b'REINFORCING THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC PLANT BREEDINGFor some, the journey into the world of plant breeding is a natural progression. The new president of the National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) transitioned into the organization after serving as a chair of the Plant Breeding Coordinating Committee, which founded the NAPB. Such experiences foster an understanding of the intricacies involved in the process, says Thomas Lbberstedt, a professor in the Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University. As the newly inducted president of the NAPB, his major goal is to advocate for public plant breeding at different levels. This includes working at the federal level to secure competitive funding Ksenija Gasic shows off some of this years peach harvest during a tour of Clemsonopportunities through organizations like USDA NIFA. Universitys peach orchards near Greenville. While some progress has been made, more support is required, especially concerning climate change, graduate and undergraduate studentsreturn home to support to her grievingwhich necessitates enhanced genetic resource with scholarships this year, includingfamily. Despite these obstacles, Robertamanagement and proactive development of Maria Roberta de Oliveira, a 2023 Georgede Oliveira finds solace in the unwaver- solutions tailored to address emerging challenges.Washington Carver Scholar. An ambitiousing support of her mother and brother,Activities in the coming year will build on ongoing student from Brazil, she is determined towho consistently motivate and encourage overcome any challenges that come herher to pursue her dreams. Their belief inefforts, he notes in his recent presidents message way in her educational and professionalher potential has played a significant rolereleased on the NAPB website. Importantly, past pursuits. in her achievements thus far. While theypresidents Hannah Senior and Ksenija Gasic will lead Not only is she actively engaged in themay hope for her return, they also respectdevelopment of the 2024-2028 strategic plan, he NAPB Graduate Student Working Groupher autonomy in deciding her path. noted. That plan incorporates a four-pillar structure focusing on outreach initiatives, but sheMy brother and my mom are alwaysproposed at the 2023 NAPB business meeting. is also an inspiration to others facingthere to motivate me and encourage me similar hurdles. This group is dedicated toto pursue my aspirations. I believe that supporting grad students like her, under- without their support, I may not have standing the difficulties they encounterreached this point, she says.and providing a platform for careerDrawing from her own experiences, advancement. she advises fellow students facing similar Her journey hasnt been withouttrials during their study-abroad endeav-its share of tough decisions and diffi- ors. She urges them to fearlessly chase cult moments. She often contemplatestheir dreams, regardless of where they whether she should return to Brazilmay lead. At the same time, she empha-after her studies or seize opportuni- sizes the immense impact that familial ties for employment in North America.support and encouragement can have The longing for her loved ones andon ones journey. Her message: seize theON THE WEBWHERE the desire to be present for importantopportunities that come your way, while events back home weigh on her mind.treasuring the bond with loved ones andSeed World conducted video and audio interviews at this years She experienced the loss of her fatherdrawing strength from the motivationNAPB meeting with attendees including NAPB board members, in Brazil during the challenging times ofthey provide.SW conference speakers and scholarship recipients! Check out the the COVID-19 pandemic and couldntinterviews at seedworld.com/napb/napb-202344/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2023'