Sindhu Jagadamma, an associate professor of soil science at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, has emerged as a distinguished figure in the scientific community, earning the prestigious Women in Science Mentoring Award. This accolade is jointly bestowed by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America. Presented at the CANVAS 2025 annual conference in Salt Lake City, the award recognizes Jagadamma’s extraordinary dedication to fostering the growth and success of women in the fields of agronomy, crops, soils, and environmental sciences.
Jagadamma’s mentorship transcends typical academic guidance; it is deeply rooted in empathy and personal experience. Hailing from a small town in India, where she grew up as the daughter of illiterate parents, she has firsthand understanding of the barriers that women often encounter. This background shapes her approach to mentoring, emphasizing resilience, self-confidence, and perseverance amid adversity—qualities that she championed throughout her own academic and professional journey.
The Women in Science Mentoring Award honors professionals who have made significant contributions to nurturing women in science by supporting their research careers, facilitating presentation and publication opportunities, offering career guidance, and promoting work-life balance. Jagadamma embodies these qualities through her unwavering support and encouragement of female students and early-career scientists, particularly in a field historically dominated by men.
Her mentees have consistently praised her holistic approach to mentorship, highlighting not only her academic support but also her personal investment in their well-being. Former postdoctoral researchers and current academics, such as Sutie Xu of the University of California, Davis, attest to Jagadamma’s steadfast support during pivotal moments, including parenthood and global challenges like the pandemic. Similarly, Patricia Lazicki and Shikha Singh have acknowledged her collaborative effort to enhance their research capabilities and professional communication.
Jagadamma’s scientific expertise focuses on sustainable soil management, particularly methods to mitigate environmental degradation caused by conventional agricultural practices. Her research integrates soil science with environmental sustainability to develop innovative strategies that preserve soil health, improve water retention, and reduce nutrient loss. This interdisciplinary work not only advances scientific understanding but also offers practical solutions for farming communities confronting climate change and resource scarcity.
Her academic trajectory is marked by perseverance and excellence. After earning a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences from Kerala Agricultural University in India, she pursued graduate studies in the United States. Balancing family responsibilities, including marriage and motherhood, she completed her master’s and doctoral degrees at The Ohio State University. Her postdoctoral work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee’s College of Engineering further solidified her expertise and set the stage for her faculty appointment at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture in 2016.
Jagadamma’s dedication to mentorship is matched by her commitment to research excellence, which was recognized with the Soil and Water Conservation Society’s 2025 Conservation Research Award. This honor underscores the national impact of her contributions to soil and water conservation science, attesting to her role as a leader in integrating innovative research with environmental stewardship.
The Sustainable Soil Management Lab, which Jagadamma leads, serves as a dynamic environment where emerging scientists can develop critical skills and contribute to cutting-edge research. The lab’s focus on sustainable agriculture not only addresses pressing environmental challenges but also cultivates a collaborative and supportive community. This environment has proven instrumental in enhancing the scientific acumen and confidence of many early-career researchers under her guidance.
Jagadamma’s influence extends beyond the laboratory as she actively participates in initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion within the scientific disciplines of agronomy and environmental sciences. Her mentorship practices include tailored strategies that consider the unique challenges faced by minority and female scientists, fostering an equitable landscape for future generations of researchers.
The testimonies from her mentees emphasize Jagadamma’s exceptional blend of competence, kindness, and genuine concern. They describe her as a mentor who not only nurtures academic excellence but also instills a profound sense of personal growth and career empowerment. This holistic mentorship approach is increasingly recognized as critical in retaining women in science and propelling them toward leadership roles.
Jagadamma’s story highlights the transformative power of mentorship combined with scientific innovation. At a time when sustainable agricultural practices are urgently needed to counteract environmental degradation, her dual focus on pioneering research and fostering diverse talent positions her as a vital contributor to both science and society.
Through her work, Jagadamma exemplifies how dedicated mentorship can bridge gaps in representation and support the advancement of women in fields crucial for global sustainability. Her recognition by leading scientific societies affirms the importance of mentorship as a catalyst for scientific progress and gender equity.
For more insights into the Sustainable Soil Management Lab’s ongoing projects and initiatives, interested readers can visit the lab’s website. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture continues to champion such exemplary faculty members who embody its land-grant mission of transforming lives through research, teaching, and outreach, delivering real-life solutions that resonate well beyond Tennessee’s borders.
Subject of Research: Sustainable soil management, environmental mitigation of conventional farming practices
Article Title: Sindhu Jagadamma Honored with Women in Science Mentoring Award for Leadership in Sustainable Soil Management
News Publication Date: November 2025
Web References: https://jagadammalab.tennessee.edu/; https://utia.tennessee.edu/
Image Credits: Photo by H. Harbin, courtesy UTIA
Keywords: Science careers, Agriculture, Environmental sciences, Education
