ISABELLA CULOTTA Isabella received the Syzmoniak Award for her outstanding work as a 2017 Borlaug-Ruan International Intern. Isabella interned at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu, Nepal where her research focused on the impact of solar-powered irrigation on women.
The Elaine Syzmoniak Award is named for the former Iowa State Senator, Des Moines City Council Member and hearing and speech specialist known for her dedicated public service and great efforts to save the World Food Prize. Established in 2001, the award is presented to a Borlaug-Ruan Intern who exemplifies Senator Syzmoniak’s commitment to meet the needs of the community and dedicated efforts to promote education, health, economic development, equality and justice.
“Learning about the world's numerous agricultural practices directly from their practitioners is incredibly important to whichever agriculture-related field one is pursuing. Before we can take it to the farmer, we must understand their wants and needs and from there continue Norman Borlaug's legacy towards global food security,” Culotta said.
Isabella is a student at Cornell University, majoring in International Agriculture and Rural Development.
Isabella received her award prior to the awarding of the 2018 World Food Prize to Dr. Lawrence Haddad and Dr. David Nabarro both of the United Kingdom.