b'We like to reward a student that did quite a bit of effortThroughout the last two years, Evans has been on the ground through the academia, he says, adding that quite often, itslearning both virtually and in-person about the ins and outs of difficult to award just one student. All students deserve theplant breeding while getting to put her education to work during accolades.her daily job as well.This years Outstanding Student Award is presented to EllenHer favorite subjects? Those that she can continue to use in Evans, associate breeder of cucumber at HM.Clause Vegetableher current position.Seeds.For example, genetics practices that lead to better inbreds Ellen had an exceptional desire to become a plant breeder.and hybrids, such as analyzing general combining ability, tech-She spent quite a few years in the industry in different roles niques for designating heterotic groups, and data analysis that pathology, molecular marker, biology Djordjevic says. Then,uses historic and current data from your program to predict all of a sudden, she said: Okay, but what really inspires me is thegood combinations for future hybrids and line development, creation of new varieties. I think that was truly remarkable. Evans says, noting this particular subject is something she can For Evans, the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy offered herapply straight away as an associate breeder. I also like the big a new path toward plant breedingone where she could takepicture things we discuss, like breeding process management her relevant skills and on-the-job experience while learning theand optimization, foundation seed and seed production, and the background of plant breeding without having to stop her careerimportance of innovation to ones program.to get a PhD.With the Academy almost ready to wrap up this term, and By ensuring I have a solid understanding of the fundamentalsthis new achievement under her belt, Evans says shes fortunate as well as many of the latest techniques, I hope to maximize myto be doing what she loves already. chance of earning a full breeder title at HM.Clause, she says. IEvery day I go to work with great people who are passionate think even for PhD-educated breeders with years of experience,about the projects we work on.Cucumber is a fascinating and there is something to be said for reviewing the basics periodically,fun crop and I enjoy traveling the world with my team to look from good experimental design and statistical analysis to basicat how our test varieties behave in the environments we breed breeding concepts, program management and leadership. for, she says. One never knows what the future may bring, but I trust that if I continue to put in the effort and apply the things I learned in the Plant Breeding Academy, I, the cucumber team and the company will benefit.And, if youre teetering on the edge of deciding to join the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy either in the U.S. or in Europe, Evans has some advice: while its a big commitment, its worth it.What convinced me was when a former attendee from my company, Jon Gienapp, told me he found the experience valu-able not only for the classroom learning, but also for the connec-tions made with classmates during the activities you do together outside of class, she says. I endorse that 100%. My classmates are a unique and engaging bunch who I look forward to seeing each session. I can add that the field trips organized by Jovan and Whitney have been impressive and the host companies and UC Davis campus labs that we visit have all been very welcoming and excited to share their work with us.SWON THE WEBWHERE Want to hear more about Ellen and the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy?Listen to her podcast at https://youtu.be/EMNjrePFaMw46/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2023'