Meet new grad student Zoe Gray

Zoe Gray headshot

Meet RegenPGC’s newest graduate stuent Zoe Gray. Zoe is a master’s student in soil science at the University of Missouri, where RegenPGC CoPd Morgan Davis serves as her advisor. Zoe previously obtained her bachelor’s in environmental science from the University of Missouri.

As an undergrad, Zoe joined the soil judging team, where I competed in numerous competitions that focused on soil chemistry, biology, morphology, physics, and genesis. During her time with the team, Zoe found a desire to learn more about soils and decided to pursue her master’s degree.

As a new member of the RegenPGC team (April 2026), Zoe’s research will focus on the hydraulic conductivity of soils within a perennial groundcover system compared to a system with no ground cover. She will be focusing on hydraulic conductivity as well as water retention curves.

Career Aspirations
After completing her Master’s, Zoe hopes to stay within the research realm and continue working in a lab space that strives to enhance agricultural methods with the integrity of the soil in mind.

Graduate Advisor
Dr. Morgan Davis (RegenPGC CoPd)

This is how we grow the future!

RegenPGC is a research program, and we define that term broadly, as we should. Every year, we help build the future by introducing existing and prospective science/STEM educators to our research portfolio.

We achieve this by participating in two crucial initiatives at Iowa State University: the Research Experience for Teachers (RET) and the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs. (https://lnkd.in/dC6HWes6). During the summer months, RegenPGC teachers and undergraduate interns become active members of our research team. This changes not only their lives but also positively impacts countless lives throughout their teaching careers as they apply their newfound knowledge directly to their classrooms.

Alex Haus, a 2025 Undergraduate Research Intern, is set to do the RegenPGC team proud when he presents his work at Wartburg College’s 15th RICE DAY (https://www.wartburg.edu/academic-affairs/rice/) on April 9, 2026. Alex’s poster, “How Perennial Groundcover Affects Maize Growth: Exploring Shade Avoidance Responses,” (https://www.regenpgc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RegenPGC-Poster-Template-med-QR.pdf), is a wonderful example of how interns can gain by working in a research team.

New publication focuses on grain yield

Grass trial Strips: Control, Bulbous Bluegrass & Kentucky Bluegrass

Here is our latest publication. The good news, lots of perennial ground cover info, and it’s open access! Click on the link below and you will be taken directly to the article.

  • Galland, Patrick D., Dutter, Cole R., Chen, Allen, Moore, Kenneth J., Fei Shui-Zhang. (2026). Summer-dormant, perennial groundcover has minimal effect on plant-available nutrients and no effect on maize yield. Agronomy Journal, 118, e70333. https://lnkd.in/g9nJPm6W OPEN ACCESS

Abstract
Conventional agriculture in the US Midwest has accelerated crop productivity but also contributed to undesirable environmental issues. Perennial groundcovers (PGCs), such as cool-season grasses intercropped in the maize (Zea mays L.) interrow, have the potential to reduce soil erosion rates and mitigate nutrient losses. However, work is still needed to select compatible PGC grasses to optimize the maize–PGC intercropping system. Our study assessed the compatibility of two grass species: Kentucky bluegrass (KBG; Poa pratensis L.; represented by three cultivars and one cultivar blend) and the summer-dormant bulbous bluegrass (BBG; P. bulbosa L.). We compared the effect of these PGCs on grain yield and three soil resources (soil water, plant-available nitrogen [PAN], plant-available phosphorus [PAP]) to that of the Control (no PGC). There were no differences in grain yield among the four KBG cultivars, so we focused on comparing the KBG, BBG, and Control. Both PGC species reduced PAN by 40%–50%, but only BBG reduced PAP by 19%, compared to the Control. KBG decreased maize yields by 28%–36% on average compared to the Control, and we surmised that lack of soil moisture was the major reason for this. For every 13 mm loss in soil water storage caused by PGC, there was a 1 Mg ha−1 loss in maize yield. The BBG treatment, however, showed little change in soil moisture and no decrease in grain yield relative to the Control. Our study shows that BBG can protect soil during winter yet has no negative effect on soil moisture and maize yield.

RegnPGC’s Richard Roth receives ISU Extension award

Richard Roth Headshot

Regen PGC Collaborator Dr. Richard Roth has received a faculty 2026 Early Achievement in Extension and Outreach Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University.

Dr. Roth is part of our RegenPGC Soil Health & Nutrient Management Objective, where he works closely with RegenPGC Graduate student Alioune Diop.

Dr. Roth is an Assistant Professor of Agronomy, an extension soil fertility specialist, and the co-director of the Field Extension Education Laboratory, His peers have recognized  Dr. Roth for exemplifying Iowa State University’s land-grant mission by translating applied agronomic research into actionable knowledge for farmers, industry professionals and the broader agricultural community.

His award states: “Roth’s approach to extension is grounded in science, driven by curiosity and shaped by a deep commitment to stakeholder engagement. He has made it a priority to connect with industry partners, listening carefully to their needs and tailoring his research and outreach to address real-world challenges. His work evaluating the effectiveness of various nitrogen inhibitor products is already proving to be of significant value – not only to the industry at large, but especially to producers seeking practical, science-based solutions to improve nitrogen use efficiency and environmental stewardship.”

RegenPGC research team releases latest progress report

Great news! Our RegenPGC research team has just shared our latest progress report. This report, which highlights our research, education, and extension efforts from August to October 2025, is designed to be easy to follow.

This report keeps our agency funder, USDA-NIFA, in the loop, and it’s also a way for the public, who supports our work, to stay informed.

You can find the report on our website at https://www.regenpgc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-01-30-RegenPGC-YR-5-Q1-FINAL.pdf

Contact: Dr. Raj Raman, Iowa State University Dept. of Agriculture & BioSystems Engineering rajraman@iastate.edu

Dr. Erin Haramoto receives a major teaching award

Dr. Erin Haramoto receiving her teaching award at the University of Kentucky

It’s raining awards here at RegenPGC! Another member of our research team has been honored by her university. Dr. Erin Haramoto (University of Kentucky) has received the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment  Master Teacher Award.Having seen Dr. Haramoto in action with members of our Graduate Education Community, especially Kiera Searcy and Hallie Sandeen, her RegenPGC graduate students at the University of Kentucky, we know this award is extremely well-deserved.

Awarded annually, the Master hashtag#Teacher Award recognizes outstanding teaching in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment. Award criteria include “effectiveness in the classroom, dedication to students through activities in and out of the classroom, and evidence of activity to improve teaching.”

Learn more at https://www.morningagclips.com/uk-faculty-honored-with-2025-master-teacher-award-for-commitment-to-student-excellence/
(Photo: University of Kentucky)

Another RegenPGC graduate student selected for an important opportunity!

Memis Bilgici Headshot

With leadership from his graduate advisor and RegenPGC Co-Project Director Dr. Thomas Lubberstedt, Memiş Bilgici, a Ph.D student in our Breeding & Genetics Research Objective, has been selected for the Bayer Crop Sciences University Mentoring Program at Iowa State University. The Mentoring Program is a one-year experience designed for early-career scientists and engineers in various fields. Memiş will have extensive opportunities to build relationships, expand his professional network, and gain valuable industry experience. 

Memiş is part of our distinguished Graduate Education Community led by RegenCo-Project Director Dr. Ken Moore. Learn more about Memiş and his colleagues at https://www.regenpgc.org/theme-3-education/graduate-education-copy/.

Hallie Sandeen graduates from the University of KY

Hallie Sandeen graduation photo standing in corn

This holiday season, we celebrate the graduation of another member of our Graduate Education Community, Hallie Sandeen. Hallie has earned her Master’s degree from the University of Kentucky, where she was mentored by Dr. Erin Haramoto, Co-Project Director of RegenPGC. Hallie’s thesis, “Evaluation of Poaceae Species and Suppression Application Methods for Perennial Groundcover in Corn,” will contribute to the perennial ground cover research portfolio that our project is developing.

Hallie is the fifth graduate student to complete their degree with support from RegenPGC.

Hallie Sandeen, December 2025, Crop Ecology & Management (Master’s, University of Kentucky) – Dr. Erin Haramoto

Jack Moran, June 2025, Crop Ecology & Management (Master’s, Iowa State University) –  Drs. Susana Goggi & Ken Moore

Oluwatuyi (“Tuyi”) Olowoyeye, June 2025, Ecosystem Services and Modeling (Ph.D, Iowa State University) – Dr. Amy Kaleita

Max Eness, May 2025, Soil Health & Nutrient Management (Master’s, Iowa State University) – Dr. Marshall McDaniel

Kaila Topping, 2023 May, Ecosystem Services & Modelling (Master’s, University of Wisconsin, Madison) – Dr. Rob Anex

RegenPGC grad student Prathyusha Cheguri honored at CANVAS annual meeting

Prathyusha Cheguri at Tri Societies 2025

Congratulations to RegenPGC graduate student Prathyusha Cheguri. Her presentation, Unlocking Sexual Reproduction in Poa Bulbosa received a 1st place award in the “5-minute Rapid Crop Breeding and Genetics” oral competition at the recent 2025 CANVAS (formerly Tri Societies) Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City.

The meeting, now known as CANVAS and jointly hosted by the American Society of Agronomy, the Crop Science Society of America, and the Soil Science Society of America, is the premier meeting across the field of environmental sciences. According to the organizers, “CANVAS is equal parts science, networking, collaboration, and camaraderie.”  Every year, members of the RegenPGC team attend this meeting. We accept as many graduate students as possible.

You can learn more about Prathyusha’s award-winning presentation at https://www.regenpgc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-11-11-Tri-Societies-Cheguri-Award-Winner.pdf

RegenPGC Team releases Year 4 Q 4 progress report

RegenPGC Yr 4 Q 4 Progress Report Cover

If it’s not documented … is it really complete? Who knows. However, here is our RegenPGC Year 4 Q4 Progress Report, and there is no doubt that we are learning more every day about perennial cover crops. You can access the report at https://www.regenpgc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RegenPGC-Yr-4-Q4-Progress-Report.pdf.

The report is written in a bulleted, friendly format and divided by topics so you can find your perennial cover crop passion right away! Check out our Research Objectives and Themes:

Objectives: Obj. 1. Crop Ecology & Management, Obj. 2. Plant Breeding & Genetics, Obj. 3. Soil Health & Nutrient Management, Obj. 4. Ecosystem Services, Modeling, Obj. 5. Socioeconomic Impacts & Policy and Project Evaluation

Themes:  Research and Development, Extension, Education, and Commercialization