Vinicius Zuppa, agronomy and horticulture doctoral candidate specializing in crop physiology and production, received the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America Future Leaders in Science award.
This award is an opportunity for graduate students to engage with policymakers and advocate for food, agriculture and natural resources research funding. Award recipients receive policy, communication and advocacy training to prepare them to effectively work with Congress. Zuppa will travel to Washington D.C., Feb. 25-26 for the 2025 Congressional Visits Day.
Zuppa grew up in São Paulo, Brazil, and earned his bachelor’s degree in agronomy at the Universidade Federal de Lavras in Minas Gerais, Brazil in 2018. There he was involved in extension work and educational programs.
His career path has included voluntary research, internships, agricultural production and farm operations experience in Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado. After working with a farmer for seven years, Zuppa was inspired to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Based at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center’s High Plains Agricultural Laboratory, Zuppa’s research focuses on understanding the impact of the wheat stem sawfly, a pest that feeds inside the wheat stems. He is studying how its feeding reduces wheat yield, affects soil-water storage for subsequent crops, and influences residue management and decomposition under high infestation. Additionally, he is investigating how natural parasitoids can effectively kill the sawfly larvae, potentially reducing its harmful effects on wheat production.
“Participating in the Congressional Visits Day is a unique opportunity to connect my research with real-world policy discussions,” Zuppa said. “I want to share insights about dryland cropping systems, the importance of pest management and soil health practices to highlight their relevance to food security and rural economies. This experience will also allow me to learn more about how research can shape agricultural policy.”
Zuppa plans to graduate August 2025. His advisor is Cody Creech, agronomy and horticulture associate professor and Fenster Professor of Dryland Agriculture.
