The Storkan-Hanes-McCaslin Research Foundation Recognizes Student Research in Soil Disease

Founded in 1987, the Storkan-Hanes-McCaslin Foundation was created in honor of the three founders of TriCal: Richard Storkan, Jerry Hanes and Bob McCaslin. Their spirit still lives on today, as the Foundation continues to further the work of the three founders who were always willing to provide time, money, fumigants, and equipment to further research in soil diseases.

A photo of TriCal's original three founders. — *TriCal, Inc. Founders – Bob McCaslin, Richard Storkan, & Jerry Hanes (In order of appearance)*

The Foundation’s primary goal of encouraging research has been accomplished by offering financial assistance to students who are working to understand soil-borne diseases and helping to provide farmers with new methods for control. Grants are awarded on a yearly basis – as of 2022, the Foundation has awarded a total of $618,500 to 91 students across the United States and Canada. In addition to the cash award, the Foundation provides airfare for the newly elected fellow(s) to attend the annual American Phytopathological Society (APS) plant health meetings where members come together to share significant breakthroughs, for both plant science and society. At these meetings, the elected individual(s) is provided with a plaque at a special luncheon with their research sponsor present, along with other previous fellows and members of the Storkan-Hanes-McCaslin Foundation board.

Current and previously elected fellows meet at the 2022 luncheon in Pittsburgh, PA.
At the same luncheon, Erika Consoli, a 2022 winner, receives her plaque from members of the Storkan-Hanes-McCaslin Foundation committee.

This year, the Foundation committee selected two winners for their proposals on soil-borne diseases – Erika Consoli, a graduate student at Montana State University, and Sanjib Sapkota, a PhD candidate at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. Erika focused her outstanding proposal on root lesion nematodes in Montana winter wheat, where she elaborated on their genetic diversity and discussed opportunities for a durable nematode management program. Sanjib’s winning proposal revolved around root rot and wilting complex issues for red raspberry in British Columbia, in which he discussed pathogen characterization, exploiting host-resistance, as well as sustainable management options. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for these newly elected fellows and welcome them to our family!