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- Winter
- Top researchers honored
The top research awards presented during the 2004 LSU AgCenter Annual Conference went to Michael Chamberlain, assistant professor in the School of Renewable Natural Resources; Gene Reagan, professor, Department of Entomology; and the corn hybrid test team, led by Steve Moore, professor at the Dean Lee Research Station in Alexandria.
Theresia Lavergne, assistant professor in animal sciences, received the Excellence in Extension Award. Lavergne serves as the state extension poultry specialist. She was instrumental in the development of a broiler litter pasteurization project that has allowed poultry producers to reuse poultry litter – thus reducing the amount of litter being disposed. She also is active with the 4-H program and is the poultry coordinator for the state livestock show.
Chamberlain, a wildlife biologist, received the Rogers Excellence in Research Award, which is made available through contributions from Larry Rogers, former vice chancellor for research. Chamberlain has studied more than 20 species of animals including threatened species such as the Louisiana black bear. He helped develop a relocation plan for the Louisiana black bear, which enjoyed success where other plans had failed. Chamberlain is examining why northern bobwhite quail numbers are diminishing across the South.
Reagan, whose specialty is insect problems in sugarcane, won the Doyle Chambers Research Award, which is presented to a researcher for long-term contributions to science. Much of Reagan’s recent work has focused on the Mexican rice borer – a pest already in Texas and expected to make its way to Louisiana. Reagan plays a vital role in the sugarcane variety development team that revolutionized the cane industry with the release of the successful variety LCP 85-384.
The Tipton Team Research Award went to the group that tests corn hybrids for their yield and agronomic performance. In 2004, 92 different hybrids were tested. In addition to Moore, the team includes Mildred Deloach, research associate at the Dean Lee Station; Jim Rabb, professor, and Jose Liscano, research associate, at the Red River Research Station at Bossier City; Rick Mascagni, professor, and Robert Bell, research associate, at the Northeast Research Station at St. Joseph; and Warner Hall, research associate in the Department of Agronomy and Environmental Management.
Sue Hagius, research associate in the Department of Veterinary Science, was selected for the 2004 Outstanding Service Award for Associates.
Linda Foster Benedict
(This article was published in the winter 2005 issue of Louisiana Agriculture)