Four graduate students have been awarded scholarships through the 2025 National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program, recognizing research that supports dairy cooperatives and farmers. The program is administered by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF).
This year’s recipients include:
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Dallas Soffa, a Ph.D. candidate at Texas A&M University, studying hormonal influences on reproductive microbiota and immune signaling in cattle to improve reproductive efficiency.
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Margaret Costello, a doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, researching how emerging sequencing technologies and non-invasive sampling can advance rumen microbiome studies.
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Marina Rocha Dorella, a master’s student at the University of Minnesota, focused on enhancing dairy sustainability through precision technologies, particularly in managing hyperketonemia and labor use.
NMPF also introduced the Dr. Peter Vitaliano Legacy Scholarship this year, honoring the former NMPF economist. The inaugural award went to Maria Belen Ugarte Marin, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Florida, who is studying milking characteristics linked to dairy farm performance. She was recognized for her academic leadership and dedication to mentorship.
The scholarships were approved during NMPF’s Board of Directors meeting held June 10–11 in Arlington, Virginia. The program reflects the organization’s commitment to developing future dairy leaders and advancing industry-relevant research.
