Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 POTATO GROWER 29 People, Product News Wisconsin-Madison, is the recipient of the 2016-2017 Academic Scholarship. The $10,000 award is provided annually to a graduate stu- dent with a strong interest in research that can directly benefit the potato industry. Clements is focused on uncovering molecular mecha- nisms of insecticide resistance in the Colorado potato beetle (CPB). His work is timely and important as sci- entists seek to learn more about neonicotinoids and how pests react and develop resistance to them. Further understanding of the mecha- nisms involved will play an impor- tant role in achieving long-term suc- cess against resistant pests. Clements’ work on targeting specific genes also seeks to establish a more sustainable crop management program to deal with resistance in the field. According to Dr. Russell Groves, who oversees the Entomology lab where Clements currently does his research, Clements is an ideal candidate for the scholarship: “He nicely blends theoretical and empirical insect genetic investigations with resistance management, and is very well regard- ed in the upper Midwest region, where producers have taken great interest in the results of his graduate research.” Groves believes that Clements’ research could result in novel technologies that limit the resistance development in the beetle. “I continue to be very impressed with his research productivity and the potential impact this area of investigation holds for the future of pest management in potatoes,” Groves wrote in his recommenda- tion. “I am very grateful for this award as it means a lot to be able to continue my work,” said Clements. “Wisconsin is at the forefront of potato research and I’m very happy to be part of it.” The awardee told the NPC he plans to continue studying CPB during his postdoctoral work. “This award will help me continue my research and present at confer- ences, such as the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Conference, where I have presented multiple times. Attending allows me to share knowledge from the lab with those in the potato industry. ” Clements grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and received his under- graduate degree in biology at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. In addition to conduct- ing research, he has been a Teaching Assistant and Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation Student Ambassador who promotes engage- ment with campus researchers through departmental seminars. He has served as a coordinator to get younger students involved in science and works with new students to ori- ent them to graduate school life. As an assistant lecturer at Wisconsin, he helped redesign a course called Ecotoxicology, and gave lectures regarding the evolution of pesticide resistance to other students. NPC is pleased to recognize such a promis- ing scientist who is dedicated to helping the potato industry. Potatoes USA Reestuctures Apre During the Potatoes USA Summer Meeting held in Seattle August 10th, it was announced that the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) has been restructured in an effort to minimize overhead costs and expand research on potato nutri- tion. The decision was made by the APRE board of directors in a May 2016 meeting following a five-month strategic planning process. As a part of the refocused effort, the physical location of APRE was discontinued to enhance funding for research, partic- ularly in the area of clinical trials which will be an integral part of building the case for the inclusion of potatoes in all forms as part of a healthy diet. To support the strategic plans objec- tives, the APRE board retained FoodMinds to help manage and exe- cute the organization’s new goals. The firm is a food and nutrition com- munications and consulting compa- ny that works to transform the way opinion leaders think about food, nutrition and health. In addition to 35 employees, it regularly calls upon an extensive network of nutrition affairs experts around the globe to assist in the execution of its clients’ missions. Other agricultural clients include or have included avocadoes, eggs and blueberries. Potatoes USA has been and continues to play a significant role on the APRE board and will continue funding this important investment on behalf of the potato industry. We are excited about the direction of the organiza- tion and to support the future research and education efforts to facilitated by APRE.