The Bioenvironmental Sciences Professional Board, a group of former students, faculty and friends of the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, recently awarded four scholarships to incoming freshmen majoring in bioenvironmental sciences.

The new scholarship program is supported by an endowed excellence fund that has been growing since the board’s establishment in 2012.

“We’ve been working for 12 years to build up this fund, and we’ve now reached a point where we can begin distributing scholarships annually,” said John Sorkness ’11, the board’s president and alumnus of the department. “This is an important milestone for us in our support of the department and the students.”

The inaugural scholarship recipients are Marya Abunemeh, Fiona Co, Isabel Schuck and Josiah Cameron — all incoming students pursuing a passion for bioenvironmental science.

“This new scholarship marks an exciting moment for the department,” said Won Bo Shim, Ph.D., head of the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology. “It not only provides financial assistance to our students but also highlights the strong industry and alumni support that fuels our program’s growth.”

Continued growth in bioenvironmental sciences

The Bioenvironmental Science Professional Board supports the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology in myriad ways, including through financial support, mentorship programs, networking and career counseling events.

The board’s alignment with industry needs allows them to offer guidance on curriculum enhancements to bolster the undergraduate program in bioenvironmental sciences.

“Our board is dedicated to supporting students throughout their academic journey and beyond,” Sorkness said. “The scholarships are just one part of a comprehensive effort to ensure students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities in the field.”

Sorkness said he’s hoping to expand the new scholarship program in the future to support upperclassmen as well.

The Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology has seen steady growth in recent years and now has more than 300 students enrolled in the department’s degree programs. The undergraduate degree in bioenvironmental sciences aims to educate students on how to prevent, assess and abate environmental problems.

With continuous support from the board, undergraduate students are also able to actively engage with industry professionals and alumni in various environmental professions.

“We’re always excited to support our students’ development,” Shim said. “With board members’ help, we’re able to recruit and graduate competitive students capable of responding to emerging needs in the bioenvironmental sciences field for the benefit of us all.”