2026 Award Recipients
Elijah Nix was born on January 2001 in Birmingham, AL. Elijah is an incoming third year graduate student at Alabama A&M University, pursuing a Masters in Plant and Soil Sciences. He is the youngest of two siblings, both of which are studying Plant Sciences. He obtained his Bachelors degree in Biological and Environmental Sciences from Alabama A&M University in 2023. While in his undergraduate, he participated in the Marching Maroon and White Band, Wind Ensemble, and AAMU E-Sports Competitions. He completed his High School education at Minor High School in 2019, in his hometown, Birmingham, AL. He is currently engaged in educational outreach, reaching over 100 students, teaching them about plant growth and reproduction to young students in the Huntsville area.
“This award will assist me in pursuing my academic goals without the added pressure of financial strain. This will allow me to focus on my research, make connections, and truly hone in on my studies.
Elijah Nix
Originally from Washington, D.C., Kaylah Bias is a PhD student in Food Science with a concentration in Product Development at Alabama A&M University. Her research focuses on the development of functional products targeting celiac disease. She earned her B.S. in Biology with a minor in Food Science and her M.S. in Agricultural Science with a concentration in Food Science from Florida A&M University. Her work integrates product development, nutritional biochemistry, and sustainability, with a focus on formulating innovative products that promote health and accessibility for individuals with celiac disease. Beyond research, Kaylah is passionate about mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. Her long-term goal is to advance the field of product development through academic research and industry collaborations to improve global health outcomes.
“Receiving this award would provide me with valuable support as I continue my journey toward earning my PhD in Food Science. Graduate school comes with many responsibilities, and this award would help ease some of the financial burden while allowing me to put more of my focus into my research, education, and professional development.
My research focuses on developing functional products for individuals with celiac disease. I am passionate about creating food products that not only taste good but also provide nutritional and health benefits. This award would help support me as I continue conducting research, developing my skills as a food scientist, and gaining experiences that will prepare me for my future career.
Most importantly, receiving this award would be another step toward achieving a goal that I have worked extremely hard for. I hope to use my PhD and my experiences to make an impact in the food industry by creating innovative products that meet the needs of consumers who are often overlooked. I also want to continue being an example and mentor for other students pursuing careers in food science and STEM. This award would allow me to continue moving forward in my graduate journey and bring me one step closer to making those goals a reality.”
Kaylah Bias
Kira Williams is an avian ecologist and Ph.D. researcher studying migratory songbirds and the importance of stopover habitat. She earned her Master’s degree in Biology from Alabama A&M University, where she studied fall-migrating songbirds at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve in Huntsville, Alabama. During her graduate research, Kira documented more than 3,600 individual birds representing 80 species using Chapman Mountain as stopover habitat during fall migration. Her research examined bird diversity, migration timing, body condition, and how long birds remain at the preserve, helping to highlight the importance of urban green spaces for migratory wildlife. Kira is continuing this work through her doctoral research, focusing on migratory thrushes, including Wood Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Hermit Thrush, Veery, and Gray-cheeked Thrush. Her research uses physiological measurements to better understand how birds use stopover habitat to rest and refuel during migration. Through her research, Kira hopes to better understand the ecological value of Huntsville’s natural areas and help demonstrate the importance of protecting green spaces for migratory birds and other wildlife. She is especially interested in connecting scientific research with local conservation and increasing awareness of the remarkable wildlife that moves through North Alabama each year.
“Receiving the Green Gift Award is incredibly meaningful to me as I continue pursuing my Ph.D. and developing my research. This award will help make it possible for me to continue collecting high-quality data on migratory songbirds in North Alabama and expand my research beyond simply documenting where birds occur to understanding how they are using these habitats during migration.
My doctoral research focuses on migratory thrushes and examines the physiological changes birds experience while using stopover habitat. The support provided by Green Gift will directly contribute to my ability to carry out this research and build the skills and experience I need as an independent scientist. It will also allow me to continue conducting research in the Huntsville area, where I have already seen firsthand how important local green spaces can be for migratory wildlife.
More than financial support, this award represents an investment in me and in the future of conservation research in our community. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning, conducting meaningful research, and sharing what I discover with the people of Huntsville. I hope that my work can help others recognize the incredible migration that happens through North Alabama each year and the importance of protecting the green spaces that make it possible.”
Kira Williams
Ruth Fennell is a Ph.D. candidate in Food Science at Alabama A&M University, where her research focuses on developing functional foods that support women's health, particularly for individuals living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Her work combines product development, sensory science, and nutrition to create innovative food products that address real-world health challenges while meeting consumer expectations. Before beginning her doctoral studies, Ruth earned both her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences with a concentration in Food Science from Florida A&M University. Throughout her academic journey, she has remained committed to leadership, service, and mentoring. She previously served as National Region II Graduate Vice President for MANRRS, followed by National Graduate Student President, and currently serves as National Past Graduate Student President. Through these roles, she has led professional development initiatives, mentored students across the country, and advocated for graduate student success. Ruth has also gained valuable industry experience through internships in food safety, quality assurance, and sensory science, including serving as a Global Sensory Intern with Ingredion. These experiences have strengthened her passion for research and product innovation while providing practical insight into developing consumer centered food products. Her dedication to research and innovation has earned recognition through conference presentations and team-based product development competitions, including a second-place finish in the Southeast IFT Product Development Competition. As Treasurer of the Alabama A&M University Institute of Food Technologists Student Chapter, she continues to promote student engagement and professional growth. Following the completion of her Ph.D., Ruth plans to pursue a career in research and development, where she hopes to create science-driven, consumer-focused food products that improve health outcomes while mentoring the next generation of food scientists and leaders.
“Receiving this award would significantly ease the financial burden of pursuing my Ph.D. in Food Science, allowing me to focus more fully on my research, professional development, and leadership opportunities. As a doctoral student, I am committed to developing functional food products that address women's health concerns, particularly Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and this support will help me dedicate more time to advancing meaningful research that has the potential to improve lives.
Beyond financial assistance, this award represents an investment in my future as a researcher, leader, and innovator. It will enable me to attend professional conferences, present my research, collaborate with scientists, and continue building the skills necessary for a successful career in food research and development. As a first-generation doctoral student and national student leader, I understand the importance of creating opportunities not only for myself but also for those who will follow. This scholarship encourages me to continue mentoring students, serving my community, and striving for excellence in every aspect of my academic and professional journey. I am deeply grateful for this support and the confidence it places in my potential to make a meaningful impact in the field of food science.”
Ruth Fennell
Aniyah Jones is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Food Science at Alabama A&M University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Food Science from Auburn University in 2023 and has since dedicated herself to advancing her knowledge through research, leadership, and professional engagement within the food science field. Throughout her academic career, Aniyah has been actively involved in organizations and activities that have strengthened both her technical expertise and leadership skills. She currently serves as Secretary of the Alabama A&M Food Science Club and is the captain of the university's College Bowl Team. She also represented Alabama A&M at the Southeastern Section Institute of Food Technologists Student Association Product Development Competition, where her team earned second place for developing an innovative food product. As a graduate student, Aniyah's work centers on improving the quality and consumer acceptance of nutritious foods through research. She has gained experience with laboratory analytical techniques, and scientific communication while collaborating with faculty and fellow researchers. She has also participated in professional conferences, including IFT FIRST, where she explored emerging innovations in food science and connected with researchers and industry professionals. Aniyah is passionate about using food science to improve health and nutrition through innovative research and product development. She is committed to lifelong learning and hopes to contribute to the development of foods that are both nutritious and enjoyable for consumers. Following the completion of her master's degree, she plans to pursue a career in food research and innovation, where she can help bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical applications that benefit consumers.
“Receiving this scholarship is both an honor and a meaningful investment in my future. As I pursue my master's degree in Food Science at Alabama A&M University, this award will help ease the financial burden associated with graduate school, allowing me to focus more fully on my research, coursework, and professional development. Graduate education requires a significant commitment of time and resources, and this scholarship will provide valuable support as I continue working toward my degree.
Beyond the financial assistance, this award serves as encouragement to continue striving for excellence in my academic and research endeavors. It motivates me to pursue opportunities that will strengthen my knowledge and skills, including attending professional conferences, participating in research, and engaging with the broader food science community. These experiences are essential to my growth as a scientist and future professional.
I am deeply grateful to the scholarship committee for believing in my potential and investing in my future. Their generosity not only supports my education but also inspires me to continue working hard, giving back to my community, and making meaningful contributions to the field of science.”
