By Scout Nelson
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has named Somdatta Achar, MacKenzie Long and Cephas Sithole as recipients of the 2026-27 Wirth/McGowen/Poley Fellowship. The fellowship includes a $2,500 award and supports graduate students whose research advances global food and nutrition security.
The three students are conducting research in sustainable agriculture, plant breeding and nutrition, with projects aimed at improving food production and strengthening agricultural systems. Their work addresses challenges related to crop productivity, environmental sustainability and food quality.
Achar, a third-year Ph.D. student in Andrea Basche's Resilient Cropping Systems Lab, is studying perennial ground cover systems. Her research focuses on identifying management practices that help farmers adopt cover crops while maintaining crop yields and improving environmental outcomes.
“I aim to provide farmers with practical, science-based recommendations for adopting perennial cover crops without sacrificing yields,” Achar said. “It supports more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems that help meet growing global food demands.”
Long is pursuing degrees in plant breeding and genetics and plant health. Her research evaluates dietary fiber levels in experimental wheat varieties and explores ways to support global food security through agricultural education and farmer engagement.
“My coursework spans diverse climates, agronomic practices, plant breeding and nutritional diagnostics,” Long said. “My goal is to build a foundation that supports global food security efforts with an emphasis on relationships between farmers and crop consultants.”
Sithole, a third-year Ph.D. student advised by David Holding and Brian Rice, is developing Colored Quality Popcorn, a cross between Quality Protein Maize and colored popcorn. His work aims to improve popcorn nutrition while maintaining its taste and consumer appeal.
The project involves breeding and testing new popcorn hybrids with enhanced nutritional characteristics. Researchers are also evaluating how kernel color may influence nutritional value and popping performance.
“My goal is to make a free, publicly available popcorn in a range of colors that is more nutritious without sacrificing taste,” Sithole said.
Through the Wirth/McGowen/Poley Fellowship, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is supporting innovative graduate research that addresses food security, sustainable agriculture and human nutrition. The work of Achar, Long and Sithole highlights the university's commitment to developing practical solutions for global agricultural challenges.
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Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Education, Sustainable Agriculture