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The Ohio Soybean Council Foundation (OSCF) is pleased to announce the scholarship recipients for the 2026-2027 academic year.

This is the 19th year for the OSCF Scholarship Program, which was created to encourage undergraduate students to pursue degrees in various fields that support the future of the soybean industry, including agriculture, business, communication, economics, education, science, and technology, as well as to support ongoing graduate-level research. Since 2008, the OSCF Scholarship Program has awarded over $730,000 in scholarship funds to students studying agriculture or a related field at Ohio colleges or universities.

Undergraduate scholarships of $3,000 each were awarded to Alaina Bell, Adam Meyer, Anna Meyer, Kayla Meyers, Anna Moeller, Gracie Sprague, and Kaleigh Williams.

The annual $5,000 Bhima Vijayendran Scholarship, named in honor of a Battelle research scientist who made significant contributions to the soybean industry, was awarded to Chloee Howard.

The $3,000 Robinson W. Joslin Scholarship, established to recognize a long-time leader in Ohio’s soybean industry and beyond, was presented to Reagan Saunders.

New for this year, the $3,000 Thomas Fontana Scholarship was awarded to Luke Jennings. Established to honor Fontana’s more than 20-year career with the Ohio Soybean Council, the scholarship recognizes a student pursuing agricultural education who demonstrates a passion for teaching and leadership.

Graduate scholarships of $2,500 were awarded to Sushma Katari and Veeramani Karuppuchamy. Graduate scholarships of $5,000 were awarded to Dylan Bambauer and Maria Kessler.

“I’m very proud of the dedication and potential these scholarship recipients have shown,” said David Black, Franklin County soybean farmer and scholarship selection committee member. “Their commitment to agriculture and drive to succeed give me great confidence in the future of our industry. I have no doubt they will play an important role in strengthening it for years to come. It is especially rewarding to know that a few years from now we may see these students thriving in the soybean or agriculture industry and that the OSC Foundation scholarship helped them along the way.”

Undergraduate Winners

• Alaina Bell of Caroll, OH, is a freshman at The Ohio State University studying sustainable plant systems.

• Chloee Howard of Spencer, OH, is a junior at The Ohio State University studying agricultural engineering.

• Luke Jennings of Felicity, OH, is a sophomore at The Ohio State University studying agriscience education.

• Adam Meyer of Cygnet, OH, is a junior at The Ohio State University studying sustainable plant systems.

• Anna Meyer of Cygnet, OH, is a junior at The Ohio State University studying agricultural communication.

• Kayla Meyers of Lakeview, OH, is a junior at Wright State University Lake Campus studying technical and applied studies with a concentration in agriculture.

• Anna Moeller of Hamilton, OH, is a sophomore at Wilmington College studying agricultural education and agriculture business.
• Reagan Saunders of Bellbrook, OH, is a junior at The Ohio State University studying animal science – biosciences pre-vet. 

• Gracie Sprague of Genoa, OH, is a junior at The Ohio State University studying agriscience education.

Graduate Winners

• Dylan Bambauer is pursuing a masters in finite element analysis at the University of Daytron. Bambauer’s research applies computational modeling to evaluate stress, deformation, vibration, and fatigue in mechanical components, with an emphasis on improving the durability and reliability of agricultural equipment.

• Veeramani Karuppuchamy is pursuing a PhD in food science and technology at The Ohio State University. Karuppchamy’s research focuses on utilizing byproducts from the soybean and brewery industries to enhance sustainability and develop high-fiber, protein-rich foods.

• Sushma Katari is pursuing a PHD in Food, agricultural and biological engineering at The Ohio State University. Katari’s research uses AI-driven models and drone-based imagery to enhance crop monitoring and in-season yield forecasting. By developing farmer-friendly decision-support tools, she aims to help producers optimize inputs, improve management decisions, and increase soybean yields sustainably.

• Maria Kessler is pursuing a Masters in Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University.  Kessler’s research focuses on improving replant decisions in soybean production as earlier planting increases the risk of stand loss. Her research examines how planting date and seeding rate affect yield across Ohio, helping establish region-specific guidelines.