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Biosystems faculty, students score big at ASABE

By Jeremy Henderson

Published: Jul 15, 2019 12:00:00 AM

Biosystems students. Biosystems students.

Faculty and students in Auburn's 100-year-old Department of Biosystems Engineering took home multiple awards at the annual American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International meeting that concluded Wednesday in Boston.

Puneet Srivastava, professor of ecological engineering and the director of the Water Resources Center at Auburn University, was inducted as an ASABE Fellow, the society's highest honor. The grade of fellow is awarded to ASABE members who have achieved exceptional professional distinction through outstanding qualifications and experience in agricultural, food or biological systems engineering. Less than 2% of ASABE members are fellows. Srivastava was selected for his pioneering innovative methods for optimizing best management practices in watersheds and for mitigating drought impact on water resources.

A paper titled “Dimensions of the Modern Pig,” co-authored by Jeremiah Davis, associate professor and director of the National Poultry Technology Center, received the Superior Paper Award.

Assistant professor Yi Wang received the Association of Overseas Chinese Agricultural, Biological and Food Engineers Early Career Award.

Graduate research assistant Kritika Malhotra placed first in the Association of Agricultural, Biological and Food Engineers of Indian Origin graduate student research award, while graduate research assistant Lajleet Sangha placed third. Sangha also placed second in the Boyd-Scott Graduate Research Award competition, which recognizes excellence in the conduct and presentation of research by engineers who design equipment, facilities and processes for the sustainable operation of a biological system.

Junior Hannah Thomascall won first place in the ASABE Ethics Essay Competition, while Meg Anderson placed third.

"I am proud of the achievements of our biosystems faculty and students," said biosystems engineering department head Oladiran Fasina. "These awards show that Auburn will continue to be a major player in the world in conducting world-class research and producing competent engineers who are capable of developing engineering-based solutions to providing safe and plentiful food, pure water to drink, clean fuel and energy sources, and a safe, healthy environment in which to live."

Media Contact: Jeremy Henderson, jeremyhenderson@auburn.edu, 334-844-3591

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