Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) recognizes the importance of supporting the next generation of the agriculture industry. SPG is proud to be able to contribute to students and postgraduate programs at the University of Saskatchewan that support the development of future pulse industry contributors.
SPG Don Jaques Memorial Postgraduate Fellowship
SPG established this award to recognize and support outstanding academic achievement and research interest in pulse crop development.
Amanda Fedorchuk | 2020/21 Recipient
Pursuing a Master’s degree in plant sciences under the supervision of Dr. Chris Willenborg in the Weed Science lab, Amanda’s research project looks at using integrated weed management strategies to reduce herbicide use in faba beans and other pulse crops. Her findings will help manage herbicide resistance, reduce further development of herbicide resistance, and allow growers the option to eliminate their post-emergent herbicide application all together.
Amanda is from a small town in Saskatchewan, and thought she was headed to become a pharmacist or pediatrician. However, she soon developed an interest in agriculture based on her engaging coursework. Amanda has completed her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.S.A.) and plans to defend her Master of Science (MSc).
Amanda’s post-graduation plans include working as a researcher. She is also interested in one day teaching university-level classes.
“This award has also allowed me to be more involved with my family farm since I do not need a part-time job to pay for school anymore. Thank you,” adds Amanda.
Learn more about Amanda’s involvement with pulse research projects.
Dr. Alfred E. Slinkard Postgraduate Scholarship
Named after pioneering pulse breeder Dr. Alfred E. Slinkard, SPG established this scholarship to promote academic excellence in the area of pulse crop research among students pursuing postgraduate studies at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.
Matthew Wengler | 2020/21 Recipient
Having grown up in Toronto, Matthew’s exposure to agriculture was limited. His interest in crop improvement flourished during a co-operative work placement with the Canadian Clonal Genebank of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
As Matthew completed his Bachelor of Science (BSc), his passion for plant sciences zeroed in on the genetics of plant-pathogen interactions. He is pursuing need-based research in plant pathology, host-pathogen interactions, and resistance breeding, which spearheaded his MSc in Plant Sciences, under the supervision of Dr. Sabine Banniza. With a focus on exploring candidate genes for resistance to anthracnose in lentil, Matthew aims to find resistant genes from wild lentil species.
“I have so much passion for the field of plant-pathogen interactions and resistance breeding that has been reflected in my courses, my research, and my community involvement and it felt amazing to be acknowledged with the Dr. Alfred E. Slinkard Postgraduate Scholarship. Thank you very, very much,” said Matthew.
Class of 1955 School of Agriculture and SPG Don Tait Memorial Award in Pulse Crops
This scholarship was established in memory of Don Tait, by his classmates of the 1955 School of Agriculture graduating class and SPG to reward academic achievement and recognize the research interest in pulse crops of graduate students at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.
Cassia Galves de Souza | 2020/21 Recipient
Growing up in a small town in Brazil, Cassia earned her Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Food Engineering, followed by her MSc in Food Engineering. She has been accepted into the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Food Science program at the University of Saskatchewan. Cassia’s thesis looks at the functionality and nutritional value of protein ingredients derived from a new line of high protein pea, as well as the end quality of the ingredients.
Under the supervision of Dr. Michael Nickerson, Cassia will study processing seed into protein concentrates and isolates, and examine how they perform as food ingredients. She is also researching if it is possible to improve extraction efficiencies using high protein pea in wet fractionation.
“This financial support allows me to focus all of my efforts on my studies and on my research project, helping me reach my career and personal goals. Without this, it would have been very difficult to relocate to Canada to pursue my dreams,” says Cassia. “I’m truly grateful.”