Isabel Emanuel receives Carville M. Akehurst Memorial scholarship

BALTIMORE, MD –The Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS), today recognized Isabel Emanuel as the 2018 Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship recipient. Emanuel is currently pursuing her Masters in Plant Pathology at Ohio State University and also serves as a graduate research assistant.

MANTS, an association formed from the state nursery and landscape associations of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, established this scholarship with the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) with the belief that the strength and future success of the horticulture industry lies in the solid education of today's students.

"I am honored to have been awarded the Carville M. Akehurst memorial scholarship, and excited to further my research and education with the help of this funding,” said Isabel Emanuel. “I am also grateful to be involved in an industry where student support of this nature is offered so generously by MANTS, and similar organizations; it is my goal to further my research and education to one day give back to this great community."

Emanuel’s current research focuses on the molecular interactions that occur between deciduous holly (llex spp.) and a newly emerging fruit rot pathogen, Diaporthe Illcicola. In addition to her research, Emanuel is an active member of multiple agriculture groups and clubs, serving in a variety of positions. 

The Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship was established in 2002 by MANTS. This scholarship serves to memorialize Mr. Akehurst, who served the horticultural industry as one of the founders of MANTS. In addition to his 30+ years as Executive Vice-President of MANTS, Mr. Akehurst served as Executive Secretary of the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association, the Maryland Nurserymen's Association Horticulture Research Foundation, Maryland Christmas Tree Growers, American Conifer Society, and Maryland Greenhouse Growers' Association.

MANTS' establishment of this scholarship is a reflection of Mr. Akehurst's firm belief that education begets one the opportunity to achieve. Through this scholarship, MANTS provides scholarship opportunities to qualified students to help ensure the continuity of the nursery and landscape profession.

MANTS 2019 will take place from January 9 - 11 at the Baltimore Convention Center.