The American Multi Cultural Ethnic Coalition recently honored Louisiana State University AgCenter rice researcher Ida Wenefrida as one of the Top 20 Global Woman of Excellence for 2020 at a recent Chicago ceremony.
The honor recognizes women from around the world, including Poland, Canada, the Philippines, Thailand and Africa.
U.S. Rep. Danny Davis of Chicago presented the awards at a ceremony held on International Women’s Day.
Wenefrida, an Indonesian American, is an associate professor who conducts her work at the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station near Crowley, Louisiana. She has developed a high-protein rice variety, Fontiere, and is involved in research to develop more new varieties.
Wenefrida is president of the worldwide Indonesian Diaspora Foundation and the Louisiana Chapter of the Indonesian Diaspora Network.
She received her bachelor’s degree in agronomy in Indonesia, her master’s degree in plant pathology from Mississippi State University and her doctorate in plant health from LSU.
Don Groth, resident coordinator of the Rice Research Station, said Wenefrida’s award is well deserved and that she is a valuable asset to the rice industry.
“We are very proud of Ida’s accomplishments in rice research,” he said. “The benefit from her research helps rice producers in Louisiana, the U.S. and around the world.”
The LSU AgCenter contributed this article.