RALEIGH – October 29, 2026 -- Syngenta awarded five college students $2,000 each, $10,000 in total, through the new Durastak Traits of Tomorrow Scholarship, a program aimed at building the talent pipeline for agriculture and STEM careers.
Five students from Midwest universities win the inaugural 2026 awards
The winners are Sophia Barnum (Michigan State University, Crop and Soil Sciences), Braydon Binger (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Agronomy), Kaarina Dunn (University of Wisconsin-Madison, Environmental Sciences and Agroecology), Ethan Fisher (Kansas State University, Biological Systems Engineering) and Calvin Myers (Purdue University, Agribusiness Management).
Judges scored applicants on determination, resourcefulness and a forward-thinking mindset
A panel of judges selected the recipients based on the merits of their applications. The scholarship was open to high school seniors and full-time students across the Midwest pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or an agriculture-related field.
Steve Sterchi, Head of Product & Commercial Strategy at Syngenta, said the five recipients show the future of agriculture is in good hands.
Fisher plans to start his own farm operation after graduation
Fisher is studying agricultural engineering and intends to launch his own operation. He said building an operation from nothing is a task he wants to tackle, and that he wants to be part of the solution to the industry's current challenges.
Dunn targets agricultural policymaking at state or national level
Dunn plans a career in agricultural policy, helping farmers access government assistance and teaching young people about the industry's importance. She said the scholarship shows youth that agriculture "isn't something that just happens on a family farm."