Allan Goecker, BS '64, MS '66, PhD '74, has been inducted into the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes Goecker for his contributions to help Purdue's USDA partner fulfill its mission of advancing knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities. Goecker is assistant dean and associate director of the Office of Academic Programs. He joins former dean of agriculture Vic Lechtenberg and Eldon Ortman, visiting professor of entomology, as the only Hall of Fame inductees from Purdue Agriculture.

Lori Barber is the new scholarship coordinator for the College of Agriculture. She also will provide leadership to career development programs, student and faculty recognition, and the interdisciplinary agriculture program of study through the Office of Academic Programs. Barber previously was the coordinator of advising for the Krannert School of Management.

The Purdue Ag Ambassadors have won the National Ag Ambassador Excellence in Service Award. Members were honored because they participated in a community service/community leadership development event or activity each month of the fall semester. Representatives attended the National Ag Ambassador Conference Jan. 4-6 at the University of Arizona to accept the award — $500 and a plaque — and to present a workshop on community service. The Ag Ambassadors are student volunteers who lead campus tours for parents, visitors and prospective students; represent the college at information and career fairs; and host alumni and dignitaries at school events.

Brent Ladd, BS '90, MS '93, Extension water quality specialist, received the 2007 Early Career Award from the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Specialists Association. The citation recognized his dedication to improving Indiana's water resources, his exceptional ability to network and create an environment that ensures success through collaborative efforts, and his leadership in creating innovative programs, tools and partnerships in water quality.

Marshall Porterfield is the recipient of the Thora W. Halstead Young Investigator's Award from the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology. The award was established in 1994 to honor a young scientist who exemplifies Halstead's drive and enthusiasm for science, and who has made significant contributions to the field of space biology. Porterfield, a faculty member since 2005, was also elected to the society's governing board.

Several staff members were honored at the recent CASE V critique and awards ceremony in Chicago. Susan Steeves earned two gold awards (excellence in news writing, excellence in research/science/medical writing) and a bronze award for a series in research/science/medical writing. Purdue Agriculture Connections was named best tabloid/newsletter for an external audience. Team members include Tom Campbell, Dan Annarino, Frank Koontz, Mike Atwell, Christine Roper and Courtney Schmidt, who is from the ag development office. Agricultures Magazine earned an honorable mention in the best specialized or unit-level magazine category. Team members include Olivia Maddox, Beth Forbes, Natalie Federer, Laura Hoelscher, Steeves, Steve Leer, Russ Merzdorf, Campbell and Chris Sigurdson.

The university board of trustees has designated Mike Boehlje, MS '68, PhD '70, as a distinguished professor of agricultural economics. A faculty member since 1992, Boehlje is the author of more than 500 publications. He has served on government agency task forces and commissions, and has been a leader in developing Purdue's agribusiness program. Designated professorships honor individuals whose academic achievements have been internationally recognized or who have made unique contributions to the university through scholarship, research, teaching or leadership.

Marshall Martin, MS '72, PhD '76, is the 2006 winner of the Frederick L. Hovde Award honoring Purdue staff with a record of outstanding achievement and service to rural Indiana. Martin, who is the associate director of Purdue Agricultural Research Programs, was recognized for his efforts to help a variety of audiences better understand economic issues that affect agriculture through his work in Purdue Extension, as a faculty member, in his publications and in the news media. The award is sponsored by the Indiana Farm Bureau and includes an $800 cash prize.

The Purdue soil judging team recently placed first among five schools participating in the Region 3 American Society of Agronomy Collegiate Soils Contest in Platteville, Wis. Five team members placed in the top 10 in individual competition. The team was led by Allison Bechman (first), Nicolas Meller (second), Dustin Johnson (fifth), Jeanna Pitstick (seventh) and Kevin Shide (eighth). Other team members are Joey Dunn, C.J. Fleenor and Austin Mattern. The team is coached by professor Gary Steinhardt, PhD '76, and Kristi Linvill, a graduate assistant.

The Purdue crop judging team took sixth place in the National Collegiate Crop Judging Contest in Chicago. The team included Katie Hardy, Roy Cooper, Ben Spencer, Rachel Doctor and Eric Bahler. The team was coached by assistant professor Shawn Conley. Contest sponsors include the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America.

Robert Waltz, BS '76, MS '82, PhD '86, who has served as state entomologist and director of the Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources since 1988, has been appointed state chemist. In his new position, Waltz will manage the Office of the Indiana State Chemist and Seed Commissioner, located at Purdue's West Lafayette campus. The office administers state laws covering animal feeds, fertilizers, pesticides and seeds. It is charged with ensuring food safety, user safety, proper labeling, and protecting the environment. Waltz will retain the title of state entomologist.

A team of Purdue food science students won top prize in the recent Midwest Regional College Bowl competition. The competition is part of the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association. Eight teams competed, answering questions ranging from food microbiology to product development. The Purdue team went undefeated in the double-elimination tournament, defeating a team from the University of Wisconsin 40-28 in the finals. The team consisted of LeeCole Legette, Kyle Kamp, Laura Pillsbury and Shriram Paranjpe, with alternates of Wynnie Margatan and Benedict Odum. The event was held at Kraft Foods' Glenview, Ill., facility.

Shorna Broussard is part of a National Public Radio program designed to engage young minority and underserved audiences in learning about science, technology and the environment. Broussard, a faculty member since 2000, is one of eight experts across the country selected by NPR for its program titled Third Rock Reality. Broussard was also selected by the Lafayette-West Lafayette Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce as one of the top 40 young professionals in the Greater Lafayette area. The award recognizes young professionals who are exceptional examples in their field or career and are involved in the community.

The university board of trustees has designated Natalia Dudareva as the Wickersham Chair of Excellence in Agricultural Research. Dudareva is an expert on the biochemistry and molecular biology of flora volatiles. Her work on floral scent, which is a key component of plant reproductive biology, has implications in crop yield as well as consumer satisfaction with floral products. Designated professorships honor individuals whose academic achievements have been internationally recognized or who have made unique contributions to the university through scholarship, research, teaching or leadership. Purdue now has 130 designated professors.

For her effort with the Latino community and migrant workers throughout the state of Indiana, Mary Pilat has been named the Outstanding Community Ally by the Latino Faculty and Staff Association of Purdue. Pilat, a faculty member since 1991, received the award during a dedication ceremony for the Latino Cultural Center on Sept. 15.