Page 3 - Impact Summer 2021

FIGHTING HUNGER FOR A FOOD-SECURE FUTURE
Inspired by the 50th anniversary of U of M alumnus Norman Borlaug, PhD, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for a lifetime of work to feed a hungry world, CFANS has honored 50 individuals or groups working to advance food security today.
The “50 CFANS Hunger Fighters” include scientists, educators, and leaders who build on Borlaug’s vision for a well-fed and peaceful world — many of whom are CFANS students, faculty, staff, postdoctoral researchers,
alumni and supporters who work in
a variety of sectors worldwide. They were nominated in recognition of their outstanding efforts to fight hunger locally and globally. Their work ranges from finding policy solutions to end hunger and malnutrition, to helping smallholder farmers transition from subsistence agriculture, to income- generating farming, to eliminating food deserts in urban areas.
“At CFANS, we take immense pride in the many researchers, students
and alumni working to alleviate
food insecurity issues around the world,” said Dean Brian Buhr.
“That work includes creating pest
and disease resistant crop varieties; enhancing climate resistance in crops; increasing nutrition in plant and animal foods; identifying ways to reduce environmental pollution; and much more.”
To read about each honoree, visit z.umn.edu/cfanshungerfighters.
FROM LEFT: ALINA SMOLSKAYA, TABARE ABADIE
MENTORSHIP REFLECTIONS
Each year, the CFANS Mentor Program matches approximately 200 students and post-docs with alumni and industry professionals who share valuable career insights and guidance. Alina Smolskaya, originally from Belarus
and currently a senior in the plant science program, shares thoughts on her partnership with mentor Tabare Abadie. Abadie, a native of Uruguay, is a senior research manager and laureate at Corteva Agrisciences in Iowa.
“I came to the U of M fairly recently, transferring to plant science from
an entirely different field – business. Thankfully, I learned about the mentorship program and signed up right away. I couldn’t have been paired with a better mentor!
I’d describe my experience with Tabare with a metaphor: I’m in a big building with all the lights out. This
building is analogous to the field of plant science. I’m trying to piece together the layout of the building, but with only a small flashlight. Getting a mentor is like having a huge flashlight pointed at parts of the building I didn’t even know existed!
Tabare helped me widen my vision and understanding of the field, and we quickly established a strong
relationship. I’m thankful for his insight and dedication as he worked with me on graduate school planning and the search for an internship.
Besides furthering my knowledge of plants, I want to continue developing my networking, organizational and leadership skills. When I graduate, I hope to be a mentor and pay forward this life changing experience.
Smolskaya:
”