Inaugural Sollum Student Scholarship Recipients Announced for Indoor Ag-Con

Indoor Ag-Con and Sollum Technologies are excited to announce the recipients of the inaugural Sollum Student Scholarship to Indoor Ag-Con: Erica Hernandez and Brandan Shur. These exceptional PhD candidates, both engaged in research within the field of controlled environment agriculture (CEA), will benefit from an all-expense-paid opportunity to attend the upcoming Indoor Ag-Con event scheduled for March 11-12, 2025, at the Westgate Las Vegas.

Supporting Future Innovators in Agriculture

The Sollum Student Scholarship program aims to empower the next generation of researchers and innovators by providing them with hands-on exposure to the latest industry advancements, as well as invaluable networking opportunities and educational sessions. This initiative underscores the commitment of Indoor Ag-Con and Sollum Technologies to foster growth and learning in the agricultural sector, particularly in the burgeoning field of controlled environment agriculture.

Brandan Shur: Innovating Hydroponic Agriculture

Brandan Shur is a first-year PhD student at Virginia Tech, working under the guidance of Dr. Michael Evans in the CEA Innovation Lab. His research focuses on developing innovative crops specifically designed for hydroponic greenhouses and indoor farming systems. Shur’s work investigates how variations in electrical conductivity levels, different types of salts, and diverse nutrient solutions can impact the flavor and yield of micro-dwarf tomatoes. Through this research, he aims to bridge the gap between controlled environment agriculture and the production of high-quality fruits.

Erica Hernandez: Exploring Plant-Microbe Interactions

Erica Hernandez is pursuing a PhD in Biology at Portland State University, with a concentration on plant-microbe interactions. Her research centers on lupin, a plant she is cultivating in several on-campus greenhouses, as opposed to traditional field studies. Hernandez’s objective is to identify bacterial species that could potentially mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, thus contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing plant resilience.

Words of Encouragement from Industry Leaders

“We are thrilled to welcome Erica and Brandan to Indoor Ag-Con 2025,” expressed Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “Their impressive work in CEA research exemplifies the innovative spirit of our industry. We hope that their experience at the event provides them with valuable insights, connections, and inspiration for their future careers.”

Jenny Zammit, Vice President of Marketing at Sollum Technologies, echoed this sentiment, stating, “At Sollum Technologies, we are deeply committed to fostering the next generation of agricultural innovators. The research conducted by Erica and Brandan embodies the forward-thinking science that will propel the future of controlled environment agriculture. We are proud to support their attendance at Indoor Ag-Con, allowing them to engage with industry leaders and emerging technologies.”

About Sollum Technologies

For more information regarding Sollum Technologies and their commitment to innovation in agriculture, visit their official website: sollumtechnologies.com.

About Indoor Ag-Con

To learn more about Indoor Ag-Con and the events they host, visit their website at www.indoor.ag.