Pavane Gorrepati of Davenport, Iowa, was awarded the Elaine Szymoniak Award during the World Food Prize Laureate Ceremony on October 18, 2012 at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.
She received the Elaine Szymoniak Award for her outstanding work as a 2011 World Food Prize Borlaug-Ruan Internationial Intern.
Pavane interned at the China National Hybrid Rice Research and Development Center in Changsha, China where she examined both the scientific and human elements of hybrid rice. She conducted research into the genetic analysis of rice grain quality. In addition, she analyzed the effect of climate, principles and urbanization, and acceptance of hybrid rice in rural Hunan Province by surveying local farmers.
She is a graduate of Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf, Iowa and is now studying Global Affairs with a focus on International Development at Yale University.
The Elaine Szymoniak Intern Award was created in 2010 and is named in honor of the 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. This award is presented annually to a Borlaug-Ruan International Intern whose fulfillment of his or her research program at an international research center best exemplifies Senator Szymoniak's commitment to meet the needs of the community and dedicated efforts to promote education, health, economic development, equality and justice.
Pavane was selected as a Borlaug-Ruan International Intern after participating in the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute in 2009. 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.
Pavane received her award prior to the awarding of the 2012 World Food Prize to Dr. Daniel Hillel of Israel.
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