Group photo of FFAR Fellows. Group photo of FFAR Fellows.

2020 FFAR Fellows Cohort Announced

Washington, D.C.

  • Scientific Workforce

WASHINGTON (September 29, 2020) – Preparing future food and agriculture scientists to solve urgent agricultural challenges tomorrow starts by investing in them today. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and North Carolina State University are excited to announce the 23 recipients of the 2020 FFAR Fellows Program. This Program is a unique three-year fellowship that provides funding and mentorship to doctoral students conducting research in alignment with FFAR’s six Challenge Areas.

Most science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs prepare students for traditional research career paths, often leaving food and agriculture scientists unaware of career opportunities outside of the laboratory. Additionally, early career scientists are typically not provided with professional development opportunities to learn non-cognitive “soft skills” needed by well-rounded graduates. The FFAR Fellows program provides these missing opportunities.

Portrait of Sally Rockey.
Investing in early career scientists is critical to building a scientific workforce that is prepared to tackle the many pressing issues facing the food and agriculture industry. We are proud to support this year’s talented cohort of young scientists who are conducting bold research with the potential for real world impact. Sally Rockey, Ph.D.
Executive Director Emeritus

This holistic training program not only funds research, but also provides career guidance, explores professional development opportunities and offers mentorship from industry sponsors. The program pairs doctoral candidates with academic and industry mentors to foster professional development and critical workforce skills. Each industry sponsor matches FFAR’s funding to double the investment in early-career scientists workforce development.

The FFAR Fellowship program is led by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University. “The Fellows are passionate about their science and the potential impact they can have in the world,” said Dr. Rebecca Dunning, who manages the program at NCSU. “The Fellows program provides the leadership and communications training these impressive Ph.D. students need to fully realize that potential.”

The 2020 FFAR Fellows include:

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Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.

Connect: @FoundationFAR | @RockTalking