UC Davis student awarded 2015 AFE Ecke Scholarship
UC Davis student awarded 2015 AFE Ecke Scholarship
Daniel Klittich, a doctoral candidate at the University of California Davis has been awarded the 2015 Paul Ecke Jr. Scholarship through the American Floral Endowment, according to a news release. The merit-based scholarship honors the late Paul Ecke Jr., who made contributions to the advancement of the floriculture industry.
It is given to M.S. or Ph.D. students studying horticulture or a related field, who intend to pursue a career as a researcher, scientist or educator.
“I am very excited,” said Klittich, an aspiring floriculture scientist and educator who grew up in the nursery business, in the release. “Support from the industry is a very meaningful and appreciated honor.” He’s also grateful for the opportunity to “help the industry move forward” with his work on pest control and management.
Klittich’s research is focused on increasing plant resistance to pests and disease through the use of silicon-based fertilizers.
He has collaborated with growers in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties including Pyramid Flowers, Inc., GroLink Chrysanthemums and Ocean Breeze International.
“We have been impressed with his practical and technical knowledge and his experience with research projects,” wrote Rene Van Wingerden and Phil Soderman from Ocean Breeze in their recommendation letter. “Daniel has an excellent understanding of the needs of agriculture/horticulture growers.”
The scholarship, established in 2010, is funded by contributions to AFE from the floral industry, the Ecke family and other sources. Klittich will receive $5,000 for two consecutive years, provided he continues to meet scholarship requirements.
“I intend to continue this research by testing silicate fertilizers in field trials at production facilities and on new crops,” Klittich said in the release. “This scholarship will help with technical aspects in the laboratory and allow me to travel and do more field work. The end goal of any applied research project should be to give useful, needed information to growers and industry personnel.”
