PUCESA honors Purdue Extension specialists
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Specialist Association awards were presented to four individuals and a team at the Extension's annual conference.
The awards, given Wednesday (Nov. 10) at the luncheon, honored Extension specialists who have significantly contributed to Indiana through Purdue Extension.
Award recipients are:
* Roberto Lopez, assistant professor of horticulture, who received the Early Career Award. He created a nationally recognized research and Extension program to address important issues in the floriculture industry and built a coalition of Extension specialists and industry representatives. His research into cool-season poinsettia production will aid the industry in reducing energy costs. Similarly, his research into consumer attitudes can help the industry adjust production to better meet consumer demands.
* Natalie Carroll, professor of Extension education, who received the Mid-career Award. A leader in Extension programming, Carroll provides 4-H program support in 10 project areas and has extensively revised the curricula, successfully implementing learning exercises to enhance their impact on young people. Carroll also teaches in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and manages a research program that has attracted more than $15 million in support.
* Rick Foster, professor of pest management of vegetable and fruit crops and Extension coordinator, who received the Career Award. Foster's Extension program combines his passion for entomology with a desire to help the state's fruit and vegetable industry. His efforts have led to improvements in pest management and the ability to reduce pesticide use without sacrificing product quality. He also has held leadership positions throughout his tenure at Purdue.
* The Managing Moldy Corn Team, which received the Team Award. Team members are Bruce Erickson, Mike Schutz, Steve Leer and the Agricultural Communication staff, Corinne Alexander, Todd Applegate, Allen Bridges, Matt Claeys, Tom Creswell, Bill Field, Chris Hurt, the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, Ron Lemenager, Jim Mintert, Tamilee Nennich, Mike Neary, Bob Nielsen, George Patrick, Brian Richert, Gail Ruhl, Matt Roberts, Mark Russell, Richard Stroshine, Robert Waltz, Kiersten Wise and Charles Woloshuk. In response to an above-normal incidence of corn ear molds in 2009, Purdue responded by forming a multidisciplinary team to assess current knowledge about moldy corn and its potential consequences and develop management recommendations for producers and allied industries. As a result, those affected by moldy corn were better prepared to deal with challenges associated with the issue.
* Jim Kirkham, who received the Special Award. He was recognized for his dedication and support of Indiana's 4-H Horse and Pony Program. Kirkham spent 40 years as ringmaster of the State of Indiana 4-H Horse and Pony Show. He helped to bring the Equestrian events of the Pan American Games and the Indiana 4-H Horsemanship Camp to the Hoosier Horse Park. He has served Indiana's equine-related organizations and helped to bring 4-H Horse and Pony events to the Hoosier Horse Fair & Expo.
Writer: Olivia Maddox, 765-496-3207, maddoxol@purdue.edu
Sources: Chuck Hibberd, 765-494-4273, hibberd@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page
Note to Journalists: Photos of the award recipients will be available by noon Friday (Nov. 12) at https://www.ag.purdue.edu/extension/awards/