UK honors top faculty with Gatton awards

By Blake Jackson

The University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has honored a distinguished group of faculty members with prestigious Gatton Foundation Professorships.

Made possible by a generous $100 million gift from The Bill Gatton Foundation, these awards empower exceptional researchers and educators to address critical challenges facing Kentucky’s agriculture and communities.

“We are very thankful for the generosity of The Bill Gatton Foundation, helping our most talented early-career and prominent researchers be successful,” said Nancy Cox, vice president of Land-Grant Engagement and Dean of Martin-Gatton CAFE. "The Gatton Foundation Endowed Professorships make this continuing impactful research possible, so it can advance Kentucky and improve people's lives."

A cohort of seasoned faculty has been named Gatton Foundation Distinguished Professors, each bringing a unique focus to their research.

• Reddy Palli in Entomology is championing One Health initiatives through curriculum development and international experiences.
• Clare Rittschof, also in Entomology, is investigating the impact of climate change on crucial pollinators.
• Carlos Rodriguez Lopez from Horticulture is pioneering biomarker research to improve human health.
• Michael Sama in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering is leading the charge in digital agriculture education and research.
• Youling Xiong in Animal and Food Science is exploring innovative ways to enhance plant proteins for improved nutrition.

In addition, a promising group of early-career faculty has been recognized as Gatton Foundation Early-Career Professors.

• Liz Combs in Dietetics and Human Nutrition is studying the impact of study abroad on student well-being.
• Zachary DeVries and David Gonthier, both in Entomology, are tackling pest control and food systems challenges, respectively.
• Lou Hirsch in Plant Pathology is focused on enhancing faculty teaching and student engagement.
• Shuoli Zhao in Agricultural Economics is examining food assistance programs, consumer behavior, and local food systems.

These exceptional faculty members exemplify the college’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Their research and teaching will undoubtedly shape the future of agriculture and improve the lives of Kentuckians.

Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky