Honors & Awards
Celebrating our faculty and staff for their exemplary contributions and impactful work in teaching, research, extension and service.
Were you or a colleague recently honored? Report your honor/award so it may be added to the honors and awards webpage, and/or for submission to UDaily's For the Record and the CANR Newsletter.
Nominate a faculty or staff member for their exemplary contributions and impactful work in teaching, research, extension, and service. The College of Agriculture & Natural Resources has established a series of biennial awards, offered on a rotating basis.
To make a nomination, please view the "Nominate" tab below.
Congratulations to our 2025 CANR Awards recipients!
Jennifer Rodammer
Excellence in Service
Jennifer Rodammer is the Director of the UDairy Creamery at the University of Delaware. A Delaware native, she has been a part of the Creamery team since 2010, when she began working as a student and was later hired on full time as the assistant manager. Jennifer continued to grow within the organization as the retail operations manager and then plant manager before assuming the role of director.
Jennifer graduated from the University of Delaware in 2013 with a B.S. in animal science and a B.A. in Spanish studies. She has since continued to gain educational credits in dairy processing from various programs including Penn State University, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Cornell, Westminster Artisan Cheesemaking, the International Dairy Foods Association, and the Innovation Center for U.S Dairy. Jennifer is a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual, meaning she can manage food safety plans compliant with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. She is also ServSafe certified with varied experience in running an ice cream shop and food processing facility. Jennifer teaches the Science and Business of Ice Cream (ANFS 181) and co-teaches Basics of Cheesemaking (ANFS 267). The UDairy Creamery is the perfect fit, blending Jennifer’s passion for agriculture and its significance in our food supply. She passionately shares that knowledge with the University and the surrounding communities.
Gerri Melascaglia
Inclusive Excellence
Gerri Melascaglia joined the University in 2015 as Coordinator of Undergraduate Academic Services, then Business Manager of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance. Before joining CANR as Business Administrator in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Gerri also worked as an Administrative Specialist at the School of Nursing.
Gerri redirected her career to academia after 30 years in the global textile and apparel industry in positions of product development, marketing, supply chain and financial management. Gerri was President and Owner of SALTA Intl., where she pioneered a niche performance product for the children’s trade – flame resistant cotton. Her company was the exclusive agent and licensee of this proprietary intellectual property regulated by the U.S., international, and industry organizations. Gerri became known for compliance, publishing a procedure manual in layman’s terms—training staff at retailers, factories, and competitors.
As President of the Board of Trustees of the historic Poricy Park Conservancy in New Jersey, Gerri provided a location for the NJ Chapter of the Pajama Program to operate its non-profit dedicated to promoting healthy sleep for children by distributing pajamas and books, and educational and recreational activities to underserved children.
As a result of this unique career skill set, Gerri transitioned to teaching the business of fashion and textiles for Philadelphia University, Immaculata University, Moore College of Art & Design, and the University of Delaware.
Gerri earned her bachelor’s degree at Immaculata University and is completing her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies at UD, where she serves as President of the student-alumni advisory Board. Gerri resides in Kennett Square, PA with her husband, Robert. They have two children, Robert and Laura, and their first grandchild on the way.
Erin Brannick
Excellence in Teaching & Advising
Erin Brannick, DVM, M.S. is an Associate Professor and board-certified Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist in the University of Delaware Department of Animal and Food Sciences. Erin completed her veterinary medical education, veterinary anatomic pathology residency, and graduate training at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she concurrently completed a Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in College and University Teaching.
Since 2011, Erin has taught Animal Physiology, Comparative Histopathology (microscopic analysis of healthy and diseased tissues across species), Applied Biomedical Communication, and Introduction to Animal Diseases courses to hundreds of Pre-veterinary Medicine, Animal Biosciences, and Animal Science undergraduate and graduate students. As an educator, she recently received Senior Distinguished Scholar Mentor Recognition from the UD Honors Program and Most Valuable Professor recognition from UD student athletes. Erin has previously been nominated for the UD Excellence in Teaching Award, UD Excellence in Undergraduate Academic Advising and Mentoring Award, and the UD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Inclusive Excellence award.
Professionally, Erin is a member of the American Association of Avian Pathologists, American Veterinary Medical Association, A Diplomate Member of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, and World Veterinary Poultry Association. She was recognized as an AVMA Future Leader in 2014 and received an ACVP Presidential recognition in 2018 while developing and leading continuing educational programming for these organizations.
Through UD ACHIEVE programs and as current ANFS Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Erin fosters best practices and scholarship of teaching and learning, curricular development, professional advancement, and workplace wellness for faculty colleagues throughout her department and the university. She also provides K-12 educational outreach to regional schools in Delaware and to Little Children of the World in Dumaguete, Philippines.
Awards, Awardees & Nominations
College Award Recipients
| Year | Recipient | Department |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Dr. Debbie Delaney | Entomology and Wildlife Ecology |
| 2021 | Dr. Thomas Ilvento | Applied Economics and Statistics |
| 2019 | Dr. Thomas Evans | Plant and Soil Sciences |
| 2017 | Dr. Joshua Duke | Applied Economics and Statistics |
| 2015 | Dr. Kali Kniel | Animal and Food Sciences |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2024 | Kent Messer | Applied Economics & Statistics |
| 2022 | Pamela Green | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 2020 | Kali Kniel | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2018 | Yan Jin | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2024 | Susan Barton | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 2022 | Kathleen Splane | Cooperative Extension |
| 2020 | Maria Pippidis | Cooperative Extension |
| 2018 | Gordon Johnson | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 2016 | Richard Taylor | Plant & Soil Sciences |
Administrative Staff
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2025 | Jennifer Rodammer | UDairy Creamery |
| 2023 | Susan Davis | Dean's Office |
| 2021 | Tammy Schirmer | Carvel Research & Education Center |
| 2019 | Susan Biddle | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 2017 | Michele Walfred | Carvel Research & Education Center |
| 2015 | Sharon Webb | Carvel Research & Education Center |
Research Professionals
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2024 | Larry Armstrong | Webb Farm |
| 2022 | Adriene Shearer | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2020 | Teclemeriam Weldekidan | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 2018 | Madeline Valinski | Applied Economics & Statistics |
| 2016 | Richard Morris | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 1997 | J. Richard Bacon | Food & Resource Economics |
| 1994 | Anastasia Chirnside | Entomology & Wildlife Ecology |
| 1993 | Teclemeriam Weldekidan | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 1992 | Conrad Pope | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 1991 | Bud Malone | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 1989 | Sandy Cloud | Animal & Food Sciences |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2025 | Gerri Melascaglia | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2023 | Jennifer Seabrook-Scott | Cooperative Extension |
| 2021 | Christy Mannering | Communications |
| 2019 | Tanya Gressley | Animal & Food Sciences |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2022 | Oscar Damminger | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2022 | Marcella Murphy | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2022 | Lauren Sauble | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2022 | Erin Bernberg | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2022 | Brian Ladman | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2022 | Amy Anderson | Animal & Food Sciences |
Nomination forms for College Awards
CANR Teaching & Advising Award
(Faculty)
The award recognizes CANR faculty involved in teaching, mentoring and advising students.
CANR Excellence in Research Award
(Faculty)
The award recognizes individuals that are involved in research that involves the mentoring of graduate students, post-docs, undergraduates, and/or junior faculty
Coming soon!
The Excellence in Service Award recognizes one CANR staff member (exempt or non-exempt) for superior work ethic; noteworthy performance; outstanding and meritorious service; and positive impact on the overall goals and objectives of the department and college.
Research staff/professionals are eligible for this award biennially in even-numbered years (i.e. 2024, 2026). Examples of research staff/professionals include titles such as Associate Scientist, Research Associate, Scientist, Research Manager, Lab Coordinator, etc.
CANR Inclusive Excellence Award (Faculty and Staff)
The award recognizes individuals whose work embodies UD’s Inclusive Excellence initiative to advance inclusive excellence within the institution or community.
Nominate a student for the Benton Graduate Student Award!
The award is presented annually to two graduate students (one Ph.D. and one M.S.) who have excelled in research and have an outstanding record of academic accomplishments and service to their profession are eligible for nomination.
Submit your Award
Were you or a colleague recently honored? Report your honor/award so it may be added to the honors and awards webpage, and/or for submission to UDaily's For the Record and the CANR Newsletter.
University Award Recipients
Francis Alison Professors
The Francis Alison Faculty Award is the highest competitive award for faculty. The award, which was established by the Board of Trustees in 1978, is presented each year to a faculty member of the university who has made notable contributions to their field of study.
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2021 | Yan Jin | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 1996 | Donald Sparks | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 1994 | John Rosenberger | Animal & Food Sciences |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2018 | Kyle McCarthy | Entomology & Wildlife Ecology |
| 2018 | Joshua Duke | Applied Economics & Statistics |
| 2017 | Charles Bartlett | Entomology & Wildlife Ecology |
| 2014 | Robert M. Dyer | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2003 | Lesa Griffiths | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 1998 | Dewey Caron | Entomology & Wildlife Ecology |
| 1996 | U. Carl Toensmeyer | Food & Resource Economics |
| 1996 | W. Gary Smith | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 1990 | David R. Frey | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 1988 | Kenneth M. Lomax | Agricultural Engineering |
| 1984 | U. Carl Toensmeyer | Agricultural & Food Economics |
| 1971 | Myron Sasser | Plant Science |
| 1969 | E. Paul Catts | Entomology & Applied Ecology |
| 1964 | Ernest M. Scarborough | Agricultural Engineering |
| 1961 | Donald F. Crossan | Agricultural Science |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2015 | Deborah Delaney | Entomology & Wildlife Ecology |
| 2002 | Steven Hastings | Food & Resource Economics |
| 2000 | U. Carl Toensmeyer | Food & Resource Economics |
| 1999 | Dean Shippy | Food & Resource Economics |
| 1997 | Palaniappa Krishnan | Bioresources Engineering |
| 1995 | James L. Glancey | Agricultural Engineering |
| 1994 | Roland R. Roth | Entomology & Applied Ecology |
| 1989 | U. Carl Toensmeyer | Food & Resource Economics |
| 1988 | Norman H. Collins | Agricultural Engineering |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2024 | Leah Palm-Forster | Applied Economics & Statistics |
| 2021 | Rodrigo Vargas | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2025 | Kofi Britwum | APEC – John and Patricia Cochran Scholar |
| 2024 | Lesa Griffiths | ANFS – Excellence in Honors Teaching Award |
| 2024 | Lesa Griffiths | ANFS – UD Men's Lacrosse Most Valuable Professor Award |
| 2021 | Rodrigo Vargas | PLSC – Latino/Hispanic Heritage Impact Award (UD Latino/Hispanic Heritage Caucus) |
| 2021 | Angelia Seyfferth | PLSC – Faculty Award of Excellence (UD Sustainability Council Green Hen Awards) |
| 2018 | Rodrigo Vargas | PLSC – Mentorship/Advancement Award (Hispanic/Latino Graduate Student Association) |
| 2018 | Jacob Bowman | ENWE – Study Abroad Faculty Director of the Year |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2021 | Kathleen Splane | Cooperative Extension |
| 2020 | Nancy Gregory | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 2020 | Maria Pippidis | Cooperative Extension |
| 2018 | Mark Isaacs | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 2018 | Carrie Murphy | Cooperative Extension |
| 2016 | Joanne Whalen | Entomology & Wildlife Ecology |
| 2009 | Gordon Johnson | Cooperative Extension |
| 2008 | Mark Manno | Cooperative Extension |
| 2007 | Susan Barton | Plant & Soil Science |
| 2006 | John Talley | DE Geological Survey |
| 2006 | George Bud Malone | Cooperative Extension |
| 2005 | Ed Kee | Cooperative Extension |
| 2004 | Joy Sparks | Cooperative Extension |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2024 | Larry Armstrong | Newark Farm – Community Advocate Excellence Award |
| 2024 | Aisha Emory | Applied Economics & Statistics – Community Advocate Excellence Award |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2024 | Taylor Van Duyn | CANR Facilities – Neurodiversity Employment Inclusion Excellence Award (UD Spectrum Scholars) |
Submit your Award
Were you or a colleague recently honored? Report your honor/award so it may be added to the honors and awards webpage, and/or for submission to UDaily's For the Record and the CANR Newsletter.
Named Professors
Kent Messer
S. Hallock du Pont Professor of Applied Economics
Applied Economics and Statistics
Research: Environmental conservation with a focus on land use and sustainable development.
This professorship is named for a generous benefactor who supported a professorship and research in animal husbandry at UD for many years.
Doug Tallamy
T.A. Baker Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Entomology and Wildlife Ecology
Research: Behavioral ecology of insects; conservation of biodiversity; impact of alien plants on native ecosystems; plant-insect interactions.
The T.A. Baker Professorship honors Thomas A. Baker, who was a professor of animal husbandry and on the faculty of the then College of Agricultural Sciences for 39 years. He and his wife, Ruth, made a bequest to the college, which established the named professorship.
Tara Trammell
John Bartram Associate Professor of Urban Forestry
Plant and Soil Sciences
Research: Urban Forestry
The John Bartram Professor of Urban Forestry is named in honor of John Bartram (1699 – 1777), one of colonial America’s foremost botanists, horticulturalists and plant explorers, and sometimes called the “father of American Botany.” In Bartram’s lifetime, Delaware was part of Pennsylvania, so he surely walked across what would become the University of Delaware campus on his many trips south along the boundary between the piedmont and the coastal plain.
Michelle Segovia
Charles A. and Patricia Genuardi Associate Professor of Food and Agribusiness Marketing and Management
Applied Economics & Statistics
Research: Behavioral and experimental economics: consumer behavior
This term professorship is named after generous benefactors and long-time supporters of the college, Charles A. and Patricia Genuardi. The Genuardi family established Genuardi’s Family Markets in the 1920s and their first privately-owned supermarket opened in 1954. The business expanded exponentially over the years and was managed by several generations before selling the business to the regional supermarket chain Safeway in 2001. Both Charles and Pat are recognized by the UD Founder’s Society, Delaware Diamonds Society and True Blue Hen Loyalty Society.
Yan Jin
Edward F. and Elizabeth Goodman Rosenberg Professor
Plant and Soil Sciences
Research: Measurement, modeling, and interpretation of mass transport and transformation in soil and other environmental systems, as well as colloidal processes at various interfaces.
Edward F. and Elizabeth Goodman Rosenberg Professorships are designated by the President and funded by the late Edward F. Rosenberg, AS ’29, ’30M and his wife, Elizabeth Goodman Rosenberg. Dr. Rosenberg was a nationally known rheumatologist, and his wife, a graduate of the Curtis Institute, was a concert pianist and harpist.
Submit your Award
Were you or a colleague recently honored? Report your honor/award so it may be added to the honors and awards webpage, and/or for submission to UDaily's For the Record and the CANR Newsletter.
Awardees
| Year | Awardee | Award |
| 2023 | Rodrigo Vargas | Member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences |
| 2021 | Rodrigo Vargas | Highly Cited Researcher in Cross-Field (Clarivate) |
| 2019 | Rodrigo Vargas | Highly Cited Researcher in Cross-Field (Web of Science Group) |
| 2019 | Rodrigo Vargas | National Researcher Level 3 (Mexican National Science Foundation/CONACYT) |
| 2018 | Rodrigo Vargas | Mexican Carbon Program Award (PMC) |
| 2025 | Donald Sparks | H.C. Urey Award (European Association of Geochemistry/EAG) |
| 2023 | Emmalea Ernest | Distinguished Achievement Award (The Bean Improvement Cooperative) |
| Year | Awardee | Award |
| 2022, 2024 | Dr. Hong Li | USDA Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research (2-Yr. Appointment) |
| 2018-2025 | Rodrigo Vargas | Franklin Institute's Committee on Science and the Arts - Earth and Environmental Science Cluster (Member) |
| 2025 | Mark VanGessel | Service, Outreach, Altruism and Research Award (IR-4 SOAR Program) |
| 2025 | Kent Messer | USDA Bruce Gardner Visiting Economist Award |
| 2024 | Qingwu Meng | ASHS Early Career Competition - 2nd Place Award |
| 2024 | Deb Jaisi | Jackson Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy Award (Soil Science Society of America/SSSA) |
| 2024 | Alyssa Koehler Betts | FMC New Investigator Award |
| 2024 | Rodrigo Vargas | U.S. Department of Energy’s Biological and Environmental Research Advisory Committee/BERAC (Appointment) |
| 2022 | Rodrigo Vargas | Piers J. Sellers Global Environmental Change Mid-Career Award (American Geophysical Union) |
| 2022 | Angelia Seyfferth | Charles S. Falkenberg Award (American Geophysical Union) |
| 2022 | Angelia Seyfferth | Jackson Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy Award (Soil Science Society of America) |
| 2021 | Rodrigo Vargas | Earth Leadership Program Fellow |
| 2017 | Rodrigo Vargas | National Science Foundation CAREER Award |
| 2016 | Rodrigo Vargas | U.S. National Committee for Soil Science (Member) |
| 2014 | Angelia Seyfferth | National Science Foundation CAREER Award |
| 2011 | Rodrigo Vargas | Blaustein Visiting Professorship (Stanford University) |
| Year | Awardee | Award |
| 2024 | Mark Isaacs | Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture (Delaware Department of Agriculture) |
| 2024 | Calvin Keeler | Edward H. Ralph Medal of Achievement (Delaware Chicken Assoc.) |
| 2025 | Kali Kniel | Career Distinguished Service Award (Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association of Delaware) |
| Year | Awardee | Award |
| 2025 | Douglas Tallamy | How Can I Help?: Saving Nature with Your Yard (Author) |
| Year | Awardee | Award |
| 2024 | Nicole Rehbach | NACADA Global Community for Academic Advising Mid-Atlantic Region 2 Webinar Scholarship |
Submit your Award
Were you or a colleague recently honored? Report your honor/award so it may be added to the honors and awards webpage, and/or for submission to UDaily's For the Record and the CANR Newsletter.
Even-numbered years (i.e. 2026):
Excellence in Research (faculty award)
Excellence in Service (for exempt and non-exempt staff in research positions)
Cooperative Extension (Cooperative Extension exempt and non-exempt staff)
Odd-numbered years (i.e. 2027):
Excellence in Teaching & Advising
Excellence in Service (for exempt and non-exempt staff in administrative positions)
Inclusive Excellence
Nominations are now open for the *2026 faculty and staff awards. Please review the description, eligibility, and criteria for each award below.
2026 College Award Descriptions
CANR Excellence in Research Award (Faculty)
The CANR Excellence in Research Award is presented biennially in even-numbered years (i.e. 2026, 2028) to a CANR Faculty member for eminence in research quality, scientific leadership and mentorship, and service to science. The award promotes exemplary models for the mentoring of graduate and/or undergraduate students, post-docs, and early career faculty. The Criteria of Excellence (below) serve as a guideline for developing the nomination.
Process
- Nominations close March 1 (even-numbered years)
- Faculty and staff may submit nominations.
- Nominees are notified electronically and must submit a current CV within 7 days of notification.
- Members of the selection committee are appointed by the Associate Dean of Research. =
- The selection committee evaluates the nomination package against the Criteria of Excellence and will also consider the nominee's reflective statement. The number of nominations and letters cannot substitute for evidence.
- The recipient is recognized at the spring college meeting and will receive $1,000 and an award certificate. A brick engraved with the awardee’s name will be placed in the Dunham Garden.
Eligibility
Candidates must be full-time faculty with a primary appointment in the CANR, and only work performed while a member of the University of Delaware will be considered
Former award recipients are ineligible. Previous award winners may be found on the Honors & Awards webpage.
Candidates may not self-nominate, and nominations must be unsolicited
Nominations are retained for two years and may be updated with additional evidentiary material for the next awards cycle
Required Materials
Letter of nomination
Current CV
Optional Materials
Nominees may submit a personal statement reflecting on their research, scientific leadership and mentorship, and service to science (as defined in the award criteria).
Nominations may include a maximum of 3 additional letters of support
Criteria of Excellence
- Research Quality. Consider evidence that the nominee: significantly advanced scientific understanding within their discipline; significantly advanced scientific understanding beyond their discipline; reported their scientific advancements through high-impact, peer-reviewed publications; has received awards and honors related to research.
Scientific Leadership and Mentorship. Consider evidence that the nominee: been an active member of national and international scientific societies; involved post-docs in the conduct of cutting-edge research; involved grad students in the conduct of cutting-edge research; involved undergraduate students in the conduct of cutting-edge research; mentored or involved junior faculty in research projects; organized and lead multiple investigator projects involving multiple institutions.
Service to Science. Consider evidence that the nominee: is an active peer-reviewer of scientific literature; served as an editor of a peer-reviewed journal; served as an officer of a national or international scientific society; participated as a panelist on a nationally competitive grant review panel; has been an ad hoc reviewer of grant proposals submitted to a federal agency.
Excellence in Service
Research Staff / Professionals
The Excellence in Service Award recognizes one CANR staff member (exempt or non-exempt) for superior work ethic; noteworthy performance; outstanding and meritorious service; and positive impact on the overall goals and objectives of the department and college.
Research staff/professionals are eligible for this award biennially in even-numbered years (i.e. 2024, 2026). Examples of research staff/professionals include titles such as Associate Scientist, Research Associate, Scientist, Research Manager, Lab Coordinator, etc.
Process
Nominations close March 1 (even-numbered years).
Faculty and staff may submit nominations.
Members of the selection committee are appointed by the Associate Dean of Research.
The recipient is recognized at the spring college meeting and will receive $1,000 and an award certificate. A brick engraved with the awardee’s name will be placed in the Dunham Garden.
Eligibility
Candidates must be active, full-time CANR employees
Research staff (exempt and non-exempt) are eligible for this award biennially in even-numbered years (i.e. 2026)
Administrative staff (exempt and non-exempt) are eligible for this award biennially in odd-numbered years (i.e. 2027)
Former award recipients are ineligible. Previous award winners may be found on the Honors & Awards webpage.
Candidates may not self-nominate, and nominations must be unsolicited
Required Materials
Letter of nomination, addressing the “Criteria of Excellence”
Optional Materials
Nominations may include a maximum of 3 additional letters of support
Criteria of Excellence
Nominations should include specific examples of the nominee’s:
- superior work ethic;
- noteworthy performance;
- outstanding and meritorious service;
positive impact(s) on the overall goals and - objectives of the department and college.
Nominate a student for the Benton Graduate Student Award!
The award is presented annually to two graduate students (one Ph.D. and one M.S.) who have excelled in research and have an outstanding record of academic accomplishments and service to their profession are eligible for nomination.
Submit your Award
Were you or a colleague recently honored? Report your honor/award so it may be added to the honors and awards webpage, and/or for submission to UDaily's For the Record and the CANR Newsletter.
College Award Recipients
| Year | Recipient | Department |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Dr. Debbie Delaney | Entomology and Wildlife Ecology |
| 2021 | Dr. Thomas Ilvento | Applied Economics and Statistics |
| 2019 | Dr. Thomas Evans | Plant and Soil Sciences |
| 2017 | Dr. Joshua Duke | Applied Economics and Statistics |
| 2015 | Dr. Kali Kniel | Animal and Food Sciences |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2024 | Kent Messer | Applied Economics & Statistics |
| 2022 | Pamela Green | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 2020 | Kali Kniel | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2018 | Yan Jin | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2024 | Susan Barton | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 2022 | Kathleen Splane | Cooperative Extension |
| 2020 | Maria Pippidis | Cooperative Extension |
| 2018 | Gordon Johnson | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 2016 | Richard Taylor | Plant & Soil Sciences |
Administrative Staff
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2025 | Jennifer Rodammer | UDairy Creamery |
| 2023 | Susan Davis | Dean's Office |
| 2021 | Tammy Schirmer | Carvel Research & Education Center |
| 2019 | Susan Biddle | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 2017 | Michele Walfred | Carvel Research & Education Center |
| 2015 | Sharon Webb | Carvel Research & Education Center |
Research Professionals
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2024 | Larry Armstrong | Webb Farm |
| 2022 | Adriene Shearer | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2020 | Teclemeriam Weldekidan | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 2018 | Madeline Valinski | Applied Economics & Statistics |
| 2016 | Richard Morris | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 1997 | J. Richard Bacon | Food & Resource Economics |
| 1994 | Anastasia Chirnside | Entomology & Wildlife Ecology |
| 1993 | Teclemeriam Weldekidan | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 1992 | Conrad Pope | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 1991 | Bud Malone | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 1989 | Sandy Cloud | Animal & Food Sciences |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2025 | Gerri Melascaglia | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2023 | Jennifer Seabrook-Scott | Cooperative Extension |
| 2021 | Christy Mannering | Communications |
| 2019 | Tanya Gressley | Animal & Food Sciences |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2022 | Oscar Damminger | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2022 | Marcella Murphy | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2022 | Lauren Sauble | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2022 | Erin Bernberg | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2022 | Brian Ladman | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2022 | Amy Anderson | Animal & Food Sciences |
Nomination forms for College Awards
CANR Teaching & Advising Award
(Faculty)
The award recognizes CANR faculty involved in teaching, mentoring and advising students.
CANR Excellence in Research Award
(Faculty)
The award recognizes individuals that are involved in research that involves the mentoring of graduate students, post-docs, undergraduates, and/or junior faculty
Coming soon!
The Excellence in Service Award recognizes one CANR staff member (exempt or non-exempt) for superior work ethic; noteworthy performance; outstanding and meritorious service; and positive impact on the overall goals and objectives of the department and college.
Research staff/professionals are eligible for this award biennially in even-numbered years (i.e. 2024, 2026). Examples of research staff/professionals include titles such as Associate Scientist, Research Associate, Scientist, Research Manager, Lab Coordinator, etc.
CANR Inclusive Excellence Award (Faculty and Staff)
The award recognizes individuals whose work embodies UD’s Inclusive Excellence initiative to advance inclusive excellence within the institution or community.
Nominate a student for the Benton Graduate Student Award!
The award is presented annually to two graduate students (one Ph.D. and one M.S.) who have excelled in research and have an outstanding record of academic accomplishments and service to their profession are eligible for nomination.
Submit your Award
Were you or a colleague recently honored? Report your honor/award so it may be added to the honors and awards webpage, and/or for submission to UDaily's For the Record and the CANR Newsletter.
University Award Recipients
Francis Alison Professors
The Francis Alison Faculty Award is the highest competitive award for faculty. The award, which was established by the Board of Trustees in 1978, is presented each year to a faculty member of the university who has made notable contributions to their field of study.
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2021 | Yan Jin | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 1996 | Donald Sparks | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 1994 | John Rosenberger | Animal & Food Sciences |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2018 | Kyle McCarthy | Entomology & Wildlife Ecology |
| 2018 | Joshua Duke | Applied Economics & Statistics |
| 2017 | Charles Bartlett | Entomology & Wildlife Ecology |
| 2014 | Robert M. Dyer | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 2003 | Lesa Griffiths | Animal & Food Sciences |
| 1998 | Dewey Caron | Entomology & Wildlife Ecology |
| 1996 | U. Carl Toensmeyer | Food & Resource Economics |
| 1996 | W. Gary Smith | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 1990 | David R. Frey | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 1988 | Kenneth M. Lomax | Agricultural Engineering |
| 1984 | U. Carl Toensmeyer | Agricultural & Food Economics |
| 1971 | Myron Sasser | Plant Science |
| 1969 | E. Paul Catts | Entomology & Applied Ecology |
| 1964 | Ernest M. Scarborough | Agricultural Engineering |
| 1961 | Donald F. Crossan | Agricultural Science |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2015 | Deborah Delaney | Entomology & Wildlife Ecology |
| 2002 | Steven Hastings | Food & Resource Economics |
| 2000 | U. Carl Toensmeyer | Food & Resource Economics |
| 1999 | Dean Shippy | Food & Resource Economics |
| 1997 | Palaniappa Krishnan | Bioresources Engineering |
| 1995 | James L. Glancey | Agricultural Engineering |
| 1994 | Roland R. Roth | Entomology & Applied Ecology |
| 1989 | U. Carl Toensmeyer | Food & Resource Economics |
| 1988 | Norman H. Collins | Agricultural Engineering |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2024 | Leah Palm-Forster | Applied Economics & Statistics |
| 2021 | Rodrigo Vargas | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2025 | Kofi Britwum | APEC – John and Patricia Cochran Scholar |
| 2024 | Lesa Griffiths | ANFS – Excellence in Honors Teaching Award |
| 2024 | Lesa Griffiths | ANFS – UD Men's Lacrosse Most Valuable Professor Award |
| 2021 | Rodrigo Vargas | PLSC – Latino/Hispanic Heritage Impact Award (UD Latino/Hispanic Heritage Caucus) |
| 2021 | Angelia Seyfferth | PLSC – Faculty Award of Excellence (UD Sustainability Council Green Hen Awards) |
| 2018 | Rodrigo Vargas | PLSC – Mentorship/Advancement Award (Hispanic/Latino Graduate Student Association) |
| 2018 | Jacob Bowman | ENWE – Study Abroad Faculty Director of the Year |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2021 | Kathleen Splane | Cooperative Extension |
| 2020 | Nancy Gregory | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 2020 | Maria Pippidis | Cooperative Extension |
| 2018 | Mark Isaacs | Plant & Soil Sciences |
| 2018 | Carrie Murphy | Cooperative Extension |
| 2016 | Joanne Whalen | Entomology & Wildlife Ecology |
| 2009 | Gordon Johnson | Cooperative Extension |
| 2008 | Mark Manno | Cooperative Extension |
| 2007 | Susan Barton | Plant & Soil Science |
| 2006 | John Talley | DE Geological Survey |
| 2006 | George Bud Malone | Cooperative Extension |
| 2005 | Ed Kee | Cooperative Extension |
| 2004 | Joy Sparks | Cooperative Extension |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2024 | Larry Armstrong | Newark Farm – Community Advocate Excellence Award |
| 2024 | Aisha Emory | Applied Economics & Statistics – Community Advocate Excellence Award |
| Year | Awardee | Department |
| 2024 | Taylor Van Duyn | CANR Facilities – Neurodiversity Employment Inclusion Excellence Award (UD Spectrum Scholars) |
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Were you or a colleague recently honored? Report your honor/award so it may be added to the honors and awards webpage, and/or for submission to UDaily's For the Record and the CANR Newsletter.
Named Professors
Kent Messer
S. Hallock du Pont Professor of Applied Economics
Applied Economics and Statistics
Research: Environmental conservation with a focus on land use and sustainable development.
This professorship is named for a generous benefactor who supported a professorship and research in animal husbandry at UD for many years.
Doug Tallamy
T.A. Baker Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Entomology and Wildlife Ecology
Research: Behavioral ecology of insects; conservation of biodiversity; impact of alien plants on native ecosystems; plant-insect interactions.
The T.A. Baker Professorship honors Thomas A. Baker, who was a professor of animal husbandry and on the faculty of the then College of Agricultural Sciences for 39 years. He and his wife, Ruth, made a bequest to the college, which established the named professorship.
Tara Trammell
John Bartram Associate Professor of Urban Forestry
Plant and Soil Sciences
Research: Urban Forestry
The John Bartram Professor of Urban Forestry is named in honor of John Bartram (1699 – 1777), one of colonial America’s foremost botanists, horticulturalists and plant explorers, and sometimes called the “father of American Botany.” In Bartram’s lifetime, Delaware was part of Pennsylvania, so he surely walked across what would become the University of Delaware campus on his many trips south along the boundary between the piedmont and the coastal plain.
Michelle Segovia
Charles A. and Patricia Genuardi Associate Professor of Food and Agribusiness Marketing and Management
Applied Economics & Statistics
Research: Behavioral and experimental economics: consumer behavior
This term professorship is named after generous benefactors and long-time supporters of the college, Charles A. and Patricia Genuardi. The Genuardi family established Genuardi’s Family Markets in the 1920s and their first privately-owned supermarket opened in 1954. The business expanded exponentially over the years and was managed by several generations before selling the business to the regional supermarket chain Safeway in 2001. Both Charles and Pat are recognized by the UD Founder’s Society, Delaware Diamonds Society and True Blue Hen Loyalty Society.
Yan Jin
Edward F. and Elizabeth Goodman Rosenberg Professor
Plant and Soil Sciences
Research: Measurement, modeling, and interpretation of mass transport and transformation in soil and other environmental systems, as well as colloidal processes at various interfaces.
Edward F. and Elizabeth Goodman Rosenberg Professorships are designated by the President and funded by the late Edward F. Rosenberg, AS ’29, ’30M and his wife, Elizabeth Goodman Rosenberg. Dr. Rosenberg was a nationally known rheumatologist, and his wife, a graduate of the Curtis Institute, was a concert pianist and harpist.
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Were you or a colleague recently honored? Report your honor/award so it may be added to the honors and awards webpage, and/or for submission to UDaily's For the Record and the CANR Newsletter.
Awardees
| Year | Awardee | Award |
| 2023 | Rodrigo Vargas | Member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences |
| 2021 | Rodrigo Vargas | Highly Cited Researcher in Cross-Field (Clarivate) |
| 2019 | Rodrigo Vargas | Highly Cited Researcher in Cross-Field (Web of Science Group) |
| 2019 | Rodrigo Vargas | National Researcher Level 3 (Mexican National Science Foundation/CONACYT) |
| 2018 | Rodrigo Vargas | Mexican Carbon Program Award (PMC) |
| 2025 | Donald Sparks | H.C. Urey Award (European Association of Geochemistry/EAG) |
| 2023 | Emmalea Ernest | Distinguished Achievement Award (The Bean Improvement Cooperative) |
| Year | Awardee | Award |
| 2022, 2024 | Dr. Hong Li | USDA Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research (2-Yr. Appointment) |
| 2018-2025 | Rodrigo Vargas | Franklin Institute's Committee on Science and the Arts - Earth and Environmental Science Cluster (Member) |
| 2025 | Mark VanGessel | Service, Outreach, Altruism and Research Award (IR-4 SOAR Program) |
| 2025 | Kent Messer | USDA Bruce Gardner Visiting Economist Award |
| 2024 | Qingwu Meng | ASHS Early Career Competition - 2nd Place Award |
| 2024 | Deb Jaisi | Jackson Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy Award (Soil Science Society of America/SSSA) |
| 2024 | Alyssa Koehler Betts | FMC New Investigator Award |
| 2024 | Rodrigo Vargas | U.S. Department of Energy’s Biological and Environmental Research Advisory Committee/BERAC (Appointment) |
| 2022 | Rodrigo Vargas | Piers J. Sellers Global Environmental Change Mid-Career Award (American Geophysical Union) |
| 2022 | Angelia Seyfferth | Charles S. Falkenberg Award (American Geophysical Union) |
| 2022 | Angelia Seyfferth | Jackson Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy Award (Soil Science Society of America) |
| 2021 | Rodrigo Vargas | Earth Leadership Program Fellow |
| 2017 | Rodrigo Vargas | National Science Foundation CAREER Award |
| 2016 | Rodrigo Vargas | U.S. National Committee for Soil Science (Member) |
| 2014 | Angelia Seyfferth | National Science Foundation CAREER Award |
| 2011 | Rodrigo Vargas | Blaustein Visiting Professorship (Stanford University) |
| Year | Awardee | Award |
| 2024 | Mark Isaacs | Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture (Delaware Department of Agriculture) |
| 2024 | Calvin Keeler | Edward H. Ralph Medal of Achievement (Delaware Chicken Assoc.) |
| 2025 | Kali Kniel | Career Distinguished Service Award (Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association of Delaware) |
| Year | Awardee | Award |
| 2025 | Douglas Tallamy | How Can I Help?: Saving Nature with Your Yard (Author) |
| Year | Awardee | Award |
| 2024 | Nicole Rehbach | NACADA Global Community for Academic Advising Mid-Atlantic Region 2 Webinar Scholarship |
Submit your Award
Were you or a colleague recently honored? Report your honor/award so it may be added to the honors and awards webpage, and/or for submission to UDaily's For the Record and the CANR Newsletter.
Even-numbered years (i.e. 2026):
Excellence in Research (faculty award)
Excellence in Service (for exempt and non-exempt staff in research positions)
Cooperative Extension (Cooperative Extension exempt and non-exempt staff)
Odd-numbered years (i.e. 2027):
Excellence in Teaching & Advising
Excellence in Service (for exempt and non-exempt staff in administrative positions)
Inclusive Excellence
Nominations are now open for the *2026 faculty and staff awards. Please review the description, eligibility, and criteria for each award below.
2026 College Award Descriptions
CANR Excellence in Research Award (Faculty)
The CANR Excellence in Research Award is presented biennially in even-numbered years (i.e. 2026, 2028) to a CANR Faculty member for eminence in research quality, scientific leadership and mentorship, and service to science. The award promotes exemplary models for the mentoring of graduate and/or undergraduate students, post-docs, and early career faculty. The Criteria of Excellence (below) serve as a guideline for developing the nomination.
Process
- Nominations close March 1 (even-numbered years)
- Faculty and staff may submit nominations.
- Nominees are notified electronically and must submit a current CV within 7 days of notification.
- Members of the selection committee are appointed by the Associate Dean of Research. =
- The selection committee evaluates the nomination package against the Criteria of Excellence and will also consider the nominee's reflective statement. The number of nominations and letters cannot substitute for evidence.
- The recipient is recognized at the spring college meeting and will receive $1,000 and an award certificate. A brick engraved with the awardee’s name will be placed in the Dunham Garden.
Eligibility
Candidates must be full-time faculty with a primary appointment in the CANR, and only work performed while a member of the University of Delaware will be considered
Former award recipients are ineligible. Previous award winners may be found on the Honors & Awards webpage.
Candidates may not self-nominate, and nominations must be unsolicited
Nominations are retained for two years and may be updated with additional evidentiary material for the next awards cycle
Required Materials
Letter of nomination
Current CV
Optional Materials
Nominees may submit a personal statement reflecting on their research, scientific leadership and mentorship, and service to science (as defined in the award criteria).
Nominations may include a maximum of 3 additional letters of support
Criteria of Excellence
- Research Quality. Consider evidence that the nominee: significantly advanced scientific understanding within their discipline; significantly advanced scientific understanding beyond their discipline; reported their scientific advancements through high-impact, peer-reviewed publications; has received awards and honors related to research.
Scientific Leadership and Mentorship. Consider evidence that the nominee: been an active member of national and international scientific societies; involved post-docs in the conduct of cutting-edge research; involved grad students in the conduct of cutting-edge research; involved undergraduate students in the conduct of cutting-edge research; mentored or involved junior faculty in research projects; organized and lead multiple investigator projects involving multiple institutions.
Service to Science. Consider evidence that the nominee: is an active peer-reviewer of scientific literature; served as an editor of a peer-reviewed journal; served as an officer of a national or international scientific society; participated as a panelist on a nationally competitive grant review panel; has been an ad hoc reviewer of grant proposals submitted to a federal agency.
Excellence in Service
Research Staff / Professionals
The Excellence in Service Award recognizes one CANR staff member (exempt or non-exempt) for superior work ethic; noteworthy performance; outstanding and meritorious service; and positive impact on the overall goals and objectives of the department and college.
Research staff/professionals are eligible for this award biennially in even-numbered years (i.e. 2024, 2026). Examples of research staff/professionals include titles such as Associate Scientist, Research Associate, Scientist, Research Manager, Lab Coordinator, etc.
Process
Nominations close March 1 (even-numbered years).
Faculty and staff may submit nominations.
Members of the selection committee are appointed by the Associate Dean of Research.
The recipient is recognized at the spring college meeting and will receive $1,000 and an award certificate. A brick engraved with the awardee’s name will be placed in the Dunham Garden.
Eligibility
Candidates must be active, full-time CANR employees
Research staff (exempt and non-exempt) are eligible for this award biennially in even-numbered years (i.e. 2026)
Administrative staff (exempt and non-exempt) are eligible for this award biennially in odd-numbered years (i.e. 2027)
Former award recipients are ineligible. Previous award winners may be found on the Honors & Awards webpage.
Candidates may not self-nominate, and nominations must be unsolicited
Required Materials
Letter of nomination, addressing the “Criteria of Excellence”
Optional Materials
Nominations may include a maximum of 3 additional letters of support
Criteria of Excellence
Nominations should include specific examples of the nominee’s:
- superior work ethic;
- noteworthy performance;
- outstanding and meritorious service;
positive impact(s) on the overall goals and - objectives of the department and college.
Nominate a student for the Benton Graduate Student Award!
The award is presented annually to two graduate students (one Ph.D. and one M.S.) who have excelled in research and have an outstanding record of academic accomplishments and service to their profession are eligible for nomination.
Submit your Award
Were you or a colleague recently honored? Report your honor/award so it may be added to the honors and awards webpage, and/or for submission to UDaily's For the Record and the CANR Newsletter.
The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Institution and Provider. Visit UD’s Office of Equity & Inclusion to learn more.
Additional Links
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