Ohio Soybean Council Foundation

Scholarships

Scholarship Details

The Ohio Soybean Council Foundation is pleased to offer $47,000 in scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students for the 2027-2028 academic year. Scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies related to the soybean industry and the field of agriculture.

Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will open in October 2026 and close in January 2027.

Please contact Mackenzie Joseph at mjoseph@soyohio.org with any questions.

The Ohio Soybean Council Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports scientific research and educational opportunities to the benefit of the soybean industry.

Undergraduate Application
Graduate Application

Available Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships

Seven undergraduate scholarships of up to $3,000 each

One $3,000 Robinson W. Joslin Scholarship: Established to recognize a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership potential.

One $3,000 Thomas Fontana Scholarship: Established to honor Tom Fontana’s more than 20-year career with the Ohio Soybean Council and his lasting contributions to agricultural education. This scholarship recognizes a student pursuing a degree in agricultural education who demonstrates a passion for teaching, leadership, and cultivating the next generation of leaders in agriculture. 

One $5,000 Bhima Vijayendran Scholarship: Named to honor Dr. Vijayendran’s contributions to the soybean industry through his scientific research and commercialization activities at Battelle. This scholarship was founded to support those pursuing a degree related to science, technology or soybean research.

Applicants must be Ohio residents enrolled as full-time students at an Ohio college or university, having attained at least sophomore status by the fall of 2026, with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Eligible majors include: Agricultural business, agricultural communications, agricultural education, biochemistry, bioenergy, bioengineering, biofuels, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, crop science, engineering, environmental science, food science, molecular biology, or any of the agricultural disciplines or related fields.

Graduate Scholarships

Three scholarships of up to $5,000 each

Available to students who are enrolled as full-time graduate students at an Ohio college or university.

Applicants must be conducting research in:

  • Biotechnology
  • Biobased Materials
  • Bioengineering
  • Crop Production
  • Plant Pathology
  • Crop Science
  • Agronomy
  • Soybean Breeding
  • another related field

The research must be focused on advancing the soybean industry.
Applicants must have proof of legal residency in the U.S.

2026-2027
Scholarship Recipients

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.