#United States #Westminster, Colorado #Weed Science Society #Student Competitions #Agriculture Achievements

WSSA Announces Winners of the 2025 Student Weed Science Competitions

The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), alongside its Northeastern, North Central, and Southern regional affiliates, has concluded its 2025 Student Competition, recognizing more than 250 students who showcased their knowledge and expertise in weed science. This summer, thirteen North Central universities evaluated 112 graduate and undergraduate students split into 29 teams across four categories: sprayer calibration, herbicide symptom identification, weed and seed identification, and solutions for common farmer problems related to weed control.

In addition, a total of 155 students across five Northeastern universities participated in similar assessments along with 39 teams from 15 Southern universities. This competition not only tested theoretical knowledge but also real-world problem-solving abilities, fostering practical skills essential for future careers in weed management.

Dr. Hilary Sandler, WSSA president, remarked, "These contests are tailored to challenge individuals and teams on their weed science acumen. We commend the knowledge and critical thinking displayed by the students, as well as the commitment from volunteers, sponsors, and the university weed scientists who made the events possible."

Competition Results

Northeastern Weed Science Society

• - Graduate Student Winners, Team Overall:

1. First Place: Penn State University (Laurel Wellman, Noelle Connors, Grant Hoffer)
2. Second Place: North Carolina State University (Jackson Alsdorf, Colden Bradshaw, Brock Dean, Kai Goble)
3. Third Place: Virginia Tech University (Jenna Beville, Wyatt Stutzman, Samuel Crawford, Suzannah Hale)

• - Graduate Student Winners, Individual Overall:

1. First Place: Laurel Wellman, Penn State University
2. Second Place: Noelle Connors, Penn State University
3. Third Place: Akashdeep Singh, Virginia Tech University

• - Undergraduate Student Winners, Team Overall:

1. First Place: University of Guelph
2. Second Place: Cornell University
3. Third Place: University of Guelph

• - Undergraduate Student Winners, Individual Overall:

1. First Place: Kiara Driscoll, University of Guelph
2. Second Place: Ben Fluttert, University of Guelph
3. Third Place: Dani Vogels, University of Guelph

North Central Weed Science Society

• - Graduate Student Winners, Team Overall:

1. First Place: Purdue University
2. Second Place: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
3. Third Place: Purdue University

• - Graduate Student Winners, Team, Field Calibration:

1. First Place: North Dakota State University

• - Graduate Student Winners, Individual Overall:

1. First Place: Alex Mueth, Purdue University
2. Second Place: Maria Souza, Purdue University
3. Third Place: Jada Davis, Purdue University

Southern Weed Science Society

• - Graduate Student Winners, Team Overall:

1. First Place: University of Arkansas
2. Second Place: University of Arkansas
3. Third Place: Mississippi State University

• - Graduate Student Winners, Individual Overall:

1. First Place: Gavin Sparks, Louisiana State University
2. Second Place: Noah Chandler, University of Arkansas
3. Third Place: Cade Holbrook, University of Arkansas

Conclusion

Congratulations to all 2025 winners! As Dr. Sandler notes, those participating in these competitions are set to expand their practical weed science skills, assess their current competencies, and learn from experienced university faculty and industry experts. This event has not only inspired a new generation of weed scientists but has also served to strengthen relationships between educational institutions and the agricultural community. The WSSA, established in 1956 as a nonprofit organization, continues to promote research and education about weeds and their ecological impact, updating the public and policymakers alike on relevant issues. For more information about the WSSA and its initiatives, visit www.wssa.net.