Released: March 13, 2002

Geier Earns Professional Staff Award

HAYS, Kan. – Patrick Geier, assistant scientist at the Kansas State University Research and Extension Agricultural Research Center-Hays, received the Outstanding Achievement Award for Professional Staff at the recent annual meeting of the North Central Weed Science Society in Milwaukee, Wis.

"The Professional Staff Award began around five years ago to recognize people in supportive roles who have made significant contributions to the discipline of weed science," said Phillip Stahlman, research weed scientist stationed at the Agriculture Research Station-Hays. "It is quite important to recognize the dedication and contribution of individuals like Pat, who often work behind the scenes and don’t receive the recognition and credit they deserve."

Geier, a Garden City, Kan. native, earned his bachelor and master degrees in agronomy from K-State in the early 1990s. He began his professional career as assistant manager of Pioneer Hi-Bred International’s corn breeding station near Garden City.

In 1994, he accepted the position of research assistant in weed science at the Hays center and was promoted to assistant scientist in 1999.

Geier plans and conducts herbicide evaluations primarily in corn, grain sorghum and winter wheat. He collaborates with other researchers conducting similar experiments to compile and analyze data over different locations, said Stahlman.

"This award honors the support of researchers who handle much of the hands-on work," Dallas Peterson, Extension weed specialist, said. "Pat has always made sure the research is conducted using proper methods and even publishes some of his own research. He is very deserving."

Geier has published 55 abstracts and research reports, authored seven refereed journal articles and one proceedings paper in weed science society publications. He has attended every meeting of the NCWSS since 1990 and presented 13 papers or posters at those meetings.

Geier served as chair of the Cereals and Oilseeds Section and Local Arrangements Committee member in 2000, judged the graduate student paper contest in 2001, and currently serves as a member of the Fellows Committee.

"This is great reflection upon the strength of the weed science program at K-State," Stahlman said. "We’ve experienced steady growth over the past 10 years and hope to continue."

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Lucas Shivers, Communications Assistant
lshivers@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News