Somdatta Achar, Mackenzie Long and Cephas Sithole have each been awarded the 2026 Wirth/McGowen/Poley Fellowship. The fellowship — which includes a $2500 award — supports the education and research of graduate students who are working to advance global food and nutrition security for a growing world population in agriculture, natural resources and human sciences.
Somdatta Achar
Somdatta Achar is a third-year PhD student in Andrea Basche’s Resilient Cropping Systems Lab. Her research focuses on perennial ground cover systems, a farming approach where cash crops like corn or soybean are planted in rows between strips of pre-established perennial cover crops that remain in place year-round. The research aims to identify best management practices, such as crop rotation or grass suppression, so PGC systems do not interfere with cash crop growth or yield. In addition to identifying these management practices, Achar says an important aspect of her research is evaluating the greenhouse gas emissions from PGC systems to assess whether they increase or decrease emissions from agricultural lands.
“I aim to provide farmers with practical, science-based recommendations for adopting perennial cover crops without sacrificing yields,” Achar said. “It supports more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems that help meet growing global food demands.”
MacKenzie Long
Mackenzie Long is pursuing two degrees: a master’s in plant breeding and genetics, advised by Katherine Frels, and a Doctor of Plant Health degree, advised by Jeff Bradshaw.
For her master’s degree, Long is evaluating dietary fiber levels in Nebraska experimental wheat varieties. By surveying lines in the Nebraska Wheat Breeding Program, Long aims to identify high-fiber wheat for cultivar release, enabling high-fiber bread products that support digestive health, cholesterol and blood sugar management, cancer prevention and heart health.
Long’s doctoral research focuses on practical methods for teaching international farming practices and supporting economic development.
“My coursework spans diverse climates, agronomic practices, plant breeding and nutritional diagnostics,” Long said. “My goal is to build a foundation that supports global food security efforts with an emphasis on relationships between farmers and crop consultants.”
Cephas Sithole
Cephas Sithole is a third-year PhD student in David Holding’s laboratory and is advised by Holding and Brian Rice. His research focuses on developing Colored Quality Popcorn, a cross between Quality Protein Maize and colored popcorn aimed at improving the nutrition and appeal of corn-based foods.
Corn lacks enough of two amino acids the body needs — tryptophan and lysine — to be a complete source of protein. Decades ago, scientists discovered a natural mutation that boosts those amino acid levels but also makes kernels chalky and more vulnerable to pests. Researchers later solved that problem by combining the mutation with other genes, creating what's known as Quality Protein Maize.
Sithole is building on that breakthrough to create a more nutritious popcorn. Currently, he’s crossbreeding colored popcorn with Quality Protein Maize to produce nine parent varieties and then breeds them together to create new hybrids that are being tested on Nebraska’s East Campus. Additionally, he is studying whether a popcorn’s color is linked to its nutritional value and how well it pops.
“My goal is to make a free, publicly available popcorn in a range of colors that is more nutritious without sacrificing taste,” Sithole said.
Please reach out to Achar, Long and Sithole to learn more about their research.
