Advancing Corn Research: Celebrating the 2024 Gary Lamie Scholarship Winners

By Anita Sharkey

The Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) has once again recognized the outstanding contributions of two Purdue University students, awarding them the prestigious Purdue College of Agriculture’s Graduate Student Corn Research Assistantship. This $25,000 scholarship, established in 2014 and named in honor of the late Gary Lamie, supports graduate students pursuing groundbreaking research in corn-related studies. This year’s recipients, Denise Caldwell and Wily Rodrigo Sic Hernandez exemplify the dedication and innovation that Lamie envisioned when he championed the state’s corn checkoff program during his tenure as ICMC president.

Denise Caldwell: a journey of perseverance and innovation

Denise Caldwell’s path to the ICMC scholarship is a testament to resilience, dedication, and a passion for agricultural science. As a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University, Denise has a rich academic background, holding an MS from the same department and a BS in Horticultural Science from Purdue. Her educational journey began in 1992, but she prioritized her family, marrying and supporting her husband during his military service before returning to academia.

Denise, a mother of four, re-entered the academic world as a non-traditional student, balancing the demands of motherhood and marriage with her educational pursuits. Her unique perspective has been a driving force behind her innovative research. Denise’s work focuses on the plant pathogen Phyllachora maydis, the causative agent of tar spot in maize, a critical area of study given the impact of this disease on corn production.

One of her most notable achievements includes working with NASA to study tomato plants on the International Space Station. This project, which involved simulating pathogen attacks in microgravity, provided valuable insights into plant defense mechanisms and demonstrated Denise’s ability to contribute to high-impact research. Her current work, funded by the Gary Lamie Graduate Assistantship, involves uncovering the infection strategies of P. maydis and developing protocols for its study in controlled environments—a crucial step in improving disease management in corn.

Denise’s passion for her work and desire to contribute to the agricultural community are evident. She plans to use the scholarship to further her research and share her findings at key conferences, including the Maize Genetics Cooperation and the American Phytopathology Society meetings. Her work promises to provide significant benefits to Indiana corn farmers, helping them better manage tar spots and improve crop yields.

Wily Rodrigo Sic Hernandez: bridging cultures and advancing corn research

Wily Rodrigo Sic Hernandez, another deserving recipient of the Gary Lamie scholarship, brings a wealth of experience and a multicultural perspective to his research. Originally from Guatemala, Wily earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science and Production from Zamorano University, a leading Latin American agricultural education institution. His academic journey took him from Honduras to the University of Connecticut, where he focused on preventing clogging in drip irrigation systems, and eventually to Purdue University, where he is now pursuing his Ph.D. in Botany and Plant Pathology.

Wily’s research centers on the fungal microbiome associated with tar spot on corn, a complex and pressing agricultural issue. His work involves identifying the fungal species in tar spot lesions across different geographical regions, a study that has already yielded significant findings. His research aims to understand the dynamic change in these fungal communities over time, which could lead to new strategies for managing tar spots and even potential biological control methods.

In addition to his research, Wily is actively involved in the academic community at Purdue, serving as president of the Association of Zamorano Alumni and vice president of the Botany and Plant Pathology Graduate Student Association. His leadership roles reflect his commitment to fostering academic and professional growth among his peers, organizing symposiums, social events, and educational activities that benefit the graduate student community.

Why Does This Matter to Indiana Farmers?

The Gary Lamie Scholarship continues to play a vital role in supporting emerging leaders in corn research. Denise and Wily exemplify the scholarship’s mission by pushing the boundaries of agricultural science and making meaningful contributions to the industry. Their work advances our understanding of critical corn diseases and supports the broader goal of improving farming practices and ensuring food security.

As they continue their research, Denise and Wily are poised to make lasting impacts on plant pathology and the corn industry. Their dedication to their studies, coupled with the support of the ICMC, will undoubtedly lead to advancements that directly benefit corn farmers in Indiana and beyond.