Three students in the College of Agriculture recently received distinguished honors from the Auburn University President’s Office.
Savannah Busby received the Presidential Graduate Opportunity Fellowship, a highly competitive opportunity awarded to only a few incoming doctoral students at Auburn each year that is renewable annually for up to three consecutive years.
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Busby pursued her undergraduate degree in horticulture at Birmingham-Southern College. As a master’s student in the Auburn Department of Horticulture, she received comprehensive training in horticultural production, genetics, plant breeding, physiology and data analysis, finishing with a 4.0 GPA.
Her master’s thesis explored the mechanisms of blueberry drought tolerance in controlled environments. She gathered data over two years and compared the physiological and postharvest performances of seven blueberry cultivars under both well-watered and drought-stressed conditions. Her findings illuminated physiological responses to drought and provided practical recommendations for growers to mitigate drought impacts amidst climate change — an invaluable contribution to nursery and fruit growers across Alabama.
“In a department where many students came from international backgrounds, Savannah’s local perspective enriches our community,” said Assistant Professor Sushan Ru, Busby’s faculty advisor. “Her desire to remain in Alabama after graduation to serve local growers is a testament to her deep-rooted commitment to our agricultural landscape. Regardless of whether she becomes an extension agent, faculty member, or industry professional, I am confident that Savannah will succeed in making a significant impact on Alabama’s horticultural sector.”
In addition to Busby’s honor, undergraduate student Ty Torbert received the W. James Samford Jr. ’72 Memorial Scholarship. Torbert is a junior working on a Bachelor of Science in agricultural business and economics.
Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Torbert is a multiple-time Dean’s List honoree, a Spirit of Auburn Founder’s Scholar, a Financial Accounting STAR, past Dothan Rotary Club Scholar, ALFA Scholar and Burger King Scholar. The Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity member has been heavily involved in Auburn’s Student Government Association during his time on the Plains, has served as a Camp War Eagle counselor and as a student recruiter and has volunteered at campus outreach events ranging from Hey Day and Safety Walk to Creed Day and Ring Night.
Finally, Steven Duy Mai received the President’s Award, given to one undergraduate student from each college at Auburn University. Mai is working on a Bachelor of Science in environmental science.
A native of Helena, Alabama, Mai currently serves as the president of the Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Club. He also has served as a College of Agriculture research peer mentor and was a member of the Auburn University Marching and Concert Band. He placed first in the undergraduate competition at the 2024 College of Agriculture Annual Research Poster Showcase. The same year, he placed first in the undergraduate oral research contest and received the presidents’ trophy at the Students for Agronomy, Soil and Environmental Sciences Conference.
Mai completed a project titled “A Toxic Love Story: Investigating PFAS Interactions with Aged Microplastics in Sediment” for his undergraduate research fellowship and published a manuscript in “Natural Science Education.” He plans to attend graduate school to further pursue his education in hydrology, aquatic biogeochemistry and pollution remediation.
