For the second year in a row, an NCERC at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student staff member was honored with scholarships from the agriculture and ethanol industries. NCERC Graduate Assistant Krista Russell was recognized twice in February, receiving the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) National Ethanol Conference scholarship, as well as the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) William C. Berg Academic Excellence in Agriculture award.
A Jerseyville native, Russell’s academic background, experience, extracurricular achievements and all-around passion for the industry have already positively impacted agriculture, an effect that is sure to grow with her career. Russell was recognized in February at the RFA National Ethanol Conference and at the NCGA Awards Banquet at Commodity Classic, both in Orlando.
“Being chosen as a recipient for both of these scholarships is truly an honor,” Russell said. “I am beyond thankful that I have had the opportunity to experience both of these events. The experiences and opportunities I had as a scholarship winner provided the knowledge and skills that will greatly benefit me as I complete my master’s degree and throughout my career.”
While pursuing a bachelor’s in agricultural systems and education at SIU Carbondale, Russell maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average and dean’s list honors. She has previously earned several prestigious awards, including an American Future Farmers of America (FFA) Degree, the Illinois FFA State Degree and the Illinois Agriculture Association Foundation’s Top Scholar award.
During summer 2018, Russell worked as the NCERC education and marketing intern.
Now, Russell is pursuing a master’s in environmental sciences at SIUE, where she is working as a graduate assistant on the Fueling Growth: E3 USDA project to extend agriculture education and outreach in southern Illinois. Russell started at SIUE in January 2019.
Russell expressed her thanks to the RFA and NCGA for sponsoring her scholarships. “Thank you to the SIUE faculty for being supportive of my current endeavors and for being flexible to allow me the opportunity to attend both of these experiences,” Russell said. “Thank you to my parents for all of their continued support.”