Andrea Padilla, a Chicago native and senior at Western Illinois University, won first place in the cropping systems division of the National Research Symposium for her pennycress–soybean rotation research. A research assistant since September 2023 in Win Phippen's plant breeding program, she contributed to a two-year study and presented at the November 2023 Canvas Conference. Padilla aims to channel her training into an urban community farm and resource center to address food insecurity and strengthen neighborhoods. Her achievement highlights how research and community commitment can intersect to drive real-world change.
Chicago Native Andrea Padilla Wins National Prize for Pennycress Research, Plans Urban Farm to Fight Food Insecurity
Andrea Padilla stands next to her research poster in the cropping systems division, which earned her first place.
Andrea Padilla, a senior agriculture major at Western Illinois University and a native of Chicago, has won first place in the cropping systems division of the National Research Symposium for her work on pennycress–soybean rotations. Her award recognizes undergraduate research that combines scientific rigor with real-world community impact.
From Economic Setback to Scientific Achievement
Padilla returned to higher education after a decade-long break following the 2008 financial crisis. During her time away she witnessed food inequity in low-income urban neighborhoods and became convinced that agricultural science could both improve crops and strengthen communities. With no prior background in agriculture, she enrolled at WIU to pursue that goal.
Research and Recognition
Since September 2023 Padilla has worked as a research assistant in the plant breeding program led by Win Phippen in WIU's School of Agriculture. The program is developing pennycress as an industrial crop with potential uses in biofuels and animal feed. Padilla has participated in the program's plant breeding summer internship for two consecutive summers and contributed to a two-year study evaluating pennycress–soybean crop rotations.
In November 2023 she presented her research at the Canvas Conference in Salt Lake City, an international meeting that attracts more than 3,700 professionals in crop, agronomic, environmental and soil sciences, including about 250 undergraduates. Competing at the National Research Symposium Contest, Padilla entered a poster in the cropping systems division and received first-place honors along with a cash award.
"WIU has provided me with the technical skill and the practical knowledge to accomplish this," Padilla said. "But the most important lesson I have learned at WIU is how to be generous — with my time, effort, knowledge and patience. The education I am receiving here is a resource and a responsibility to my community."
Beyond the Lab: Community-Focused Goals
Padilla plans to use her agricultural training to create an urban community farm and resource center that addresses food insecurity, promotes equity and increases neighborhood resilience. She believes urban agriculture can transform how cities are fed when it is guided by science, humility and community collaboration.
Her story—from reentering academia after economic upheaval to earning national recognition—illustrates how determination, practical training and community-minded research can produce meaningful impact.
This story was produced by reporter Nida Tazeen (NTazeen@usatodayco.com) with assistance from artificial intelligence. Journalists were involved in every step of information gathering, review, editing and publishing. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. Originally appeared in The McDonough County Voice: "WIU student turns research into impact with national award win."
