a Ph.D.
Quote from the Adviser
“MANRRS is a powerful avenue for helping students build connections with peers, faculty, and industry leaders at a local and national level,” said Isabel Whitehead-Adams, recently appointed adviser.
