Innovation Lab Supports 65 Students in Degree Granting Programs

November 04, 2023

From the October 2023 Newsletter

The Feed the Future Innovation Lab managed by Michigan State University supported a total of 65 students in legume research related educational degrees at numerous higher-learning institutions globally during the first five-year phase of the program.

“This accomplishment shows the commitment of the Legume Systems Innovation Lab to build individual capacity for resilient development,” shares John Medendorp, deputy director of the program. “In order for developing countries to shift the needle, investments in people are one of the strongest influencers we as programs can provide.”

Barry Pittendrigh, Legume Systems Innovation Lab Director notes, “it’s a model that U.S. land grant universities can lend to our partner countries. A model based on understanding the issues within a community and finding applicable solutions to solve those issues. By investing in the next generation of legume researchers, we are building resilience with these educated problem solvers to understand, react to, and withstand shocks and issues within their communities.”

Maria Mazala from Zambia is one of the 37 women awarded a scholarship through the Legume Systems Innovation Lab. She recently received her master’s degree in plant sciences at North Dakota State University. “This program has helped me solidify my confidence to become the best version of me. I am extremely grateful.”

Supported through the project, Genetic Improvement of Dry Beans for Bruchid Resistance for Southern Africa, her advisor, and project principal investigator Dr. Juan Osorno has been pleased with Maria’s dedication to her field and Zambia. Three other students are also supported by the project and are studying at collaborating institution, the University of Zambia.

“To describe Maria and the other students I would have to say they are passionate, dedicated, and aim for excellence. I commend my colleague, Dr. Kelvin Kamfwa from the University of Zambia for recruiting really good students (and) selecting the right people for this project. We have four amazing women who are working with us. These students are going to go back (to their home countries) and make real impact into the regions.”

Maria Mazala with Dr. Juan Osorno and Dr. Kelvin Kamfwa in the greenhouse at the University of Zambia.

Although the students working with Dr. Osorno and Dr. Kamfwa are involved in bean breeding, legume research is no longer just about the farm. Economics and policy also play an integral role.

“Almost half of these students pursued degrees in Agricultural Economics and related fields like land use, planning, and management, local economic and community development, or nutrition. These fields really dive deep into the how and why of social and community issues which are critical for sustained growth,” adds David DeYoung, Legume Systems Innovation Lab program manager.