At TriCal, we believe that strong research in plant pathology benefits everyone in agriculture, from growers in the field to consumers at the table. That is why we are proud to highlight the Storkan-Hanes-McCaslin Research Foundation Award winners each year. These graduate students are conducting research that directly impacts how we manage soil-borne diseases and keep crops healthy.

Meet the 2025 Award Recipients

Roshni Panwala
University of Florida, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
Research Focus: Tracking soil recolonization by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici following fumigation.

Roshni’s work helps us better understand how this damaging pathogen recolonizes after soil fumigation. That knowledge can lead to stronger management strategies and healthier soils for growers.

Alexander Fast
University of Florida, Gainesville
Research Focus: Creating a cost-effective rhizobox and machine learning pipeline to better measure root disease progression.

Alexander is combining practical tools with technology to make it easier to study how diseases impact roots. His research will give the industry better ways to evaluate crop health and improve management decisions in the field.

Why This Matters to Growers

Soil-borne diseases are one of the toughest challenges farmers face. The work being done by students like Roshni and Alexander ensures that new solutions are being developed to protect yields, strengthen soils, and improve long-term crop health. By investing in research today, we are building the tools and knowledge that growers will use tomorrow.

A Legacy of Supporting Agriculture

Since 1987, the Foundation has awarded $680,500 to 97 graduate students across the United States and Canada. Beyond financial awards, Fellows also receive airfare to the American Phytopathological Society (APS) Annual Meeting, giving them a platform to share ideas and connect with experts who support agriculture worldwide.

This year marked a milestone as the Foundation meeting was held in Hawaii for the first time, bringing together a diverse group of researchers in a new setting to celebrate progress in plant pathology.

Looking Forward

The research supported by the Storkan-Hanes-McCaslin Foundation directly contributes to the future of farming. Stronger soils, healthier plants, and more resilient crops all begin with the discoveries made in research programs like these.

Congratulations to the 2025 award winners for helping growers prepare for a stronger, more sustainable future.

For more information about the Storkan-Hanes-McCaslin Foundation or to see previous winners, visit TriCal Giving Back.

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