Three Scientists Inducted into ARS Hall of
Fame
By Rosalie
Marion Bliss September 13, 2006
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13Advances in remote sensing used to
manage crops, technologies to preserve livestock semen and develop transgenic
animals, and development of innovative grass varieties for use as forage and
turf are among the accomplishments that have led to the naming of three
Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
scientists to the agency's Science Hall of Fame. ARS is
the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief
in-house scientific research agency.
The inductees are physicist Ray D. Jackson, animal physiologist
Vernon
G. Pursel and plant geneticist Wayne W. Hanna. They are scheduled to
receive plaques commemorating their achievements during a ceremony tonight at
the U.S.
National Arboretum here.
"Each one of these scientists has made significant contributions to
scientific research. Their accomplishments also have improved the efficiency of
agricultural production," said Gale A. Buchanan, USDA Under Secretary for
Research, Education and
Economics. "Clearly, they have earned their places in the ARS Science Hall
of Fame.
Since 1986, the Science Hall of Fame program has recognized
outstanding ARS researchers for their career achievements. Those inducted are
nominated by their peers for making major contributions to agricultural
research. The scientists must be retired, or eligible to retire, to receive the
award.
Jackson, who joined ARS in 1957 and retired in 1993, focused on
monitoring vegetation and soil conditions quickly and inexpensively, and on
improving methods for managing irrigation. That work fueled a revolution in
agricultural science based on remote sensing technologies.
Jackson's many awards include the William T. Pecora Award in 1993 for
remote sensing research, given jointly by the
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration and the U.S. Department of the
Interior; the USDA-ARS Outstanding Scientist of the Year Award in 1992; and
the USDA Distinguished Service Award in 1986.
Pursel retired from ARS in 2002, but continues to collaborate with
scientists at the agency's
Biotechnology
and Germplasm Laboratory in Beltsville, Md. During his 38 years of service,
Pursel has focused on developing new reproductive biotechnologies to accelerate
the rate of genetic progress in farm animals. These new technologies have
improved the efficiency of producing animal protein for food.
Pursel's awards include being named a Fellow of the American Society
of Animal Science (ASAS) in 2004 and
receiving the ASAS Award in Animal Physiology and Endocrinology in 1995, USDA
Unit Award for Distinguished Service in 1989, and USDA Superior Service Award
in 1977. His research has had a major impact on methodologies used by other
scientists.
Hanna, during 35 years of service, developed a series of
environmentally friendly grass varieties that have been celebrated by the
recreational turf grass industry in the United States and around the world. Now
considered industry standards, these varieties flourish in heavy-use
environments such as stadiums, athletic fields, yards and golf courses. Hanna
also led a team in developing a series of forage grasses that have become the
leading varieties used in summer pastures in the United States for more than 25
years.
Hanna's honors include the University of
Georgia (Athens) Research Foundation's Inventor of the Year Award in 2003,
the USDA-ARS Outstanding Technology Transfer Award in 2002, and the USDA-ARS
Outstanding Scientist of the Year Award in 1990.
Copies of the plaques presented to the scientists will be on permanent
display at the ARS National
Visitor Center in Beltsville.