MSU researcher earns national early career award for contributions to agronomy
Contact: Vanessa Beeson
STARKVILLE, Miss.—One of crop science’s most respected professional societies is recognizing a Mississippi State faculty member as an outstanding early career agronomist.
Prakash Jha, MSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences assistant professor, will receive the American Society of Agronomy’s Early Career Award at the ASA, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America’s joint meeting set for Nov. 9-12 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Early Career Award, which includes a $2,000 stipend, honors rising leaders who have made significant contributions to agronomy within seven years of completing their degree.
“This award is especially meaningful because it reflects not only my contributions but also the collaborative efforts of my mentors, colleagues and students who have supported me along the way,” said Jha, also a scientist in the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.
Jha’s research advances climate-resilient agricultural solutions that strengthen global food security. By combining field data, satellite technology and crop modeling, his work helps farmers boost yields, improve sustainability and adapt to climate challenges.
In addition to his research, Jha plays a key role in professional service, having been an active ASA member since his days as a doctoral student at Michigan State University. He serves as chair of ASA’s Early Career Committee, chair of the Global Research in Africa Community and cochair of the Model Application in Field Research Community. Additionally, Jha judges student research competitions and reviews manuscripts for ASA journals.
An accomplished scholar, Jha has published 60 peer-reviewed papers with more than 2,500 citations. He is equally committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists, currently guiding a post-doctoral researcher, four doctoral students and three master’s students.
“This recognition is not just about past accomplishments but also about the responsibility to keep advancing research and mentoring future scientists so we can build resilient food systems and communities in Mississippi, across the nation and around the world,” Jha said.
Raja Reddy, a plant and soil sciences research professor emeritus and MAFES scientist who nominated Jha, said his collaborative spirit makes him a natural fit for the award.
“I witnessed Prakash as both a student and a people-centric scientist who collaborates with many researchers around the world at a very early stage of his career. His research program centers on crops and climate, focusing on modeling to address issues of food and energy resilience. I am confident that he will bring many laurels to the Mississippi research community,” Reddy said.
For more on MSU’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, visit www.pss.msstate.edu. Learn more about MAFES at www.mafes.msstate.edu.
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