WSSA Regional Affiliates Honor Outstanding Contributions in Weed Science
07 April 2025, Colorado: The four regional affiliates of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) recently honored a total of 25 members based on their outstanding achievements, contributions, and service to weed science. 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 recognized multiple, exceptional weed science contributors whose work promotes research, education, and awareness of weeds in managed and natural ecosystems.
“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,” says Hilary Sandler, Ph.D., WSSA president. “It is fitting that we recognize and honor those who have contributed the most to the advancements in weed science made each year. Please join me in thanking and congratulating them for their achievements.”
The award winners listed below include individuals from academia, government and private industry. Biographical sketches for some of them are available online:
- NCWSS: https://mailchi.mp/ebc13bbc8c7c/ncwss-2025-winter-newsletter
- NEWSS: https://www.newss.org/about/awards/ (2025 winner listings coming soon)
- SWSS: https://www.swss.ws/wp-content/uploads/SWSS-Award-Winners-PDF-Updated.pdf
- WSWS: https://wsweedscience.org/annual-awards/
Each region recognizes individuals for their outstanding contribution among diverse weed science categories. However, all four regions celebrate a “Fellow” award, the highest honor the society can bestow on a member for their significant meritorious contributions to weed science. The award winners are listed below for each region.
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)
AWARD 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 OUTSANDING GRADUATE STUDENT – Ph.D.
- Eli Russell, Virginia Tech University
ROBERT D. SWEET OUTSANDING GRADUATE STUDENT – M.S.
- 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
OUTSANDING GRADUATE STUDENT – M.S.
- Megan Singletary, Ph.D. student, Texas Tech University
OUTSANDING GRADUATE STUDENT – Ph.D.
- 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
- PROFESSIONAL STAFF AWARD
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
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