February 12, 2025
Inaugural Roots of Research awardees announced
Submitted by Office of the President and Office of the Vice President for Research
The Office of the President, Office of the Vice President for Research and Division of Facilities are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Roots of Research Award.
The award recognizes exceptional research and scholarly work that has inspired students, colleagues and the broader academic community. In honor of their achievements, a tree will be planted on campus in each recipient’s name, symbolizing the deep roots they have cultivated through their work and the legacy they leave for future generations.
The 2024 awardees are:
- Amy Betz, mechanical and nuclear engineering
- Doina Caragea, computer science
- Rial Carver, Rural Grocery Initiative
- Elizabeth Dodd, English
- Carolyn Ferguson, biology
- Eric Fitzsimmons, civil engineering
- Wayne Goins, music, theatre and dance
- David Haukos, biology
- Socorro Herrera, curriculum and instruction
- Jun Li, chemistry
- Briana Nelson Goff, applied human sciences
- Vara Prasad, agronomy
- Kerry Priest, Staley School of Leadership
- Zak Ratajczak, biology
- Jürgen Richt, diagnostic medicine/pathobiology
- Susmita Rishi, landscape architecture and regional and community planning
- Ajay Sharda, biological and agricultural engineering
- Vaishali Sharda, biological and agricultural engineering
- Valentina Trinetta, food, nutrition, dietetics and health
- Brad White, Beef Cattle Institute
Tree planting ceremonies will occur during Arbor Week, April 21-25, at various locations across campus. A schedule will be posted on the OVPR website. Trees will be digitally memorialized through an online platform.
"This initiative is a meaningful way to celebrate the remarkable contributions of our researchers while also contributing to the beauty and sustainability of our campus," said Hans Coetzee, interim vice president for research. "These trees will stand as living tributes to the impactful work our awardees have done to advance knowledge and inspire others."