Joseph Edgecomb / The Collegian
The honor of being picked out of thousands, recognized for the accomplishments of one̢۪s lifelong work. It is a dream that many can only imagine, but for one local instructor, it is anything but.
Fresno State̢۪s Director of the University Agricultural Laboratory, Ganesan Srinivasan, Ph.D., has been given the honor of receiving the annual Fellow Award from the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) earlier this month at the organization̢۪s annual meeting, which commenced on the 5th and ended on the 9th.
The award was given to him partially because of his contributions to Fresno State̢۪s agriculture program, but mainly for his involvement in the advancement of international agriculture. He is credited with helping develop and create improved varieties of maize in impoverished areas of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Bruce Roberts, instructor in the plant science department, is credited for nominating Srinivasan for the award.
“As a member of the plant science department, I’ve worked very closely with Dr. Srinivasan,â€Â Roberts said. “We share an interest in crop production and development.â€Â
“He helped improve the nutrition and quality of life for people who depend on ecology for their livelihood,â€Â Roberts said in reference to the people who have benefited from his help with creating better and more diverse varieties of their maize crops.
Srinivasan has more than 20 years of experience in the field. He graduated from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in India and left with bachelor̢۪s and master̢۪s degrees in agriculture. He also attended the University of Hawaii where he earned a doctorate in plant breeding. In addition, he attended Purdue University and earned an executive M.B.A. there.
His work in the field prior to Fresno State was done at the International Center for Maize and Wheat Improvement located in Mexico. He has personally written numerous abstracts and science journal articles, as well as five chapters in books.
His current work is highlighted by his role of director for Fresno State̢۪s 1,000-acre farm, which he manages. He also oversees and assists students of agriculture that work on the farm and help harvest its many crops.
The award is the society̢۪s highest honor, given out annually to a handful of members who go above and beyond. The award is earned by contributing greatly to the society in the areas of research, education and showing excellent leadership to others in their field. It is given nationally as well as internationally.
“It is the highest award from our society,â€Â Srinivasan said. “[Recipients] are nominated by members in the field who are also members of the society.â€Â
He said that of the society̢۪s 5,000 members, roughly 0.3 percent of them will receive the award; about 10 or more members each year get this honor.
Similar awards are given out in the CSSA̢۪s related organizations: the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) and the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA). These are also given out annually by means of nomination from other members in each society.
Other winners of the 2008 CSSA Fellow Award include James D. Kelly, professor and geneticist in the crop and soil sciences department at Michigan State University, and Prakash R. Arelli, supervisory research geneticist and soybean breeder with USDA-ARS-Midsouth area in Jackson, Tenn.