Isiah Brandt of Sumner, Iowa, was awarded the John Chrystal Award during the World Food Prize Laureate Ceremony on October 13, 2016 at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.
He received the Chrystal Award for his outstanding work as a 2015 Borlaug-Ruan International Intern at the African Insect Science for Food and Health (ICIPE) in Nairobi, Kenya. While abroad, he researched how rural youth and ‘Push-Pull’ technology can end hunger.
Isiah is a sophomore at Iowa State University, majoring in Agricultural Engineering.
The John Chrystal Award was established in 2001 in the spirit of John Chrystal's commitment to enriching Iowa's relationship with the world and his belief that everyone is entitled to a sense of dignity and adequate food. The award is presented annually to the intern who most strongly reflects Mr. Chrystal’s commitment.
Isiah was selected as a Borlaug-Ruan International Intern after representing his high school at the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute in 2014. The Global Youth Institute provides high school students the opportunity to interact with Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates, connect with other student leaders from around the world, tour cutting-edge industrial and research facilities, and discuss pressing food security and agricultural issues with global leaders in science, industry and policy.
Isiah received his award prior to the awarding of the 2016 World Food Prize to four distinguished scientists -- Dr. Maria Andrade and Dr. Robert Mwanga of Cape Verde and Uganda respectively as well as to Dr. Howarth Bouis and Dr. Jan Low, both of the United States.