2010 Scholarship Recipients
Laura Avila Niño (Michigan State University)
Laura is working on her Master’s in Plant Pathology. Her area of interest is Epidemiology, fungicide resistance, and disease damage thresholds. She plans to earn a PhD in order to improve disease management practices and develop new alternatives to control the epidemic spread of plant diseases.
Ryan Dietrich (Michigan State University)
Ryan is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Agri-Business Mangagment in Fruit Production.
Ryan currently works in a Post-Harvest lab at MSU researching Honeycrisp storage methods. After graduation, Ryan plans on continuing the legacy on his family’s 800 acre fruit farm.
Alan Dosenberry (Michigan State University)
Alan is completing his Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture in the area of Post Harvest and Packaging. Alan is currently employed in a Plant Genetics Laboratory and wants to continue the research, experimentation, and testing of packaging and storage systems for food crops.
Jason Karle (Michigan State University)
Jason will be completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture next spring with a focus on viticulture and enology. Jason is currently the president of the MSU Wine Appreciation Club. He plans to pursue a career in winemaking and viticulture. His future plans include a desire to eventually earn his PhD and teach at MSU.
Andrew Schultz (Michigan State University)
Andrew is pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Management in the area of Fruit Production and Direct Farm Retail. He is an Eagle Scout and has spent considerable time developing environmentally friendly community service projects. His future plans include returning to his family fruit farm.
Travis Stegmeir (Michigan State University)
Travis pursues a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics in the area of Fruit Breeding. His current work is on the genetic control of cherry leaf spot and the genetic control of other quality traits in tart cherries. His aspiration is to work in the private sector on cultivar development for better fruit qualities, disease/pest resistance or higher yield.
Anthony VanWoerkom (Michigan State University)
Anthony is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Entomology and his area of interest is Fruit Tree Entomology. Upon completion of his degree, he plans to continue his career with a chemical company working with pesticides and may also pursue his PhD in Entomology.
2009 Scholarship Recipients
Amy Irish Brown (Michigan State University)
Amy is working on her PhD in Plant Pathology. Her area of interest is Fruit Tree Diseases. Her goal is to bring more useful information back to the growers in Michigan, especially the Grand Rapids area. She also continues her role as MSU Extension District Fruit Educator.
Ginette Golembiewski (Michigan State University)
Ginette is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture. She is enrolled in the Bailey Scholar program at MSU. Her career ambition is to farm and operate a restaurant that features Michigan-grown agricultural products. She also hopes to create a place where young women leaving foster care can spend a summer learning how to run a business, grow food, and gain self-esteem.
Leah Granke (Michigan State University)
Leah is nearing completion of a PhD in Plant Pathology. She has worked in Dr. Mary Hausbeck’s lab during her graduate studies. Her dissertation research has focused on phytophthora capsici, a major disease problem for a number of vegetable crops grown in Michigan. She plans to continue working in Dr. Hausbeck’s lab as a post-doctural researcher while pursuing a faculty position in plant pathology at a Land Grant university.
Chad Herrmann (Michigan State University)
Chad will be completing a Masters Degree in Horticulture next spring. His thesis research involves a comprehensive study of registered onion herbicides to determine the best methods for effective weed control. He is also working with a computer-guided flamer for post-emergent weed control in both conventional and organic systems. He hopes to be involved in vegetable production either directly or with an ag-related company.
Bill Holdsworth (Michigan State University)
Bill will graduate in May with a dual major in Plant Biology and Horticulture. In addition to his undergraduate studies, Bill has worked part time in a plant genetics research laboratory in the Department of Horticulture. He plans to attend graduate school in hopes of pursuing a career as a plant breeder of vegetable crops.
Tiffany Lillrose (Michigan State University)
Tiffany is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Horticulture and her area of interest is Sustainable Fruit Production. She would eventually like to become a professor and do research. Her particular area of interest is in Stone Fruits and in making them more efficient and economical under Michigan growing conditions. Tiffany plans on graduating December, 2011.
Timothy Miles (Michigan State University)
Timothy is pursuing his PhD in Plant Pathology and his particular area of interest is Small Fruit Diseases. He plans on looking for a post-doctoral position focusing on web-based forecast disease models for small and tree fruit. This could be in the private or academic sector. He plans on graduating in December, 2011.
Gunnar Nyblad (Michigan State University)
Gunnar is enrolled in the two-year Ag-Tech Program. His major is Ag Industry with interest in Fruit Production. He has been working on his family farm since childhood. After graduating in the spring of 2010, Gunnar plans to continue working with his family at New Leaf Orchards.
Nicholas Rasch (Michigan State University)
Nicholas is working on his Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business Management. His area of interest is in Fruit Farm Management. In the future, he plans to carry on his family’s 100-year farming tradition at Fruit Ridge. He plans to graduate in the spring of 2012.
Mike Roth (Michigan State University)
Mike is a junior majoring in Crop and Soil Sciences. For the past two summers, he worked for Helena Chemical Company, scouting fruit and vegetable crops and making pest management recommendations to growers. Upon graduation, he plans to work as an agronomist for a farm chemical company. He would also like to add some vegetable crop production to his family’s farm in Lowell.
Letizia Tozzini (Michigan State University)
Letizia is pursuing her PhD in Horticulture and her area of interest is Tree Pathology and Grapes. Her career interest is to pursue either public or private research in Sustainable Production in the Fruit Industry. She has worked on Nutrition Management in Grape and Measuring the Carbon Footprint of Cherry Production. She plans on graduating in the summer of 2011.
2008 Scholarship Recipients
Curtis Dietrich (Michigan State University)
Curtis is completing his second year of the Agriculture Industries program at MSU. He has grown up on his family’s fruit farm in the Ridge area of Grand Rapids. After he finishes his degree in the spring of 2010 he plans on returning to farm to work with his family.
Peter Nelson (Michigan State University)
Peter is working on his Bachelor’s Degree in the Department of Entomology. His area of interest is reduced risk/bio pesticides. He has worked with Dr. Mark Whalon in the field and lab on apple and cherry pests the past two years. After graduation in the spring of 2009 he wants to pursue his Master’s Degree in Entomology.
Jacob Rasch (Michigan State University)
Jacob is working on his Bachelor’s Degree in the Department of Horticulture. He was born and raised on his family’s fruit farm in Grand Rapids, where his interest in growing apples and peaches was developed. After graduation in the spring of 2011 he plans on returning to the family farm.
Nobuko Sugimoto (Michigan State University)
Nobuko is working on her PhD in the Department of Horticulture. Her primary interest is to understand how aroma volatiles are produced in ripening apples. Her objective is to study the function of ripening related genes based on microarray experiments. She plans on graduating in the spring of 2010.
Suneth Sithumini Sooriyapathirana (Michigan State University)
Suneth is working on his PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics. His primary interest is marker assisted breeding and genomic studies of cherry, strawberry and blueberry. He has been working in the Tart Cherry Breeding and Sweet Cherry Genetics Programs in the Department of Horticulture at MSU since October, 2006. After graduation in December 2009 he plans on continuing his career in his chosen field.
2007 Scholarship Recipients
Adam Dietrich (Michigan State University)
Adam is working on his Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture. He has spent the last three years working on post harvest of fruit with Dr. Randy Beaudry. He will graduate in May 2008 and is looking forward to working in the Fruit Industry.
Soo-Hoon Samual Kim (Michigan State University)
Soo-Houn is working on his Master’s Degree in Entomology. He has done research work in apples with major pests such as codling moth and plum curculio. He would like to continue his studies, pursuing a PhD to become a professor.
Claudia Place (Michigan State University)
Claudia is working on her Master’s Degree in Food Science and her area of interest is the Fruit & Vegetable Industry. She has worked on research projects with Dr. Kirk Dolan on cherries, cherry juice concentrate and strawberries. After graduation she plans on pursuing a career in the Fruit Industry.
Timothy Schwallier (Michigan State University)
Timothy is working on a two-year degree in Agriculture Industries. He has worked at the post harvest lab in Clarksville for the past three summers. After graduating from the two-year program he plans on pursuing a degree in Horticulture and eventually work in the Fruit Industry.
Michael VonWeihe (Michigan State University)
Michael is working on a Master’s Degree in Horticulture. His particular area of interest is high tunnel bramble production. After graduation he hopes to pursue a career of teaching or extension in small fruits.
2006 Scholarship Recipients
Andrew Fles(Michigan State University)
Andrew is working on his Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture and will graduate in 2007. Viticulture and pomology are interest areas for Andrew. He would like to work in the wine industry, preferably in the State of Michigan mainly because of the opportunities it offers.
Stephen Jordan(Michigan State University)
Working on his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Stephen’s area of interest is fungal diseases of grapevines. His plans are to complete his degree in the fall of 2007. After graduation, he would like to continue at the university level doing lab research with a dual emphasis on the biology of plant pathogens of fruit crops, primarily grapes, and devising novel strategies for control.
Kevin Rasch (Davenport University)
Kevin is working on his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. He has scouted for UAP and Wilbur Ellis and attended training sessions at the Trevor Nichols Research Center. His plans include consultation for growers and the writing of chemical recommendations to the fruit industry.
Michael Swindeman (Michigan State University)
Majoring in Horticulture with an area of interest in fruit production, Michael is very committed to a career in the apple industry. His plans upon graduation are to return to the family farm. His emphasis will be on managing the orchards and increased production and fruit quality.
Martin Villarreal (Michigan State University)
Martin in working on his Entomology Bachelor’s Degree at MSU. His area of interest is in fruit tree entomology and biological controls. His aspiration is to further his education and focus on either fruit tree or forensic entomology specialization at an educational, research, or governmental level.
2005 Scholarship Recipients
Adam James Dietrich Michigan State University)
is working on his Master’s Degree, majoring in horticulture. He has worked on his family’s farm and worked in Postharvest Research on apples and various fruits at MSU. Adam’s plans after graduation include working for a chemical company working for the fruit and vegetable industry in Michigan or managing a fruit packing and processing plant.
Brian C. Hosmer (Michigan State University)
Majoring in Viticulture and Enology, Brian will be receiving his Master’s Degree in 2006. He works in his department in the vineyards trellising, pruning, harvesting, irrigation installation, fruit assessment, and has worked for the laboratory and winery. Brian would like to stay in Michigan to share his gained knowledge with other fruit growers to improve fruit quality and reduce usage of sprays by sharing scouting practices and disease/pest information.
Juliette King (Michigan State University)
Juliette is working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Agri-business Management and Horticulture. Growing up on a farm, Juliette has been very active in all aspects of farming, including office and retail sales to cherry harvest and labor. She would like to return to her father’s farm and further expand its operations and would like to eventually start a vineyard and winery with a tasting room.
Stevie Lynn Malone (Michigan State University)
Stevie Lynn is working on her Bachelor’s Degree in plant pathology. She has extensive experience scouting fruit and vegetable crops and is working for West Central Michigan Crop Management Association. Stevie plans to pursue her Master and PhD degrees in Plant Pathology, and become a university professor and conduct research on fruit and/or vegetable crops to help farmers prevent and control devastating crop pathogens.
Nobuko Sugimot (Michigan State University)
Nobuko’s goal is to receive her PhD in Postharvest Physiology. She is currently working in the area of biosynthesis of apple aroma during ripening from the biochemistry and genetic aspects in the relationship to the apple’s physiology. Her goal is to maintain and improve the flavor in fruits and vegetables to benefit both producers and consumers.
2004 MSHS Scholarship Recipients
William Bristol (Michigan State University)
William is majoring in Horticulture/Pomology and will be transferring into a four-year horticulture program at MSU. His plans after graduating include returning to the family farm where he will begin to transfer everything from standard rows to high density planting. His plans also include marketing and sales of the family business.
Jason F. Jablon (Michigan State University)
Jason’s major at MSU is in Applied Plant Science. He plans on becoming an IPM scout/crop advisor specializing in tree fruit and in organic solutions to help farmers to be able to switch to organic production. He believes there will be a growing market in this area and he plans on specializing in organic and fresh tree fruit production selling directly to consumers and retailers.
Dario Stefanelli (Michigan State University)
Dario will major in Horticulture with special interest in organic apple production. He has participated in MSU’s Student Organic Farms, has been an Organic Orchard Consultant volunteer, and an active HOGS (Horticulture Organization Graduate Students) member. His plans include working in a fruit industry doing research and to help increase fruit health and quality.
Stephen Tennes (Michigan State University)
Stephen is currently working on his Master degree in Horticulture and is a HOGS (Horticulture Organization Graduate Students) member. In addition to his studies, he is slowly assuming all management responsibilities of his family’s apple orchard, pumpkin patch, cider mill, and farm market. It is his intention to continue to run and expand the farm and become more involved in Michigan’s fruit and vegetable industry.
Yufei Xu (Michigan State University)
A current member of HOGS (Horticulture Organization Graduate Students), Yufei is majoring in Horticulture with special interest in Pomology and Molecular Biology. Yufei would like to build up international collaborations to benefit the Midwest fruit industry.
2003 MSHS Scholarship Recipients
Chrislyn Drake
Melissa Sue Moser
Kevin Rasch
Barbara M. Schmidt
Aaron Smith
2002 MSHS Scholarship Recipients
Mavis Tan
Mavis received a BS degree in Food Science from MSU in August 2002. She has been accepted into MSU’s graduate program and is working with Dr. Janice Harte on two projects. One is Chestnut based project development and the other is Apple cider. She has received various scholarships and been involved with several organizations in her undergraduate career.
Creela Overton
Creela is currently enrolled at Grand Valley State College, majoring in natural resource management. She is the secretary of the Soil and Water Conservation Society on campus. She has spent the last two summers working in the I.P.M. Scout Project in West Central Michigan. Her career goal is to become a chemical and pest management consultant.
Mercy Olmstead
Mercy is currently enrolled in the P.H.D. program at MSU. Her area of interest is Cherry physiology and dwarfing. In her undergraduate years she has worked with the grape and wine industry in CA. & WA State. Her career goal is to have an extension position with MSU and teach at the college level.
Jeff Russell
Jeff is currently enrolled in Southern Illinois University. His major is Plant, Soil and General Ag. He has worked with the SIU research orchards. His career goals are to teach Horticulture at a community college and to grow fruits and vegetables.
Katy Winkel
Katy is currently enrolled at MSU majoring in Agribusiness. Her experience includes working on a Fruit and Vegetable farm, SW Research and Extension and Michigan’s Plum Advisory board. Her goal is to market produce internationally.
2001 MSHS Scholarship Recipients
Cathy Pisano
Brian Rajzer
Gary Thornton
Randall Vos
Kasey Watts
2000 MSHS Scholarship Recipients
Jennifer L. Anderson
Ernesto Huaracha
Amy T. Irish-Brown
Emelee A. Reifschneider
Benjamin Stanley Schilling
1999 MSHS Scholarship Recipients
Timothy J. Beemer
Tim will receive his Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, with an emphasis in pomology, on Friday this week. He hopes to attend graduate school for pomology. Tim, the son of Norma and John Beemer, is from Northville, MI (near Detroit), has been involved in the MSU Marching Band and is an Eagle Scout and Assistant scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America. He has worked with Phil Schwallier and Ron Perry, and for Kropf Orchards. He hopes to work for a grower services company with orchard and vineyard clients, or manage an orchard.
Jessica S. Hackert
Jessica, the daughter of Roy and Sue Hackert of Ludington, will receive her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business Management in May 2001. Jessica has been active in many student organizations and on-campus activities. She has worked for Hackert Farms and with Dr. Don Ricks at MSU. She hopes to return to the farm at some point in the future. She would like to be involved in the public policy aspect of the fruit industry and hopes to intern with a Michigan Congressman.
Daniel J. Wampfler
Dan is the son of David and Ann Wampfler of Midland, MI. His major is horticulture with an emphasis in viticulture and enology and he is scheduled to graduate in May 2001. He has worked in an organic research lab at Dow Chemical Co., in the Chemistry Dept. at MSU and with Dr. Stan Howell of the Dept. of Horticulture. His current work with Dr. Howell includes vineyard, winery and laboratory work. His future goals include close involvement with the grape industry of Michigan.
1998 MSHS Scholarship Recipients
Lisa Winkel
Lisa is the daughter of Rodney and Jeanette Winkel of Watervliet. She is a senior at MI State Univ. majoring in Agribusiness Management. She has worked five years at Coloma Frozen Foods, two years at Cherry Marketing Institute and at Greg Orchards and Produce as needed. She has been on the Dean’s list for six semesters, has twice received the Michigan Frozen Food Processors Assoc. Scholarship, has received the Panhellenic Council Overseas Study Scholarship, the Glynn McBride Assoc. of Farmer Cooperatives Scholarship, the MSU Study Abroad Scholarship, and the MSU College of Ag. Study Abroad Scholarship. She has been active in many civic and public service activities as well as student organizations. After college, she hopes to obtain a job with an agribusiness firm either in sales or office management. After gaining some experience she would like to return to the family business, Greg Orchards & Produce, to manage a fresh fruit packing plant. She also envisions the addition of a farm market with u-pick and a restaurant for families and tourists. (More info on attached bio.)
John Rasch
John is the son of Vincent Rasch and Maryann Teisman both of Grand Rapids. John is a Junior at Michigan State University majoring in Horticulture. He currently works at the Ed and Don Rasch Farms. In 1997 hed worked as an IPM scout intern for Grower Service Corporation. He has received the Aubrey Riebel Scholarship and the Michigan Competitive Scholarship. In the past he participated in Michigan Boys’ State and was an assistant coach of a Pioneer Little League team. John has also been a speaker at the Michigan Apple Promoters “Apple Blossom Day” for the past two years. After graduation he would, at this point, prefer to farm, but may instead become involved in some other aspect of the horticultural industry. (more info on attached bio.)
1997 MSHS Scholarship Recipient
Melanie Kaeb
Melanie is from Lowell, Michigan and is completing her senior year at MSU studying Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Her on campus advisor is Dr. Mark Whalon. Melanie is interested in the biochemical, biological and the ecological insect interactions which are occurring in Michigan apple orchards. In the future, she would like to work for the Michigan apple industry in a research, extension or pest monitoring role after completing a master’s degree at Michigan State University.
The Michigan State Horticultural Society is an educational
organization with a mission "to encourage among the people a greater
love for choice fruit products, to awaken a larger interest in Michigan's
horticultural possibilities, and to offer practical suggestions along modern
cultural and marketing methods". It was organized in 1870 and currently
has 1,400 members who are actively engaged in horticultural pursuits. The
Society supports the Michigan fruit
industry, which contributes significantly to the health, well being and
enjoyment of life for Michigan
citizens and people throughout the world.
