Fennimore, Al-Khatib honored for careers in weed science
Steve Fennimore and Kassim Al-Khatib were among the weed scientists from the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences who earned top honors at a recent meeting of the California Weed Science Society.
Fennimore, emeritus professor of Cooperative Extension, received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his impactful career in weed science. He is widely known for advancing mechanization to manage weeds among specialty crops, and for pioneering a herbicide program as a popular soil fumigant was phased out. Richard Smith, emeritus UC Cooperative Extension advisor, nominated Fennimore and presented the award.
A CWSS board member called Fennimore “truly a gift to the weed science community.”
Tom Getts, UC Cooperative Extension weed ecology and cropping systems advisor, praised Fennimore’s “impactful research, mentorship and service” and said, “His innovative work in steam technology and robotics places him at the forefront of modern weed management.”
Al-Khatib, a professor, was named an honorary member for making significant contributions to weed science and agriculture in the state. Whitney Brim-Deforest, UCCE rice and wild rice advisor and a former student of Al-Khatib, nominated Al-Khatib and presented his award. Al-Khatib is the Melvin D. Androus Endowed Professor for Weed Science and co-director of UC’s Western Integrated Pest Management Center.
The CWSS annual conference was held Jan. 28-30 in Santa Barbara with the theme, “Back to Basics.”
Blackburn featured in UC Berkeley mural
Mary Blackburn, emeritus UC Cooperative Extension nutrition, family and consumer sciences advisor for Alameda County, is among the distinguished women featured in a new mural at UC Berkeley.
The 150W Mural in the Undergraduate Academic Building is part of a celebration of “150 Years of Women at UC Berkeley” – 150W for short.
The guide for the mural is at https://ue.berkeley.edu/projects-initiatives/guide-150-years-women-uc-berkeley-mural. Blackburn is #15.
North Bay Science Discovery Day entertains, educates
More than 10,000 adults and children attended the North Bay Science Discovery Day on March 7 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
The free, hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics festival, coordinated by UCCE 4-H youth development advisor Steven Worker, featured 106 organizations offering interactive exhibits and was supported by 60 sponsors contributing nearly $80,000, along with 170 high school and adult volunteers. The annual event advances UC ANR’s mission by connecting youth and families with accessible, community-based science learning.
Vice President Glenda Humiston attended the festival along with Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Coursey, Statewide 4-H Director Kimberly Holmes and UC Cooperative Extension Area Director Lauren Cartwright.
