b"CPBI Scholarship Recipients 2025Jared Bento, University of ManitobaHelping Breeders Better Allocate ResourcesArmed with DNA data and cutting-edge machine learning, Jared has evaluated predictive models for key traits in canola, like oil content and fatty acid composition. His work aims to supplement traditional field trials, offering a fast, resource-efficient path to developing better crop varieties. Its a win not just for research-ers, but for canola farmers across the Prairies, where time and precision are everything. But Jared isnt just about data points and algorithms. His commitment to plant science extends far beyond his thesis. From volunteering in greenhouses and seed labs to organizing symposiums and mentoring peers, Jared has become a cornerstone of the University of Manitobas plant science community, and with experience at industry play-ers like Bayer and Haplotech, hes already walked the fields of real-world plant breeding. His stellar academic performanceso exceptional he was nominated as a Rhodes Scholarcements his reputation as a power-house in the making. Currently finalizing his master's thesis, which has been lauded as PhD-level work, Jared is poised to redefine whats possible in plant breeding. Isabella Chiaravallotti, McGill UniversityBolstering Genomics-Assisted BreedingIsabella Chiaravallotti is not just breaking new ground in plant breedingshes redefining it. Her PhD research bridges the gap between theory and practice. Her groundbreaking simulation platform offers a roadmap for transitioning from traditional selection methods to genomics-assisted breeding. But she doesnt stop at theory. Isabella is conducting the first-ever empirical genomic selection field study in common beansa multi-year experiment designed to explore the long-term impacts of predictive models in breeding populations. This work is nothing short of a guide for breeders looking to harness genomic data to accelerate progress without sacrificing quality. Isabellas versatility shines in her mastery of machine learning, a field she has integrated into her plant breeding research with remarkable success. Her studies on machine learn-ing applications for genomic prediction have not only yielded impactful results but also positioned her as a go-to resource for her peers. Shes shared her expertise through workshops with the National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB), empowering others to adopt simulation and prediction tools in their own programs. Beyond the lab, Isabella exemplifies leadership and advocacy. Shes a key collaborator in a North American cross-program genomic selection project and has organized Field Days for Emerging Crops to connect farmers, breeders and industry players. Her Lister Science Chat and fellowship at McGills B21 showcase her dedication to making plant science accessible and fostering interdisciplinary innovation.Quinn Sturby, University of SaskatchewanPredicting Yield More AccuratelyAs a PhD student exploring UAV-based digital imaging to model vegetation growth and predict yields, Quinn is at the forefront of efforts to modernize breeding programs in Canada. Her research focuses on the application of digital phenotyping to capture growth patterns and canopy measurements in common beans. Her work seeks to create data-driven yield prediction models, a critical advancement that promises to enhance efficiency and precision in breeding programs. Her accomplishments extend beyond the lab, of course. As a teaching assistant and mentor, she has guided undergraduate students while juggling a demand-ing research schedule. Quinns leadership shines through roles in the Plant Sciences Graduate Students Association, where shes served as secretary, president and treasurer. Most notably, Quinn co-led the organi-zation of the 39 thPlant Science Graduate Student Symposium, an international conference that brought together researchers from around the world. Quinns ability to manage complex responsibilities while excel-ling academically underscores her dedication to advancing agricultural science and fostering collaboration within the scientific community.JANUARY 2025 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 21"