Linda McCandless earns honors from Borlaug Global Rust Initiative

“From the Experiment Station in Geneva to the Dean’s office in CALS to International Programs, working for Cornell has been an amazing trajectory of people and projects,” McCandless said. "‘Knowledge for public purpose’ is a mission I have always been able to get behind. Having the opportunity to illuminate the work of scientists, students and farmers, strategize to attract media attention and funding, work with talented visual and graphic artists — it has been a life more than a job. Thank you!”

Jeanie Borlaug Laube, chair of the BGRI and daughter of Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug, said, “Linda has the uncanny ability to put herself in your shoes and say the things that you would like to say with earnestness and eloquence. I feel she knows what it is like to be Norman Borlaug’s daughter! 

I am so grateful for her profound support building the BGRI into a thriving global community.”

At the DRRW, she was part of the leadership team that marshalled scientists from 22 research institutions around the world to work with farmers to mitigate rust threats through coordinated breeding and surveillance activities and replace susceptible wheat varieties with durably resistant varieties. The DRRW created accelerated multilateral plant breeding pipelines and delivered improved varieties by helping to optimize seed sectors in wheat-growing countries, particularly in East Africa and South Asia.

“Linda is truly an unsung hero of the BGRI. She has spent the past 12 years elevating the work of others, amplifying the voices of others, and advocating for investments that fund the science of others. Now it is time for us to celebrate Linda,” said Sarah Evanega, who directed the DRRW project from 2008 to 2017, and now directs the Cornell Alliance for Science.

McCandless led communication efforts during the two phases of the DRRW and the subsequent Delivering Genetic Gain in Wheat (DGGW) project launched in 2016. She helped conceive the Women in Triticum (WIT) Awards for early career scientists and mentors and the Gene Stewardship Award to recognize excellence in responsible wheat breeding.

Throughout her time with the BGRI McCandless has brought to life the scientific work and human impact of the projects through stories, videos, speeches and global events.

“Linda is a passionate communicator and advocate for science who always puts people first,” said Maricelis Acevedo, associate director of science for DGGW.

“The global wheat community is stronger and more united thanks to her efforts,” Acevedo said.

Coffman added, “I am grateful for her commitment and know that through her advocacy efforts she has made an enduring impact on millions of lives.”