Vipan Kumar, Associate Professor in Soil & Crop Sciences (SCS), was awarded the Northeastern Weed Science Society’s Outstanding Researcher Award at the 2026 Annual Meeting held in Hershey, PA. The Outstanding Researcher Award recognizes NEWSS members in the public or private sector whose research contributions have had, or have the potential to have, a significant impact on weed management practices in the Northeast.

The honor highlights ongoing efforts within SCS to advance applied and fundamental weed science, strengthen collaborations across the region, and deliver research-driven solutions for growers and land managers.

Three graduate students in the Field of Soil & Crop Sciences received NEWSS writing awards:

• Midhat Tugoo, graduate student with Vipan Kumar received 2nd place in the the PhD writing contest
• Nazir Adam Sharifi, graduate student with Matt Ryan, received 1st Place in the MS writing contest
• Rebecca Stup, graduate student with Toni Di Tommaso, received 2nd Place in the MS writing contest

These achievements reflect the depth and breadth of  scholarship in SCS, from research leadership to excellence in student communication and professional development. Congratulations to Vipan Kumar and all the student awardees.