By Scout Nelson
The campus community celebrates significant achievements this May as both students and faculty earn awards and recognition across agriculture and research disciplines.
Aaron Lee M. Daigh, associate professor of agronomy and horticulture, is awarded the 2025 Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Known as a vadose zone hydrologist and soil physicist, Daigh leads research focused on water quality and the movement of nutrients and chemicals through agricultural soils, especially in areas above major aquifers.
His classroom instruction and research cover important topics such as energy and matter transfer in soils, soil and water contamination, management strategies, and agronomy. His work is widely appreciated for its value to both education and sustainable farming practices.
Another major recognition goes to George Graef, a professor and the Presidential Chair of Soybean Breeding in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. He is awarded the 2025 Larry Tonniges Research Achievement Award by the Nebraska Soybean Board.
Graef has dedicated his career to advancing soybean genetics and increasing the crop’s overall value. His leadership in soybean breeding has contributed to better crop performance, helping strengthen agricultural success in Nebraska.
Alongside these faculty achievements, many students are also recognized for their hard work and accomplishments. Notable names include Charlotte Brockman, Adrian Cox, Sydney Honaker, Keegan Huffman, Dylan Insalaco, Katrina Jagodinsky, John Kosch, Elsbeth Magilton, Brett Neely, Anna Newcome, S. Sajeesh, Kalie Saunders, Camden Smith, Jaden Smith, Allison Walbrecht, and the Soil Judging Team.
These awards reflect a shared commitment to excellence in agriculture, research, and academic leadership, strengthening the campus’s mission to support learning and innovation.
Photo Credit:istock-ds70
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Soybeans