U.S. Borlaug Fellowships

First New Mexico State University (NMSU) student  awarded with U.S. Borlaug Fellowship at AVRDC

New Mexico State University graduate student Derek Barchenger has been selected as the first ever New Mexico State University (NMSU) student to be awarded with a U.S. Borlaug Fellowship and a trip to Taiwan.

Barchenger is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Plant and Environmental Sciences at NMSU. He received his bachelor’s of science in horticulture from Oklahoma State University and his master’s of science in horticulture from the University of Arkansas.

The Borlaug Fellowship is a prestigious award named after the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Norman Borlaug. The purpose of this fellowship is to provide United States graduate students with the opportunity to study with a researcher at a world agricultural center. Barchenger is among 23 awardees.

As a part of the application process, Barchenger was tasked with finding an international mentor to work with. Barchenger found Sanjeet Kumar, pepper breeder at AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center. Barchenger will be traveling to AVRDC in Taiwan in May to begin his fellowship.

 

Derek Barchenger, is excited to travel to Taiwan in May for chili research. (NMSU photo by Paul Bosland)

Derek Barchenger, is excited to travel to Taiwan in May for chili research. (NMSU photo by Paul Bosland)