Kentucky State Graduate Wins Three ASHS Awards

By Blake Jackson

Kentucky State University graduate student Godswill Ujah earned three major honors at the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) 2026 Annual Conference, held August 3-7, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. Ujah recognition highlights his research on the genetic diversity of North American pawpaw cultivars.

Ujah received the ASHS Emerging Scholar Award, an ASHS Travel Grant Award, and third place in the Scholars Ignite 3-Minute Thesis Competition.

The conference attracted more than 1,100 researchers, scientists, industry professionals, government representatives, faculty members, and students from the United States and abroad.

A student in Kentucky State’s master’s program in Environmental Science and Technology, Ujah conducts research through the University’s Pawpaw Research Program. His adviser is Dr. Kirk Pomper, professor of horticulture and program leader.

For the three-minute thesis competition, Ujah presented research explaining how DNA analysis can reveal relationships among pawpaw cultivars, identify different varieties, and help protect genetic diversity. These findings could support breeders seeking to develop pawpaw into a commercially successful specialty crop.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude for the guidance, feedback, and continued support I received throughout this project,” Ujah said.

“Dr. Pomper’s mentorship, along with the invaluable support from Sheri Crabtree and Jeremy Lowe, made a significant difference in helping me communicate our laboratory’s research effectively on a national stage.”

The latest awards add to Ujah’s accomplishments. Earlier this year, he placed third in the Southern Fruit Workers Group “3 Minute Thesis” competition.

Ujah also helped Kentucky State win the 2025 Global Agriculture & Agribusiness Case Study Competition with a proposal focused on soybean supply-chain traceability.

Ujah was also selected for the 2026 Bayer University Mentoring Program, gaining opportunities for professional development and industry connections.

“From solving pawpaw’s family-tree mystery with DNA tools to connecting with incredible scientists, it was an unforgettable week,” Ujah said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Kentucky State University and our Pawpaw Research Program.”

Photo Credit: kentucky-state-university