GRI Researchers and Students Recognized
June 10, 2008In this year's annual Research Awards Banquet, GeoResources Institute members were recognized for their excellence in their fields.
Dr. John D. Madsen, Extension Professor, was awarded the Research Faculty Award. He was praised for his skills in leading teams of scientists and extension specialists in establishing a national and international reputation for understanding the ecology and managing invasive species of plants and insects. He provides guest lecturers in a number of ecology and weed science courses. He has been awarded grants from USDA, USEPA, USGS, NASA, state and local governments, and non-government organizations. He has been an editor of the Journal of Aquatic Plant Management, associate editor for Wetlands, past member of the editorial board of the Journal of Freshwater Ecology, member of 4 different boards, and served on over 6 external committees. He is PI on at least 5 grants, engagements, workshops, and lay publications. He is well known for his efforts in transitioning research output into real-world operations.
Mr. Valentine Anantharaj, Research Associate III, was awarded the Support Staff Award. During the 2007 calendar year, he authored and co-authored 3 refereed journal articles submitted for publication. He contributed to 13 professional presentations, authored or co-authored 4 conference proceedings publications, is PI or Co-PI on 5 newly awarded research projects, and continued contributions to 10 ongoing research projects. He is also organizing and leading teams in proposal development and project execution.
Mr. Saurabh Prasad was awarded the Graduate Student Award. In the last year he has had 2 journal papers and 5 refereed conference papers, and he has 1 additional journal paper and 3 conference papers submitted. He has proven to show very good communication skills, does an outstanding job collaborating with researchers from other disciplines, and has emerged as a leader, mentoring many of the masters, undergraduate, and visiting high school students.
The Research Awards Banquet was held on April 29, 2008 was hosted by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development and the Vice President for Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine.