The American Society for Horticultural Science has elected Ajay Nair as the vice president for its extension division.
Nair is an associate professor and extension vegetable production specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University.
Nair took charge of the position earlier this month at the association's annual conference in Chicago. In his new role as extension division vice president, Nair will be working closely with ASHS members, universities, industry professionals, students and the public, to further the extension initiatives and importance of horticulture as it shapes lives and livelihoods of horticultural producers.
"I am honored and humbled to be elected as the vice president for the ASHS Extension Division," said Nair. "I look forward to engaging with fellow society members, researchers, students and horticulturists to build strong and resilient horticulture extension programs across land-grant institutions."
Nair will play a critical role in communicating the importance of discovery and sharing of science-based knowledge for the development of socially beneficial, economically successful and environmentally sound horticulture production systems. Before being elected to this new position, Nair has served ASHS as chair, vice-chair and secretary of several professional interest groups within the society, specifically vegetable crop management, commercial horticulture extension, pest management, and seed and stand establishment professional interest groups.
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community -- scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products.
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables