The American Society of Agronomy and its sister societies recently recognized several ISU agronomy faculty members.

Steve Fales, professor and head of agronomy, and Mark Westgate, associate professor of agronomy, were named Fellows of the American Society of Agronomy in October.

A Fellow is considered the ASA’s highest honor, with up to .3 percent of active members elected to the position each year, according to www.agronomy.org, the ASA Web site.

“Fellowship is awarded based on the candidate’s contributions in teaching, research and service to the society,” Fales said.

“It’s based on the whole package of contributions, not just one aspect.”

Fales thinks his work and research highlighted through this award include his research contributions in Forage-Livestock Systems, his teaching and leadership at both Penn State and Iowa State and his involvement in the ASA.

This work and research is then brought back to benefit Iowa State and its students, he said.

“Working with faculty from other universities allows me to discuss issues and problems facing our institutions,” Fales said. “I frequently gain valuable insights into how I can make Iowa State better.”

Westgate said he thinks his work within the ASA has allowed him to better assist students with scientific writing and research.

“By serving as a chair of the Crop Physiology and Metabolism division I have a good idea of what the quality of science and writing should be in thesis work,” he said.

Westgate is currently the technical editor of the divisions of crop physiology and metabolism and seed physiology, production and technology within the Crop Science Society of America.

He has also been recognized nationally and internationally for his research on the reproduction physiology of corn and soybeans.

“There are several layers of activity involved in achieving the accomplishment of Fellowship,” Westgate said. “Receiving the award didn’t just happen, but preparation for it comes in doing daily activities and research within the society.”

The CSSA also recognized Allen Knapp, associate professor of agronomy, with the Seed Science Award for his work.

“This award is for career achievement,” Knapp said. “It was for a combination of research, teaching and extension in seed science.”

He said he hopes the work he has done through the CSSA and Iowa State will translate to a better undergraduate education for his students.

“I hope this work enables me to bring the theory of seed biology as well as insight to practical problems faced by seed producers and consumers into the classroom,” he said.

Also receiving recognition from the ASA was Doug Karlen, professor at the National Soil Tilth Laboratory. Karlen, a research soil scientist, was awarded the Agronomic Research Award for his accomplishments in basic or applied agronomy research. Karlen was also awarded the Werner L. Nelson Award for Diagnosis of Yield-Limiting Factors, which honors his leadership and accomplishments in diagnostic services.

Other agronomy department faculty receiving awards included Robert Horton, professor of agronomy, who received the Soil Science Society of America award for Soil Science Research, and Mary Wiedenhoeft, associate professor of agronomy. She and her colleagues were awarded the ASA award for excellence in the audio-visual extension education division.

The recognition of agronomy faculty says something about the level of education within the department, Knapp said.

“The awards our department received are an indication that our educational programs are conducted by respected professionals,” he said.

Westgate said he agrees the agronomy department is one of the top programs of its kind in the nation.

“We as faculty are striving for excellence,” Westgate said. “This dedication rubs off on our students, making them some of the best in the nation, as well.”