2022-2023 CFAES Award Recipients

Professor Pascall joined OSU in the CFAES Department of Food Science and Technology in 2002. He currently teaches courses in food packaging and food regulations. He also supervises the research of graduate students and serves on several departmental and university committees that form part of the system of governance at OSU. Pascall has used his influence to promote OSU as a premium institution for tertiary education to underrepresented groups within the Metro Columbus area, and to both national and international audiences. He has done this while also serving scientific organizations such as the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), where he is currently Co-chair of the Food Packaging Division, and through other organizations such as the United States Agency for International Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. For his dedicated service to helping humanity globally, he received the IFT International Food Security Award in July 2022.

Professor Osvaldo Campanella is an internationally renowned scientist whose research focuses on extrusion, rheology, and food processing modeling. His research efforts have built successful collaborations in food engineering, science, and technology with steadfast participation in research and education programs in Asia, Europe, and Latin America has promoted the international exchange of ideas on food issues with global relevance. Professor Campanella’s work includes actively publishing with international collaborators; numerous invited international presentations, keynote talks, and short courses. His work has been recognized by his peers with numerous awards throughout his career and in the last five years. At Purdue University, he was awarded the Best Engineering Teacher Award in Agricultural and Biological Engineering for several years and received the Spotlight Educator from the College of Agriculture. In 2019 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award given by the International Association for Engineering and Food (IAEF) to recognize his career excellence.

Joy Rumble is an Associate Professor of Agricultural Communication within the CFAES Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership. Her research concentrates on consumer perceptions of agriculture and has included studies examining perceptions of local food, food safety, GMOs, livestock legislation, and transparent communication in the livestock industry. Dr. Rumble has more than 90 peer reviewed journal articles and has been recognized by numerous organizations for her research. Her outreach focuses on helping producers and professionals within the agricultural industry to communicate more effectively through strategies, including storytelling techniques. Dr. Rumble teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses focused on social science research and evaluation as well as agricultural communication writing. Prior coming to OSU, Dr. Rumble was an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida. Dr. Rumble is originally from Ohio and has a BS in Animal Science and MS in Agricultural Communication from The Ohio State University. She completed her doctorate in Agricultural Communication at the University of Florida in 2013.

After a Ph.D. and postdoc at the University of Illinois, Jeff Firkins started at OSU in 1987 and was promoted to Professor in 2000. He has advised and served on committees of nearly 100 graduate students, including 7 Ph.D.’s from other countries. He served multiple terms on competitive grant panels (manager twice) and numerous planning committees for international conferences in gut microbiology and ruminant physiology. He served six terms as a section editor for three journals. He was a member of the update committee for NASEM’s Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle. Out of about 600 publications and presentations, he has about 160 journal articles and reviews and about 200 invited presentations in more than 20 countries. He was numerous awards, including Fellow of ADSA (2020). He was director or associate director of OSU’s interdepartmental nutrition doctoral program for 19 years and provided service to OSU and societies in numerous capacities. 

Dr. Jiyoung Lee is a Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, and in the CFAES Department of Food Science and Technology. She has a track record of conducting trend-setting research about pathogen transmission and exposure pathways and their impact on human health. When Dr. Lee looks at water, she uses an innovative approach, ‘One Health & One Water’ paradigm, to address multiple urgent issues, from harmful algal blooms and cyanotoxin control to antibiotic resistance spread and even SARS-CoV-2 with wastewater-based surveillance.  Dr. Lee’s innovations have wide-reaching impacts on human, animal, and environmental health. To fight the health threat of cyanobacteria blooms and toxins, she and her lab invented multiple tools, including a rapid cyanotoxin measurement method that is ten times cheaper than the conventional method and the application of cyanophage and UV for bloom control.  More recently, Dr. Lee and her student invented an autonomous water drone equipped with UV-C LED for on-site treatment.

Souyma Ghosh is a first-generation college graduate, and currently a 5th year PhD student in the CFAES Department of Plant Pathology, being advised by Dr. Enrico Bonello. He holds an MS in Plant Pathology from the OSU, and another MS in Forestry from Forest Research Institute, India. His research experience involves molecular docking of novel protein-ligand interactions, heavy metal assessment of urban watersheds and riparian basin, and clonal assessment of Eucalypts for disease resistance. His industrial research, prior to returning to college for his PhD, involved marker assisted selection and breeding of commercial tree species in India. His PhD work involves identifying molecules and/or mechanisms that help coniferous trees transmit stress stimuli across distal parts from an infected portion, and over time.

Dr. Michelle Jones studied Agricultural Biochemistry at Iowa State University for her BS and received her PhD in Horticulture from Purdue University.  Her love of Floriculture stems from an undergraduate honors research project evaluating the effect of ethylene on carnation vase life. She was on the faculty at Colorado State University for three years and moved to The Ohio State University in 2001.  She is currently a Professor in the CFAES Department of Horticulture and Crop Science and serves as the D.C. Kiplinger Endowed Floriculture Chair. Her current research and extension programs focus on the use of beneficial bacteria and biostimulants to increase nutrient use efficiency and improve disease and environmental stress tolerance in floriculture crops. She also works with greenhouse growers to identify and remediate ethylene damage in production greenhouses and improve the shelf life of flowering ornamentals. Dr. Jones has been privileged to mentor exceptional graduate students while at OSU, and the most rewarding part of her career has been watching them grow into independent researchers and educators.  

PENRA was created to integrate and accelerate the incubation, demonstration, market entry, and growth of a domestic natural rubber industry. Natural rubber is an agricultural material critical to all sectors of our economy and defense, but we import all that we need - produced from clonal rubber trees grown mostly in Southeast Asia.  The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragility of this extended natural rubber supply chain. PENRA focuses on the creation of the science, technology, and private partnerships needed to support the introduction and scale-up of natural rubber alternatives. Current research focuses on improvement of germplasm, production methods and processing techniques to increase the yield of natural rubber from the rubber dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz), utilization of allergen-free latex from guayule (Parthenium argentatum), and evaluation of the natural rubber potential of other plants.  The development of premium specialty products, such as gloves and sporting goods, are key to initial small scale commercial viability.

Dr. Amanda Bowling completed her doctorate program in agriscience education at the University of Missouri in 2017. She then joined the CFAES Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) as a Visiting Assistant Professor and transitioned to an Assistant Professor in 2018. Dr. Bowling currently teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses for ACEL including teaching methods in agriscience education, research methods and design, and quantitative instrumentation, data collection and analysis. In addition, she also supervises student teachers during their senior field experience practicum and advises ACEL undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Bowling’s research focuses on enhancing youth development through the exploration of teacher and student motivation, effective teaching methods, and preservice teacher metacognition.

Dr. David Barker is professor in the CFAES Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS), where he teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in plant science. His research is on grassland ecology, with a specialty in grazing management. Dr. Barker serves as undergraduate Adviser within the SPS-Agronomy specialization and advises two student clubs. Dr. Barker serves on the HCS Academic Affairs Committee, and currently serves as Chair of the CFAES Committee of Academic Affairs and Associate Chair of HCS. Dr. Barker has a BS and MS from Massey University, New Zealand, and PhD from University of Nebraska.

Pamela Sherratt holds a BSc (Honors) in Horticulture from The University of Central Lancashire in England and an MS in Turfgrass Science from The Ohio State University. She has been a Turfgrass specialist in the CFAES Department of Horticulture and Crop Science since 1999. She teaches The World of Plants, Plant Science Lab, and Sports Turf Management, with 700-1,000 students total per year. The sports turf management class has supported Columbus City Schools over many years by carrying out hands-on renovation projects on baseball fields. Her Extension/outreach efforts focus on offering certificate programs for industry professionals, engaging with youth, and promoting the green industry through activities like summer STEM camp, FFA events, Explore Ag activities and Scouts BSA merit badges. Pam writes for a national industry magazine and speaks at state, national and international conferences.

Dr. Annie Specht is an associate professor and the program coordinator for the agricultural communication major and minor in Columbus. She graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s in agricultural communication in 2008 and her master’s in agricultural and extension education in 2010. As a student at OSU, Dr. Specht was fortunate enough to work with outstanding faculty advisors like Dr. Susie Whittington and Dr. Emily Buck, who provided the model for her current advising practices. As part of her teaching appointment, Dr. Specht has advised undergraduate students since starting at OSU in 2014. Her advising philosophy is centered on student success and achieving desired outcomes: She believes that a student’s college experience is one of the most formative times of their life, and her role is to provide a sounding board for her advisees’ goals, to be a resource they have questions, and to advocate for them as they navigate their programs.

Sarah Short earned her Ph.D. in Genetics and Development in 2012 from Cornell University, where her research was supported by a Ford Foundation Pre-Doctoral Diversity Fellowship. She then continued her training as a Ruth L. Kirschstein postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Short joined the CFAES Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University as an Assistant Professor in August 2018. Her research is broadly focused on understanding variation in transmission of infectious diseases by mosquitoes. She studies how mosquitoes interact with harmful and helpful microbes, the formation of microbial communities within mosquitoes and ticks, the impacts of commensal microbes on pathogen susceptibility and transmission, and the ecological and evolutionary forces shaping mosquito immune defense. Her Extension program is focused on protecting Ohioans from mosquito and tick bites and increasing awareness about biting arthropods and the diseases they transmit. 

Maurice Eastridge, Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist, has been on the faculty in the CFAES Department of Animal Sciences at OSU since March 1986. He also currently serves as Senior Associate Chair of the Department. His responsibilities include teaching, Extension, and research in dairy cattle nutrition and management. At the university and college levels, he has been recognized for his outstanding service to students and student development, and he has received several awards for his Extension and research programs, including the DeLaval Dairy Extension Award, Applied Dairy Nutrition Award, and Purina Teaching Award from the American Dairy Science Association. He was inducted into the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame in 2022. He chairs the Board of Directors for the Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference, has served as Chair of the Board of Directors for the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, and is editor of the bi-monthly publication, Buckeye Dairy News.

Laura Akgerman is Disability Services Coordinator for Ohio AgrAbility, OSU Extension, and the CFAES DEI Office. She is a two-time OSU graduate, with a Bachelor’s in English, Master’s in Rehabilitation Services, Graduate Certificate in Aging and Gerontology, and is completing a Certificate in Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology. She is a Delaware County 4-H alumna. Laura works with farmers with disabilities, presents on farming and gardening with a disability, agritourism, Caregiver support, Universal Design and Assistive Technology. She works on the Family and Community Education to Prevent Opioid Misuse and Abuse grant; the CFAES Department of Food Agricultural and Biological Engineering’s Extension/outreach team; GenerationRx; and serves as a Content Expert on Transformative Rehabilitation Opportunities for Children with CP in Appalachian and Rural Communities Research Study (College of Medicine). Her community work includes serving as Secretary of the Ohio Rural Health Association, and Chair of the AgrAbility Fact Sheet Writing group. Working at OSU, with farmers, Extension, and the disability and rural health communities is a dream job, and it is an honor and privilege to work with so many amazing colleagues across the state.

Mary Wicks has served as the program coordinator for the Ohio Composting and Manure Management (OCAMM) program since 1999 and for the Program for Bioproducts and the Environment (PROBE) since 2014. Her outreach efforts include implementing educational programs, such as the Manure Science Review and Ohio Compost Operator Education Course, both held annually since 2001; creating OCAMM odds & ends, a monthly e-newsletter delivered to over 550 subscribers; and writing lay articles and educational materials. She also provides support for developing research and outreach grant proposals. Mary enjoys the many opportunities to collaborate with and learn from OSU Extension professionals, CFAES faculty, and agency, commodity, and industry stakeholders. She holds a B.S. in geology from Virginia Tech, M.B.A. from the University of Houston, and M.A.T. from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. 

The Agronomic Crops (AgCrops) Team was formed in 1995 to provide an Extension program that linked all disciplines together to provide an integrated delivery mechanism designed to address corn, soybean, wheat, and forage producer needs in a timely manner. The AgCrops Team is comprised of approximately 40 core members, including county Extension educators, water quality specialists, field specialists, and state specialists. Specialists cover crop management, entomology, weed science, agricultural engineering, and soil fertility for all major field crops (corn, soybean, small grains, and alfalfa). The team represents six departments within CFAES (Extension, Horticulture and Crop Science, School of Environment and Natural Resources, Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, Plant Pathology, and Entomology). The team meets weekly over Zoom during the growing season and every other week during the winter and in-person twice per year. The team is co-led by: Laura Lindsey (Horticulture and Crop Science), Stephanie Karhoff (Extension), and Amanda Douridas (Extension). 

Sarah DeVilbiss is the Office Manager and Graduate Studies Coordinator for the CFAES Department of Entomology on the Columbus Campus. Sarah works closely with Department Chair Jamie Strange to ensure the department runs smoothly. In her role as the Graduate Studies Coordinator, Sarah supports the department’s graduate students from coordinating the recruitment event through successful graduate student defenses and graduation. She co-instructs the ENTMLGY 8800 graduate student orientation course and guides the students through their program by staying up to date on university policies. Sarah has also temporarily filled the Vice President and Dean’s Executive Assistant role, where she learned the deeper workings of the college that contribute to the values and mission of CFAES. Sarah was recently elected Chair of the CFAES Staff Advisory Council and looks forward to supporting the best interests and professional development of our college staff. Sarah is a team player who is always willing to step in where needs arise. 

Bri Schneider is a double alumna of OSU, where she received her Bachelor’s in Sport Industry (2017) and her Master’s focused on Turfgrass Science through the CFAES Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (2019). Bri worked in the green industry for several years before returning to OSU as the Academic Program Coordinator for HCS. She leads undergraduate recruiting, social media, communications, event planning & alumni engagement to help keep the department moving forward in a positive direction. 

Sarah Longo is the Program Coordinator for Ohio 4-H Camping and Older Youth programs at the State 4-H Office. She received her bachelor’s degree from the CFAES Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) at OSU (2019) and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in ACEL. Over the last three years, Sarah has been involved in working with statewide teen audiences, developing camping resources, and improving overall organization systems and processes. She has been instrumental in revising the state-level 4-H onboarding process, including developing an onboarding course for new 4-H professionals that has received national accolades. Sarah believes that the most important part of her job is to help equip her colleagues for success and thrives on finding new ways to do so. 

Cindy serves as the Office Associate for OSU Extension, Brown County.  She has been with OSU Extension for 22 years starting as an Office Assistant and moving to Office Associate in 2013. Prior to working in Extension, Cindy worked in banking for 20 years. Coming from a banking background, she enjoys the financial part of her job. Cindy takes pride in the work she does as an Office Associate. Some of her responsibilities include business office procedures and serving as part of the office stewardship team, as well as supporting the 4-H and Agricultural and Natural Resource programs in Brown county. Cindy is proud to say that she is part of the vision, mission, and values of OSU Extension and is honored to be the recipient of the 2022-2023 Special Recognition award.

Kamryn Kreis is from Adamsville, Ohio. She is a third-year studying Agricultural Communication, and AgriBusiness and Applied Economics. Kamryn works in the CFAES Academic Programs Office as a Student Assistant for the Academic Program Coordinator for Student Success Experiences. She participates in CFAES Peer Mentors and Saddle & Sirloin. After college, her career aspirations include working for an agriculture-based company in communications and growing her photography business, 
K & K Photography, LLC. 

Morgan Meyer is a 3rd year studying Agribusiness and Applied Economics with a minor in Agricultural Communications from Anna, Ohio. She has been working as a student assistant in the CFAES Dean’s Suite since September. Morgan is involved in the CFAES Student Council Executive Team, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Sigma Alpha, OSU Agribusiness Club, Ag Systems Management Club, Celebration of Students Planning Committee, Alpha Zeta Partners, a CFAES Peer Mentor, and a CFAES Ambassador. Her career aspirations are to eventually be in a leadership/management position in the agricultural industry, potentially in ag finance. 

Minister Aaron K. Hopkins is an Associate Minister at the Family Missionary Baptist Church on the South Side of Columbus. Through his community outreach, Minister Aaron recognized and met a need for food sovereignty efforts via the launch of South Side Family Farms (SSFF) in Columbus, Ohio. Since 2014, SSFF has been working to cultivate food sovereignty and wellness that heals bodies, souls, and minds. Through sustainable urban farming practices, SSFF addresses community food insecurity and provides a safe space for planting with the faith of fruit and nourishment. 

In Sarah’s position as the Academic Program Coordinator for Student Success Experiences in CFAES, she coordinates the CFAES Peer Mentor Program, CFAES Learning Community, Kellogg-Moser Learning Community, first-year experience programming including welcome events for new students and the FAES 1100 course, and serves as co-advisor for the CFAES Student Council. She is from Wilmington, Ohio and has two degrees from OSU: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Master of Science in Plant Pathology. Sarah has worked for The Ohio State University, CFAES for 13.5 years

Dr. Luis Rodriguez-Saona is a professor in the CFAES Department of Food Science and Technology. His areas of expertise include application of Fourier Transform infrared (FT-NIR and mid-IR) spectroscopy in the field of food safety and quality assurance, and the development of predictive models for the rapid detection, identification, and classification of chemical & microbial contaminants and food components with biological activity.

Dr. Sastry is a Professor in the CFAES Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering and serves as the President of the Society of Food Engineering. He joined CFAES as an Associate Professor in 1987 and served as Interim Chair of the Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering from 2010-2011. Dr. Sastry is a renowned researcher contributing over 40 years of valuable scientific and technological achievements in the development of advanced thermal and nonthermal food manufacturing technologies, making food safer for consumption. 

Brent Sohngen is a professor of environmental and resource economics in the CFAES Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics at The Ohio State University. Dr. Sohngen received his doctorate in environmental and resource economics from Yale University in 1996. He conducts research on the economics of land use change, the design of incentive mechanisms for water and carbon trading, carbon sequestration, and valuation of environmental resources. Dr. Sohngen developed a global forest and land use model that has been widely used to assess the implications of climate change on ecosystems and markets, and to assess the costs of carbon sequestration in forests. He co-authored sections of the 2001 and 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, and he co-authored the forestry chapter of the most recent U.S. National Climate Assessment Report.