NSFA Agriculture Award winner announced

NSFA Agriculture Award

Seanna Annis, Associate Professor of Mycology
School of Biology & Ecology

Seanna Annis contributes to Maine agriculture through an excellent program of research, teaching, and service. Her research focuses on the diseases affecting Maine’s wild blueberries. She examines the basic biology of fungal pathogens, their impact on the crop, and ways to control certain diseases. Seanna understands that a good land-grant researcher needs to actively serve the public. To this end she attends field days and growers’ meetings to educate blueberry growers about fungal pathogens. In 2009, when an emerging disease surfaced in Maine blueberry fields, she worked diligently to educate and advise Maine blueberry growers. She also serves as the mycological resource for the state of Maine and identifies fungal specimens and consults on fungal contamination of buildings and food. On top of this, Seanna teaches undergraduate and graduate biology courses and mentors undergraduate students working in her lab. The college wishes to recognize Seanna’s outstanding service to Maine agriculture by awarding her the 2011 NSFA Agriculture Award.