WSSA Regional Affiliates Honor Outstanding Contributions in Weed Science

WSSA's four regional affiliates honor 25 individuals for exceptional achievements

WESTMINSTER, Colo., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The four regional affiliates of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) recently honored a total of 25 members based on their outstanding achievements, contributions, and service to weed science.  The North Central Weed Science Society (NCWSS), Northeastern Weed Science Society (NEWSS), Southern Weed Science Society (SWSS), and the Western Society of Weed Science (WSWS) each recognized multiple, exceptional weed science contributors whose work promotes research, education, and awareness of weeds in managed and natural ecosystems.

"Our nation is fortunate to have these outstanding individuals dedicated to protecting our ecosystems from destructive weeds and invasive plants that would otherwise cause harm to food production and our natural habitats," says Hilary Sandler, Ph.D., WSSA president.  "It is fitting that we recognize and honor those who have contributed the most to the advancements in weed science made each year.  Please join me in thanking and congratulating them for their achievements."  

The award winners listed below include individuals from academia, government, and private industry.  Biographical sketches for some of them are available online:

• NCWSS: https://mailchi.mp/ebc13bbc8c7c/ncwss-2025-winter-newsletter
• NEWSS: https://www.newss.org/about/awards/ (2025 winner listings coming soon)
• SWSS: https://www.swss.ws/wp-content/uploads/SWSS-Award-Winners-PDF-Updated.pdf
• WSWS: https://wsweedscience.org/annual-awards/

Each region recognizes individuals for their outstanding contribution among diverse weed science categories.  However, all four regions celebrate a "Fellow" award, the highest honor the society can bestow on a member for their significant meritorious contributions to weed science.  The award winners are listed below for each region.

NORTH CENTRAL WEED SCIENCE SOCIETY (NCWSS)

FELLOW AWARD

• Fritz Koppatschek, Ph.D., ABG Ag Services

DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

• Education: Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University
• Industry: Mayank Malik, Ph.D., Bayer
• Professional Staff: Ryan DeWerff, University of Wisconsin-Madison

NORTHEASTERN WEED SCIENCE SOCIETY (NEWSS)

FELLOW AWARD

• Carroll Moseley, Ph.D., Syngenta (retired)

AWARD OF MERIT

• Prasanta Bhowmik, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst

OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AWARD

• Lynn Sosnoskie, Ph.D., Cornell University

OUTSTANDING RESEARCH AWARD

• John Wallace, Ph.D., Penn State University

ROBERT D. SWEET OUSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT – Ph.D.

• Eli Russell, Virginia Tech University

ROBERT D. SWEET OUSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT – M.S.

• Jackson Alsdorf, North Carolina State University

M. GARRY SCHNAPPINGER SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARD

• Steve Pyle, Ph.D., Syngenta

SOUTHERN WEED SCIENCE SOCIETY (SWSS)

FELLOW AWARD

• John Richburg, Ph.D., Corteva

OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AWARD

• Nick Basinger, Ph.D., University of Georgia

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT – M.S.

• Megan Singletary, Ph.D. student, Texas Tech University

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT – Ph.D.

• Mason Castner, Ph.D., University of Arkansas

OUTSTANDING YOUNG WEED SCIENTIST – ACADEMIA

• Vijay Singh, Ph.D., Virginia Tech

WESTERN SOCIETY OF WEED SCIENCE (WSWS)

FELLOW AWARD

• Pat Clay, Valent U.S.A. LLC
• Stephen M. Schraer, Ph.D., Syngenta Crop Protection

OUTSTANDING WEED SCIENTIST - EARLY CAREER PUBLIC SECTOR

• Marcelo Moretti, Ph.D., Oregon State University

OUTSTANDING WEED SCIENTIST - EARLY CAREER PRIVATE SECTOR

• Kyle Roerig, Pratum Co-Op.

OUTSTANDING WEED SCIENTIST – PUBLIC SECTOR

• Ian Burke, Ph.D., Washington State University

OUTSTANDING WEED SCIENTIST – PRIVATE SECTOR

• Will Hatler, Corteva Agriscience

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD OF MERIT

• Andre Araujo, Ph.D., Colorado State University

PROFESSIONAL STAFF AWARD

• Lisa Jones, University of Idaho

WEED MANAGER

• Seth Flanigan, BLM National Invasive Species Program

About the Weed Science Society of America
The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment.  The Society promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world.  For more information, visit www.wssa.net.

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SOURCE Weed Science Society of America