CALS Research Day 2026 – Event Overview & Winners
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences hosted its annual CALS Research Day on February 3, 2026 at the Student Innovation Center, bringing together undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, and staff to celebrate research excellence across the college.
Attendees enjoyed an engaging afternoon featuring poster presentations, the 10th Annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Finalist Showcase, refreshments, and a closing ceremony and social hour. This year’s event highlighted the breadth and impact of CALS research while fostering conversations, collaboration, and community.
We are pleased to congratulate the outstanding researchers recognized at the 2026 CALS Research Day:
Graduate Student Winners
- 1st Place – Hernan Torres Pacin
Plant Breeding and Genetics
- 2nd Place – Onyinyechi Amaechi
Genetics and Genomics - 3rd Place (tie) – Elizabeth Due
Animal Science - 3rd Place (tie) – Luke Soko
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering - Honorable Mention – Pooja Timilsina
Environmental Sciences
Undergraduate Winners
- 1st Place – Emma Alstott
Horticulture and Global Resource Systems - 2nd Place – Jenna Hoffman
Horticulture - 3rd Place – Ella McGrath
Horticulture and Global Resource Systems
Postdoctoral Scholar Winners
- 1st Place – Swapan Chakrabarty
Agronomy - 2nd Place – Michael Killewald
Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology
People’s Choice Awards
- Emily Schoelerman
Animal Physiology - Reagan Suubi
Agriculture Education
CALS Research Day continues to showcase the creativity, dedication, and innovation of our student and postdoctoral researchers. Thank you to all participants, attendees, judges, and volunteers who made this year’s event a success!