ESE Trustees Grant Scholarship to Connecticut Students
The Eastern States Exposition (ESE) Trustees Scholarship is offered annually to students residing in New England who have participated in ESE’s youth agricultural programs. This year’s recipients from Connecticut are Candace Kangas of Windsor and Mina Kheir-Eldin of Storrs. Among those present for a reception was Bonnie Burr, MSA, an ESE Trustee, Interim Department Head of UConn’s Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture and a veritable leader in UConn Extension and Connecticut agricultural policy.
As a not-for-profit corporation committed to providing year-round opportunities for the development and promotion of agriculture, education and industry, it is critical of ESE’s mission to support youth who are equally dedicated to academia, entrepreneurship and agriculture. Applicants must be accepted to, or currently attending, a two- or four-year accredited higher education institution, and candidates may be required to interview.
Candace Kangas is a PhD candidate at the University of Connecticut studying pathobiology and veterinary sciences in the Wunder Laboratory, where she is developing vaccine strategies to combat leptospirosis. Her passion for animal health began through years of leadership, teaching and mentorship at Auerfarm’s 4-H Program.
After gaining hands-on experience as a veterinary technician and diagnostic laboratory professional, she returned to academia to pursue advance research in infectious diseases. Her work on Eastern Equine Encephalitis and leptospirosis has led to multiple manuscripts, collaborative publications and educational outreach efforts.
Known for her dedication to both science and community engagement, she continues to share her knowledge with students and aspiring researchers. Throughout her academic journey, she has successfully balanced the demands of research, graduate education and motherhood.
Mina Kheir-Eldin is an allied health sciences major at the University of Connecticut with a strong commitment to advancing her education in the health sciences. Her passion for healthcare began after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, an experience that inspired her to pursue a career helping others feel supported and understood during medical challenges.
As a dedicated leader, Kheir-Eldin is a Connecticut FFA State Reporter, where she helps plan statewide events, develops leadership programs and mentors fellow students. Throughout her FFA career, she has held multiple leadership positions, earned prestigious FFA degrees and achieved success in competitive events, including national recognition in food science and technology.
In addition to her academic and leadership commitments, she balances a demanding courseload and campus involvement, plus work within dining services.
Following graduation, Kheir-Eldin plans to pursue an advanced degree and a career in healthcare, with interests spanning pre-medical studies, community nutrition and health sciences, where she hopes to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
ESE wished Kangas and Kheir-Eldin success in their future endeavors and thanks them for their years of loyalty to The Big E and ESE’s larger mission.