Thamodaran Family Innovation in Agriculture Fund

Thamodaran Family Innovation in Agriculture Student Award

2025-2026 academic year

Thanks to the generosity of Dhamu Thamodaran (AG Econ ’83, Ph.D.) and Kanchana Thamodaran, the Office for Academic Innovation in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is pleased the Thamodaran Family Innovation in Agriculture Student Award in the amount of $4,000. This award is intended to support undergraduate or graduate students working on an innovative scientific, technological, or business idea related to a grand challenge in agriculture (e.g., climate change mitigation, food security). Funds may be used to support scientific research, technology development, or the development of a scientific, technological, or business proof of concept.

To learn more about the CALS Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program go to: https://pathways.cals.iastate.edu/

Recipient Criteria:

1. Must be enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
2. Must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.
3. Interest and capability in pursuing innovative solutions to grand challenges in agriculture.

This award shall be made available to students of any class standing.

Submit your application through OneApp. Completed applications must include:
1. A cover letter explaining:
• Specific project or proposal related to an innovative scientific, technological, or business idea; the specific agricultural problem it is intended to address; and how it relates to a grand challenge in agriculture.
• Planned use of the funds (research or project expenses, tuition, travel, etc.)
• What financial support the student is already receiving.
• Career plans
2. A letter of support from the faculty member or staff person who will mentor the student on this work must be included.
3. Upon completion of the project, a 1–2-page report that explains how the funds were used and what was accomplished will be submitted to Associate Dean Carmen Bain, cbain@iastate.edu

Term of Award: All awards are for one year and may not be renewed.
Eligibility: This award is open to students of any class (undergraduate and graduate).
Award Amount: $4,000

Submit your application through OneApp.
Priority Deadline for application – February 28, 2026
Selection Deadline – March 13, 2026

Award
$4,000.00
Deadline
02/28/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. Thamodaran Family Innovation in Agriculture Fund

    Cover Letter
    This opportunity requires you to submit a cover letter that explains the following components of your project.

    1. Specific project or proposal related to an innovative scientific, technological, or business idea; the specific agricultural problem it is intended to address; and how it relates to a grand challenge in agriculture.
    2. Planned use of the funds (research or project expenses, tuition, travel, etc.)
    3. What financial support the student is already receiving.
    4. Career plans

    Please upload your cover letter.
  2. Letter of Support

    Please upload a letter of support from the faculty member or staff person who will service as the mentor for this project.
  3. Final Project Report

    I understand that upon completion of the project, I will be required to submit a 1-2 page report that explains how the funds were use and what was accomplished to Associate Dean Carmen Bain, cbain@iastate.edu.