September 20, 2024
Plant pathologists Draper and Stack earn Lifetime Achievement Awards
Two faculty members in plant pathology, Jim Stack, university distinguished professor, and Marty Draper, emeritus professor and associate dean, were recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Plant Diagnostic Network, or NPDN.
The NPDN is an internationally respected consortium of plant diagnostic laboratories. It was established in 2002 by USDA-NIFA, or National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the Office of Homeland Security to enhance agricultural biosecurity by detecting instances of biological attacks. The NPDN contributes to protect plant health and productivity of U.S. agricultural and natural ecosystems by providing early detection and identification of plant pests and diseases. The awards were presented at the NPDN conference in Portland Maine.
Stack has been involved in NPDN for 20 years. He has served as director of the Great Plains region of NPDN since 2004 as well as provided key national leadership including serving twice as executive director. Stack is an internationally-known expert in plant biosecurity and plant disease diagnostics, and he has given keynote speeches on these topics for agencies all over the world.
Draper has also served as a key leader for NPDN, serving as the USDA-NIFA national program leader to oversee the network from 2006-2015. Draper helped guide NPDN and its regions through strategic planning, implementation of professional development for diagnosticians, and impact reporting.
The award is given "to recognize and honor individuals who have tirelessly dedicated expertise, leadership, time, and enthusiasm to NPDN and its members throughout their careers."