Purpose
The I. E. Melhus Graduate Student Symposium, named in honor of Irving E. Melhus, features presentations on graduate thesis work around a central theme each year that highlights research aimed at providing a better understanding of various areas of plant pathology. The symposium host committee in conjunction with financial support from the APS Foundation's I.E. Melhus Fund, sponsor the I. E. Melhus Graduate Student Symposium held each year at the APS Annual Meeting.
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2025 I.E. Melhus Graduate Student Symposium: Harnessing Host Resistance to Strengthen Management Strategies Amidst Global Threats
Host Committee: Forest Pathology
Plant Health 2025: Tuesday, August 5 | 2:00 - 5:00 pm HST
2025 I.E. Melhus Symposium Speakers
Jaden King
Auburn University
Epidermal traits may be the key to resistance of brown spot needle blight in loblolly pine
Alexi Dong
University of Georgia
Arachis Assemble: Recruiting New Heroes for Peanut Leaf Spot Resistance
Samodya K. Jayasinghe
Washington State University
Transcriptomic response of potato to Spongospora subterranea f.sp. subterranea and Potato Mop Top Virus infection
Harshita Saxena
University of Georgia
Identifying Candidate Genes associated with Gray Leaf Spot and Crown Rust Resistance in Tall Fescue using GWAS
Honor Bestowed
- Up to five presenters are selected to give a 30-minute presentation during the I.E. Melhus Symposium at the APS annual meeting.
- Complimentary meeting registration to Plant Health 2025 (funded by APS Foundation's I.E. Melhus Fund)
Eligibility
APS Graduate Student Membership is required both at time of application and upon presentation at the meeting.
Applicants must be enrolled as a graduate student or have completed their graduate program within 12 months of the current APS annual meeting date (August 2026).
Submitted thesis research project must be related to the yearly designated topic/theme: TBD for 2026
Application Requirements
Research Description (up to 5 pages maximum, excluding tables and figures): Requirements include listing a title and written description of the research project, stating the goals, methodology, results, and significance of the applicant's thesis research.
Copy of Abstract submitted to Plant Health 2026
Plus, (2) Letters of Recommendation* that should include evaluations of the applicant's research and ability to present the research in a clear and effective manner. NOTE one of the two required letters must be submitted by the applicant's major professor. *Recommendation Letters to be submitted directly by the letter writer using the Letter of Recommendation Form.
Submit Letters of Recommendation
Submit Application
Applicants to save all required materials (except for the Letter of Recommendation) into one PDF document prior to submitting an application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered for funding.
Applications for 2026 will open alongside abstract submissions to Plant Health 2026.
Review Selection
Speakers will be chosen by an ad hoc selection committee comprised of the hosted APS committee members. Applicants will be selected competitively, based on research significance and potential impact.
Previous Awardees
