Graduate Student Leadership Conference
Elevate Your Skills, Expand Your Network
The Graduate Student Leadership Conference (GSLC) is your gateway to career success in agronomy, crop, and soil sciences. Designed exclusively for ASA, CSSA, and SSSA graduate students, this program combines an educational webinar series with an in-person leadership and networking experience at CANVAS in Salt Lake City, Utah.
What to expect
1. Watch our interactive webinar series
Gain essential professional skills through four targeted webinars covering:
Collaborative Leadership in Science: Pro Tips for Effective Interdisciplinary Teamwork
Date: March 12, 2025
Time: 11am-12pm Central
Join Dr. Dianna Bagnall, Research Soil Scientist and Program Director at the Soil Health Institute, for a webinar on collaborative leadership in agricultural sciences. Drawing from her experience, Dr. Bagnall will share practical strategies for effective interdisciplinary teamwork.
Intergenerational connections to enrich families, communities, and farmland
Date: March 26, 2025
Time: 11am-12pm Central
What makes a space transform into a place of meaning and connection? In this webinar, Dr. Matthew Kaplan will explore the role intergenerational relationships play in shaping the future of agriculture, enriching the bonds between families, communities, and the land they steward. Through stories and insights from Dr. Matthew Kaplan, this session will discuss the importance of passing down knowledge, traditions, and leadership values that foster resilience in farmland and community spaces alike.
Why Certifications Matter: Bridging Theory and Practice Through Applied Science
Date: April 2, 2025
Time: 11am-12pm Central
Certifications play a critical role in connecting scientific knowledge with practical applications in agriculture and environmental science. This webinar features three certified professionals, Aaron DeJoia, Wale Adewunmi, and Clay Robinson, who highlight the value of certifications in advancing careers, fostering ongoing education, and driving impact in areas like soil health and water quality. Join us to explore real-world success stories and understand how certifications equip professionals with the tools to address pressing challenges.
Kickstarter for On-Farm Research: How to Work with Farmers to Run On-Farm Experimentations
Date: April 10, 2025
Time: 11am-12pm Central
Are you eager to conduct on-farm research but unsure how to get started? Join us for this insightful webinar led by Dr. Jerry Hatfield, renowned agricultural scientist and retired director of the USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment, along with Laila Puntel, Computational Agronomy Lead at Syngenta. Together, they’ll share practical strategies for collaborating with farmers, designing effective on-farm experiments, and translating research into actionable solutions that enhance soil health and crop productivity.
This webinar series is worth 4.0 CEUs. Each webinar is worth 1 CEU in the following categories.
CCA/CPAg: 1.0 Professional Development
CPSS/CPSC: 1.0 Professional Meetings
Complete at least three of four webinars for an advantage when applying for the in-person Graduate Student Leadership Conference.
Sponsored by Agronomic Science Foundation and Bayer
2. Attend our in-person leadership & networking conference
Join a dynamic, one-day event designed to enhance your leadership potential and expand your professional connections.
Morning: Keynote speaker & skills workshop, plus a guide to engaging in Societies leadership
Afternoon: Guided networking with peers and professionals
Lunch included!
Applications will open summer 2025.
3. Earn a digital badge & certificate
Showcase your achievement with a verifiable credential to boost your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Why participate?
Develop skills to thrive in your career
Connect with fellow graduate students across disciplines
Gain exclusive access to expert insights and career development tools
Be part of a growing, supportive professional community
How to Join
Webinar Series: Free for ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Graduate Student Members ($220 for nonmembers)
Leadership Conference: Application required. Preference is given to students who attend at least 3 out of 4 graduate student webinars.
Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your leadership skills and build lasting professional relationships. Register today!