Fresno State plant science professor Dr. Anil Shrestha received the Weed Science Society of America’s Outstanding Teacher Award at its national conference Feb. 9 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Shrestha was one of 30 honorees that received various national awards based on teaching effectiveness, published research, graduate student advising, prior awards, academic and professional leadership roles and student honors.
“It is wonderful to see that the Dr. Shrestha has been recognized nationally for his excellent work,” said Sandra Witte, interim dean for the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. “His unique style of educating students through real-life learning experiences makes him truly deserving of the award.”
Shrestha teaches classes in plant health, plant science, biometrics, weed science, pest management and crop productivity. His primary research is in integrated vegetation management in agricultural and non-agricultural systems.
His other research interests include weed biology and ecology, crop-weed competition, herbicide resistance management, vegetation management, cropping systems, agroecology, conservation tillage and organic farming.
“Dr. Shrestha is known for including students in his research and encouraging them to attend conferences where they can network with future colleagues,” Witte said. “Several of his students have been recognized on campus for their own outstanding research, and they are grateful for the part that he plays in their success.”
Last spring he was honored with the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching — the University’s top faculty honor — and a campus-wide outstanding adviser award.
He also received the 2014 California Weed Science Society Award of Excellence and 2013 Weed Science Society of America Outstanding Review Award. Last August he was named Winrock International’s August 2015 Volunteer of the Month for helping create a weed science graduate program and faculty biometric training sessions at universities in Nepal.
He serves as a committee member for the Western Integrated Pest Management Center. He previously served as executive chair of the University of California Weed Workgroup and as a member of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation Director’s Agricultural Pest Control Advisory Committee.
For a complete list of 2016 Weed Science Society of America award winners, visit 2016 Award Winners Named by Weed Science Society of America.
