Joseph Ulasi, Michigan State University

 WASHINGTON, D.C.  –   The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) has named Michigan State University Ph.D. candidate Joseph Ulasi as the recipient of its 2026-27 academic scholarship. The annual $10,000 award recognizes graduate students whose research significantly advances the U.S. potato industry. The winner is selected based on several criteria, including academic achievement, leadership abilities, research in potato-related areas, benefit to the U.S. potato industry, commercial value, extracurricular activities, and grades.

Ulasi’s research focuses on introgressing and pyramiding durable late blight (Phytophthora infestans) resistance into diploid potato germplasm without compromising yield. Late blight costs the U.S. potato industry over $200 million annually in fungicides and lost yields. His work benefits the U.S. potato industry by enabling broad applicability across market classes, lowering production costs for growers, accelerating variety development through validated markets, and strengthening U.S. competitiveness in international potato markets. 

Ulasi joins previous recipients Hannah Johnson, Xiuyan Zhang, Jacob Meeuwsen, Paige Hickman, Thilani Jayakody, and Jeewan Pandey as professionals who have demonstrated their talent and commitment to enhance the U.S. potato industry.

“It is a true honor to receive this support from Potato LEAF, especially as the first African recipient in the foundation's history,” said Ulasi. “By developing disease-resistant diploid potato germplasm, my research will directly benefit U.S. growers with stronger yields and lower input costs. Thank you to Potato LEAF for supporting my career and research.”

Dr. David Douches, a professor and specialist in plant, soil, and microbial sciences at Michigan State University, highlighted Ulasi’s pivotal role in the program. “Joseph is a very valuable person in our potato breeding and genetics team,” Douches stated. “He’s a great team player, always ready to help the project and other students.”

Ulasi also thanked Dr. Douches and the MSU program, stating, “I would like to express my profound gratitude to my research committee and the members of the Douches potato breeding and genetics lab for their invaluable guidance and support.”

Brett Jensen, Chairman of Potato LEAF, added, "Late blight is a major challenge for potato growers nationwide. It’s only through researchers like Joseph Ulasi that our industry can tackle this $200 million annual loss. As Chairman of Potato LEAF – and as a grower myself – it’s my pleasure to announce Joseph Ulasi as the recipient of the 2026-27 Potato LEAF scholarship. We are confident his work will drive real progress for the U.S. potato sector.”

Before pursuing his Ph.D. at Michigan State University, Ulasi earned a Master of Science in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike, Nigeria, and a Bachelor of Agriculture Technology (Horticulture option) from the Federal University of Technology in Minna, Nigeria. His professional background includes more than five years as a research assistant, three years as a lecturer at the University of Uyo, and a year as a field agronomist. Author of 20 published research papers, Ulasi is a member of the Potato Association of America and participates in the B4U Bayer Mentorship Program.