#United States #Ecosystems #Weed Science #Westminster, Colorado #Weed Science Society

Celebrating Excellence in Weed Science

The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) recently held its annual meetings where it honored 25 remarkable individuals for their outstanding contributions to the field of weed science. With representatives from academia, government, and private sectors, the awards recognize the efforts of those dedicated to advancing research, education, and understanding of weeds that affect both managed and natural ecosystems.

Dr. Hilary Sandler, the president of WSSA, commendably stated, "Our nation is fortunate to have these outstanding individuals dedicated to protecting our ecosystems from destructive weeds and invasive plants that would otherwise cause harm to food production and our natural habitats." The awards serve as a fitting tribute to those whose relentless efforts have significantly advanced the field of weed science.

Awards and Recognition

The honors were distributed among WSSA's four regional affiliates: the North Central Weed Science Society (NCWSS), Northeastern Weed Science Society (NEWSS), Southern Weed Science Society (SWSS), and the Western Society of Weed Science (WSWS). Each region acknowledged various individuals based on a range of contribution categories.

North Central Weed Science Society (NCWSS)

• - Fellow Award: Fritz Koppatschek, Ph.D., ABG Ag Services
• - Distinguished Achievement Awards:

- Education: Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University
- Industry: Mayank Malik, Ph.D., Bayer
- Professional Staff: Ryan DeWerff, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Northeastern Weed Science Society (NEWSS)

• - Fellow Award: Carroll Moseley, Ph.D., Syngenta (retired)
• - Awards of Merit: Prasanta Bhowmik, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst
• - Outstanding Educator Award: Lynn Sosnoskie, Ph.D., Cornell University
• - Outstanding Research Award: John Wallace, Ph.D., Penn State University
• - Robert D. Sweet Outstanding Graduate Student (PhD): Eli Russell, Virginia Tech University
• - Robert D. Sweet Outstanding Graduate Student (MS): Jackson Alsdorf, North Carolina State University
• - M. Garry Schnappinger Service Recognition Award: Steve Pyle, Ph.D., Syngenta

Southern Weed Science Society (SWSS)

• - Fellow Award: John Richburg, Ph.D., Corteva
• - Outstanding Educator Award: Nick Basinger, Ph.D., University of Georgia
• - Outstanding Graduate Student (MS): Megan Singletary, Ph.D. student, Texas Tech University
• - Outstanding Graduate Student (PhD): Mason Castner, Ph.D., University of Arkansas
• - Outstanding Young Weed Scientist – Academia: Vijay Singh, Ph.D., Virginia Tech

Western Society of Weed Science (WSWS)

• - Fellow Award:

- Pat Clay, Valent U.S.A. LLC
- Stephen M. Schraer, Ph.D., Syngenta Crop Protection

• - Outstanding Weed Scientist - Early Career Public Sector: Marcelo Moretti, Ph.D., Oregon State University
• - Outstanding Weed Scientist - Early Career Private Sector: Kyle Roerig, Pratum Co-Op.
• - Outstanding Weed Scientist – Public Sector: Ian Burke, Ph.D., Washington State University
• - Outstanding Weed Scientist – Private Sector: Will Hatler, Corteva Agriscience
• - Presidential Award of Merit: Andre Araujo, Ph.D., Colorado State University
• - Professional Staff Award: Lisa Jones, University of Idaho
• - Weed Manager: Seth Flanigan, BLM National Invasive Species Program

About WSSA

Founded in 1956, the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) is a nonprofit organization devoted to the promotion of research, education, and awareness regarding the role of weeds in the environment. The society actively works on disseminating science-based information to the public and policymakers while fostering cooperation among weed science organizations nationally and internationally. As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of these 25 individuals, WSSA continues to encourage excellence in the field of weed science for years to come. For more information on the WSSA and its activities, please visit www.wssa.net.