- Email: [email protected]
1978 Poultry Science Association Awards
1 9 7 8 Poultry Science Association Awards
His research with poultry has included microbiological studies, trace element studies using semi-synthetic diets, and physiological
studies involving ova growth and blood pressure in layers exhibiting a high incidence of blood spots. Since joining the U.S. Department of Agriculture, his research has involved the effect of management and nutritional factors upon product quality. It has included studies with cage reared broilers and factors influencing the amount of abdominal fat and processed yields of broilers. He is a member of the Poultry Science Association, World's Poultry Science Association, Institute of Food Technologists, and Sigma Xi.
The Poultry Science Association Research Award of five hundred dollars and a scroll was presented to Dr. Richard E. Austic, Department _-^jM^BB of Poultry Science, Corjt//Pf^^\^ nell University, Ithaca, New York. The award is given to a member who, in the preceding calendar year, as sole or senior author, published outstanding research in Poultry Science. Nominees shall not have attained forty years of age by the end .of the preceding calendar year. Dr. Austic was cited for his paper entitled "Role of the shellgland in determination of albumen quality". This paper provides basic information concerning albumen quality that will be useful to further physiological, nutritional, or genetic studies in this area. The presentation was made by W. J. Stadelman on behalf of the Poultry Science Association. Austic was born in Ithaca, New York April 10, 1941, attended local schools, and matriculated at Cornell University, receiving the B.S. degree with a major in poultry science in 1963. He was a research assistant in poultry science from 1963 to 1965 and a NIH Predoctoral Fellow from 1965 to 1968 at the University of California, Davis, California. He obtained the Ph.D. degree at the University of California, Davis, in 1968, majoring in nutrition with minors in biochemistry and physiology. After a period of postdoctoral study at Cornell
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The American Egg Board Research Award, consisting of five hundred dollars and a memento, was presented to Dr. John W. Merkley, Poultry Research Laboraotory, United States Department of Agriculture, Georgetown, Delaware. The presentation was made by N. Sanders on behalf of the American Egg Board. The award is given to encourage the / effective presentation high quality research dealing with egg technology, marketing, or related topics. The selection is made during the annual meeting and is based upon the presentation of the subject as well as on research method and content. The citation read, in part: "The award was given for his manuscript and presentation at the Poultry Science Association meeting entitled 'Effect of fluoride on the egg and bone characteristics of hens'. His work showed that the addition of fluoride to the drinking water of pullets to 20 weeks of age increased bone strength in hens during the period of egg production, an important factor in reducing bone breakage during the processing of spent fowl." Dr. Merkley was born in Buffalo, New York in 1938. He received an A.A.S. degree from the State University of New York at Morrisville in 1958, where he majored in food science. Continuing his education at the University of Georgia, Athens, he earned a B.S. degree in 1960 and a M.S. degree in 1964, both in food science. In 1970 he received the Ph.D. degree from the University of Florida where he majored in product technology in the Department of Poultry Science. He served six years in the Marine Crops Reserve, and for short periods between earning degrees he worked in production and quality control for Rich's Dairy and the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. In 1971, he joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the Poultry Research Laboratory in Georgetown, Delaware.
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The winner of the Merck Award is Dr. Bruce Glick of Mississippi State University. A native of Pennsylvania, Dr. Glick received his Ph.D. in Physiology and Genetics from Ohio State University. Since then he has been at Mississippi State where he is currently Distinguished Professor of Poultry Science. Dr. Glick hitched his wagon to a star known as the bursa of Fabricius. His imaginative studies on the control and regulation of the immune response by this gland have provided the theoretical underpinnings for much of our understanding of avian immunity and have garnered for him world wide recognition. Elaboration of these findings led his inquisitive mind into studies on heat stress in the poultry house, pesticide toxicology, and behavioral studies.
These investigations over the past 7 years have been described in 41 papers in respected and scholarly journals. The importance of his contributions can be gauged by saying that his name is the most commonly referenced in the field of poultry science. Arriving at Mississippi State University in 1955 as assistant professor, Glick became associate professor in 1957 and full professor in 1959. His many accomplishments include: chairman, Faculty Council, Mississippi State University, 1965; chairman, Life Sciences Committee, Mississippi State University, 1964 to 1967; chairman and coordinator of Animal Physiology Program, Mississippi State University to the present; consultant, National Science Foundations Facilities Grant Program, 1965 to 1968; lecturer, AIBS, 1970; recipient of the NIH Special Research Fellowship, 1973 to 1974, Department of Biological Structure, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Associate Editor, Physiology Section, Poultry Science; Director, Poultry Science Association, 1975 to 1977; Associate Editor, International Journal of Developmental and Comparative Immunology; Program Chairman, Comparative Immunology Section, American Society of Zoologists, 1976 to 1980. Dr. Glick is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (fellow); the American Association of Immunologists; the American Ornithological Union; the American Physiological Society; the American Society of Zoologists; the Reticuloendothelial Society; Poultry Science Association; Alpha Zeta; Gamma Sigma Delta; and Sigma Xi. Honors received by Dr. Glick include the Outstanding Alumni Award, Shady Side; the Faculty Research Award, Mississippi State University, 1967; The Society of University Fellows; the First Mississippi Corporation Award for 1977 to the Outstanding Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Worker; and Distinguished Professor, Mississippi State University, 1978.
The Ralston Purina Teaching Award of one thousand dollars and a plaque, sponsored by the Ralston Purina Company, was awarded to
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University he joined the staff of the Department of Poultry Science as assistant professor in 1970 and became associate professor in 1975. He holds a joint appointment in the division of nutritional sciences at Cornell. In addition to teaching a graduate course on proteins and amino acids, he participates in the teaching of several other courses in the animal and nutritional sciences and he advises both graduate and undergraduate students. His major research interests include the nutritional interactions of amino acids, uric acid transport and gout, the effect of low energy diets on body composition of pullets and on egg production, and the conversion of poultry waste to single cell protein. He has conducted research on other aspects of poultry nutrition including riboflavin, vitamin B 1 2 , and iron requirements of breeding hens, susceptibility of a dwarf line of chickens to nutritionally induced rickets, and the role of the oviduct in variations of albumen quality. He has been author or coauthor of 22 scientific publications and 39 abstracts and conference reports. He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute of Nutrition, the Poultry Science Association, the World's Poultry Science Association, and the New York Academy of Sciences.
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Dr. Avens feels that teaching poultry science in Colorado to many students with a nonpoultry background and even an anti-poultry attitude presents an exciting challenge. Based on class evaluation at the end of the term, most of his students have indicated a change in their attitude and express a general good feeling about poultry and the basic value of the knowledge obtained. Dr. Avens has co-authored two editions of a laboratory manual for introductory poultry science. In addition he has received two previous honors for his teaching achievements from Colorado State University. As key advisor for avian science undergraduate students he spends a great deal of time with students outside of
the classroom, counseling and advising. He has served as faculty advisor to the Avian Science Club and is major advisor to graduate students, serving on many graduate committees. His service on the College of Agricultural Sciences Committee on Instructional Development has extended over two terms of two years. This committee serves to advise the resident instruction faculty of the college on matters dealing with improvement of teaching and recommends and facilitates procedures to enhance the program. Dr. Avens was born in Geneva, New York in 1940 where he attended school. He is married and has three children. In 1965 he received his B.S. degree from Syracuse University with a major in microbiology and a minor in chemistry. His graduate degrees, the M.S. in 1969, and the Ph.D. in 1972, were earned at Colorado State University. Before coming to Colorado he was employed by the Food and Drug Administration, Buffalo District, as senior microbiologist. His areas of research interests have been in the area of bacterial contamination of poultry meat. Dr. Avens is a member of the Poultry Science Association, the World's Poukry Science Association, American Society for Microbiology, Institute of Food Technologists, International Association of Milk, Food and Environmental Sanitarians, Sigma Xi, Phi Kappa Phi, and Gamma Sigma Delta.
The American Feed Manufacturers' Association Award, instituted by the Nutrition Council, consisting of one thousand dollars and a plaque, was presented to Dr. Jerry L. Sell, Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. The award is given for original, distinctive work demonstrating sound research in poultry nutrition. Research published in the five preceding clanedar years is considered for the award. The presentation was made by R. Peacock on behalf of the American Feed Manufacturers' Association. The citation read in part: "Dr. Sell's research contributions have been of sterl-
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Dr. John S. Avens, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. The award is given in recognition of the fact that excellence in teaching is basic to the welfare of the poultry industry. It is given to a member who over a period of years has demonstrated outstanding success as a teacher. In the absence of Dr. Avens, the presentation was made to Dr. R. E. Moreng by D. C. Snetsinger on behalf of the Ralston Purina Company. Dr. Avens has directed a major portion of his resident instruction effort toward achieving excellence in the classroom teaching through new and unique motivation methods. He teaches the introductory course in avian science both terms throughout the year with an average enrollment of 50 students each term. In addition he offers a course in food safety each fall which draws enrollments of 60—80 students. The "word" of his classes has spread on campus and many students from disciplines outside of agriculture enroll in his courses. He communicates very well with his students, a reflection in part of his great respect for them and his confidence in their ability to successfully achieve their individual goals. One of his nominators stated, "He gets to know most of his students and treats them as individuals, and in large classes this involves a concerted effort and much of his time outside of class. Students say that Jack Avens is genuinely enthusiastic, friendly, understanding, approachable, and interested in them as individuals."
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The Pfizer Extension Teaching Award, consisting of one thousand dollars and a plaque, provided by Pfizer, Inc. was presented to Dr. R.
A. Ernst, Extension Poultry Specialist, Uni^ versity of California, f \ Davis, California. The I 1 presentation was made I %5% g^ f by H. Connell on behalf of Pfizer, Inc. The award is given for an outstanding program of / work in poultry extension. Dr. Ernst was born in Michigan on July 5, 1938. He received his B.S. degree in 1959, his M.S. degree in poultry management in 1963, and in 1966 his Ph.D. degree in poultry physiology, all from Michigan State University. On August 1, 1966, he joined the faculty of the University of California as Extension Poultry Specialist with his headquarters in the Avian Sciences Department on the Davis campus. He married Sharon Ogden on June 24, 1967. They have one child, Carol. The Ernsts reside in Davis where Ralph has continued his position as poultry specialist for the past 11V4 years. During this entire time, his appointment has been 100% extension. Dr. Ernst has developed an outstanding, effective program of work for a broad spectrum of clientele. In addition to serving the traditional commercial poultry and egg industries, he has initiated new activities to serve the needs of special audiences. For example, a project conceived and developed by Dr. Ernst is the publication of information leaflets for the hobbyist and backyard poultrymen to be distributed through feedstores and county extension offices. The "Surburban Rancher" started out as a newsletter but became so popular and valuable as a reference that past and current issues are now released as regular leaflets. The scope of subjects covered also has been broadened to include other animals and pets. Dr. Ernst has been very active in conducting field research to generate new information and assist industry with special problems. Over the past five years he has led intensive studies in reproductive problems of turkeys, hatchery operation, the causes of poor shell quality, and shell damage incurred in egg collection systems. Results of his research have been widely published and presented at public meetings. He is recognized as an authority in these areas by industry which has adopted many of his recommendations by making cost-saving changes.
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ing merit. Mineral metabolism, particularly that of magnesium, has attracted his insights and efforts which have provided a molecular basis for the absorption of this essential nutrient. Similarly, he provided a biochemical explanation of the species effect of chlorinated hydrocarbons. Aside from these major contributions, he showed that dietary fats have an 'extra caloric' value in laying hens above the recognized metabolizable energy values. Dr. Sell's findings over the past five years have resulted in 21 referred publications and an equal number of abstracts and popular articles." Dr. Sell was born February 6, 1931 in Adel, Iowa, and received a B.S. degree in 1957, an M.S. degree in 1958, and a Ph.D. degree in 1960 from the Iowa State University. His undergraduate major was animal science while his graduate major was poultry nutrition. He was an assistant professor from 1960 to 1963 and an associate professor from 1963 to 1966 in the Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. In 1966 he joined the Department of Animal Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, as associate professor and was promoted to professor in 1968. In 1976 he returned to the Iowa State University as a professor of poultry nutrition. He is author or co-author of more than 60 papers in refereed scientific journals, 26 bulletins or technical articles, and 44 abstracts. In 1966 he was awarded a travel grant from the National Research Council of Canada for presentation of scientific papers at Hamburg, Germany and Keiv, USSR. He received the Outstanding Teacher Award in Agriculture at North Dakota State University in 1971. In 1974 he received the Faculty Lectureship Award, the highest award presented by the North Dakota State University for distinguished academic achievement. In addition to the Poultry Science Association, he is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute of Nutrition, the North Dakota Academy of Sciences, Sigma Xi, and the World's Poultry Science Association.
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nation's leading egg producing state and the second state in turkey production, Dr. Ernst has an excellent record since joining the University of California in 1966. Continuation at this high performance level for the remainder of his career is anticipated.
The National Turkey Federation Research Award of one thousand dollars and a plaque, sponsored by the National Turkey Federation, was presented to Dr. Bert W. Bierer, Department of Poultry Science, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina. The Award is given, in even-numbered years, for an outstanding record in turkey research during the previous five years. The presentation was made by K. Klippen on behalf of the National Turkey Federation. The citation read, in part: "Dr. Bert W. Bierer's contributions to avian disease research have been outstanding. His interests have been varied through the years and frequently come from problems encountered in the diagnostic laboratory. He has investigated such disease areas as effects of starvation, leucocytozoon disease, salmonellosis, encephalitis, fowl cholera, and others. He has published 79 scientific articles and 17 abstracts relating to various avian disease conditions. His in-depth study of fowl cholera, resulting in 7 scientific publications, is the primary basis for the Award. This research work involved the development of a live cholera vaccine for the prevention of fowl cholera in turkeys. A strain of Pasteurella multocida, which Dr. Bierer recognized as having characteristics which might make it suitable as a vaccine, was isolated from birds submitted for diagnosis. He conducted experiments to determine its ability to impart immunity, showed that it would not become pathogenic, and demonstrated the best method for its administration. He set up field studies in South Carolina and in neighboring states and thereby demonstrated its practicality under field conditions. Dr. Bierer insisted that the Clemson Univer-
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One of the specialist's responsibilities is to train extension staff working at the county and regional levels. Dr. Ernst has been a co-organizer and teaching participant in 17 such training conferences in the period of 1973 to 1977 giving local areas the best informed and up-todate advisors possible. Recognition of industry's high regard for Dr. Ernst's knowledge and ability is reflected in the numerous appointments he has received to committees and other positions of responsibility. He serves on the Scientific Advisory Council of the Pacific Egg and Poultry Association, on the Turkey Steering Committee for PePa, on the Poultry Advisory Committee of the California Farm Bureau, as liaison officer between the California Egg Program and the University, and as liaison officer between the California Turkey Marketing Order and the University. Within the University, Dr. Ernst is also frequently called on for special service. In 1974 he was a member and secretary of the Extension Specialists' Executive Committee; in 1975 he served as chairman of the Specialists' Committee and vice president of the Cooperative Extension Assembly; and in 1976 to 1977 he served as president of the Extension Assembly, a statewide organization of all extension staff. He also is chairman of the Extension Poultry Program Study Committee and of the Department of Avian Sciences Public Relations Committee. He holds the title of associate in the experiment station, lecturer in avian sciences, and is a member of the Avian Sciences Graduate Group. From 1972 to 1973 Dr. Ernst was a member of the Pfizer Extension Award Committee for the Poultry Science Association, and in 1974 he was chairman of that committee. He is a member of Poultry Science Association, World's Poultry Science Association, Sigma Xi, Alpha Zeta, and the California Animal Nutrition Council. Dr. Ernst is a highly skilled teacher. He communicates very well, both on a one-to-one basis and with groups, using visual aids very effectively. His many publications and their quality attest to his excellent writing ability. As a researcher, he is innovative and well-trained in experimental design; he understands and appreciates the biostatistical approach to research. From 1973 to 1974 he spent a six-month sabbatical leave at the University of Georgia to further improve his professional competence. As an extension specialist working in the
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1947 as a poultry diagnostician, becoming professor of poultry science in 1964, and attaining emeritus status in 1976. Two books on veterinary history have been published. He has been the recipient of a number of honors, including the Dixie Poultry Exposition, South Carolina Farmer Cooperative Council, Gamma Sigma Delta, the Most Distinguished Award by the South Carolina Turkey Federation in 1976, and Lifetime Honorary Member of the National Turkey Federation in 1977. He is a member of a number of poultry and veterinarian organizations including the American Association of Avian Pathologists, the National Turkey Federation, and the Poultry Science Association. Besides poultry pathology, Dr. Bierer has also been interested in Indian lore and history. These hobbies have resulted in the publication between 1939 and 1974 of five books on Indians and artifacts in the Southeast.
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sity vaccine be made available to the industry without unnecessary restraint and has not attempted to gain any personal financial benefit from its use. It has been licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture to a commercial organization which markets the vaccine on a national basis. A number of industry people and veterinarians have stated that the development of the fowl cholera vaccine has been a tremendously important development for the turkey industry and is now saving the turkey industry several million dollars a year. Dr. Bierer was born June 2, 1911 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he attended grammer and high school. He received a V.M.D. degree from the School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania in 1934. He has also earned an additional 46 credits at the University of South Carolina between 1945 and 1951. He was employed by Clemson University in
His research with poultry has included microbiological studies, trace element studies using semi-synthetic diets, and physiological
studies involving ova growth and blood pressure in layers exhibiting a high incidence of blood spots. Since joining the U.S. Department of Agriculture, his research has involved the effect of management and nutritional factors upon product quality. It has included studies with cage reared broilers and factors influencing the amount of abdominal fat and processed yields of broilers. He is a member of the Poultry Science Association, World's Poultry Science Association, Institute of Food Technologists, and Sigma Xi.
The Poultry Science Association Research Award of five hundred dollars and a scroll was presented to Dr. Richard E. Austic, Department _-^jM^BB of Poultry Science, Corjt//Pf^^\^ nell University, Ithaca, New York. The award is given to a member who, in the preceding calendar year, as sole or senior author, published outstanding research in Poultry Science. Nominees shall not have attained forty years of age by the end .of the preceding calendar year. Dr. Austic was cited for his paper entitled "Role of the shellgland in determination of albumen quality". This paper provides basic information concerning albumen quality that will be useful to further physiological, nutritional, or genetic studies in this area. The presentation was made by W. J. Stadelman on behalf of the Poultry Science Association. Austic was born in Ithaca, New York April 10, 1941, attended local schools, and matriculated at Cornell University, receiving the B.S. degree with a major in poultry science in 1963. He was a research assistant in poultry science from 1963 to 1965 and a NIH Predoctoral Fellow from 1965 to 1968 at the University of California, Davis, California. He obtained the Ph.D. degree at the University of California, Davis, in 1968, majoring in nutrition with minors in biochemistry and physiology. After a period of postdoctoral study at Cornell
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The American Egg Board Research Award, consisting of five hundred dollars and a memento, was presented to Dr. John W. Merkley, Poultry Research Laboraotory, United States Department of Agriculture, Georgetown, Delaware. The presentation was made by N. Sanders on behalf of the American Egg Board. The award is given to encourage the / effective presentation high quality research dealing with egg technology, marketing, or related topics. The selection is made during the annual meeting and is based upon the presentation of the subject as well as on research method and content. The citation read, in part: "The award was given for his manuscript and presentation at the Poultry Science Association meeting entitled 'Effect of fluoride on the egg and bone characteristics of hens'. His work showed that the addition of fluoride to the drinking water of pullets to 20 weeks of age increased bone strength in hens during the period of egg production, an important factor in reducing bone breakage during the processing of spent fowl." Dr. Merkley was born in Buffalo, New York in 1938. He received an A.A.S. degree from the State University of New York at Morrisville in 1958, where he majored in food science. Continuing his education at the University of Georgia, Athens, he earned a B.S. degree in 1960 and a M.S. degree in 1964, both in food science. In 1970 he received the Ph.D. degree from the University of Florida where he majored in product technology in the Department of Poultry Science. He served six years in the Marine Crops Reserve, and for short periods between earning degrees he worked in production and quality control for Rich's Dairy and the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. In 1971, he joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the Poultry Research Laboratory in Georgetown, Delaware.
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The winner of the Merck Award is Dr. Bruce Glick of Mississippi State University. A native of Pennsylvania, Dr. Glick received his Ph.D. in Physiology and Genetics from Ohio State University. Since then he has been at Mississippi State where he is currently Distinguished Professor of Poultry Science. Dr. Glick hitched his wagon to a star known as the bursa of Fabricius. His imaginative studies on the control and regulation of the immune response by this gland have provided the theoretical underpinnings for much of our understanding of avian immunity and have garnered for him world wide recognition. Elaboration of these findings led his inquisitive mind into studies on heat stress in the poultry house, pesticide toxicology, and behavioral studies.
These investigations over the past 7 years have been described in 41 papers in respected and scholarly journals. The importance of his contributions can be gauged by saying that his name is the most commonly referenced in the field of poultry science. Arriving at Mississippi State University in 1955 as assistant professor, Glick became associate professor in 1957 and full professor in 1959. His many accomplishments include: chairman, Faculty Council, Mississippi State University, 1965; chairman, Life Sciences Committee, Mississippi State University, 1964 to 1967; chairman and coordinator of Animal Physiology Program, Mississippi State University to the present; consultant, National Science Foundations Facilities Grant Program, 1965 to 1968; lecturer, AIBS, 1970; recipient of the NIH Special Research Fellowship, 1973 to 1974, Department of Biological Structure, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Associate Editor, Physiology Section, Poultry Science; Director, Poultry Science Association, 1975 to 1977; Associate Editor, International Journal of Developmental and Comparative Immunology; Program Chairman, Comparative Immunology Section, American Society of Zoologists, 1976 to 1980. Dr. Glick is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (fellow); the American Association of Immunologists; the American Ornithological Union; the American Physiological Society; the American Society of Zoologists; the Reticuloendothelial Society; Poultry Science Association; Alpha Zeta; Gamma Sigma Delta; and Sigma Xi. Honors received by Dr. Glick include the Outstanding Alumni Award, Shady Side; the Faculty Research Award, Mississippi State University, 1967; The Society of University Fellows; the First Mississippi Corporation Award for 1977 to the Outstanding Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Worker; and Distinguished Professor, Mississippi State University, 1978.
The Ralston Purina Teaching Award of one thousand dollars and a plaque, sponsored by the Ralston Purina Company, was awarded to
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University he joined the staff of the Department of Poultry Science as assistant professor in 1970 and became associate professor in 1975. He holds a joint appointment in the division of nutritional sciences at Cornell. In addition to teaching a graduate course on proteins and amino acids, he participates in the teaching of several other courses in the animal and nutritional sciences and he advises both graduate and undergraduate students. His major research interests include the nutritional interactions of amino acids, uric acid transport and gout, the effect of low energy diets on body composition of pullets and on egg production, and the conversion of poultry waste to single cell protein. He has conducted research on other aspects of poultry nutrition including riboflavin, vitamin B 1 2 , and iron requirements of breeding hens, susceptibility of a dwarf line of chickens to nutritionally induced rickets, and the role of the oviduct in variations of albumen quality. He has been author or coauthor of 22 scientific publications and 39 abstracts and conference reports. He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute of Nutrition, the Poultry Science Association, the World's Poultry Science Association, and the New York Academy of Sciences.
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Dr. Avens feels that teaching poultry science in Colorado to many students with a nonpoultry background and even an anti-poultry attitude presents an exciting challenge. Based on class evaluation at the end of the term, most of his students have indicated a change in their attitude and express a general good feeling about poultry and the basic value of the knowledge obtained. Dr. Avens has co-authored two editions of a laboratory manual for introductory poultry science. In addition he has received two previous honors for his teaching achievements from Colorado State University. As key advisor for avian science undergraduate students he spends a great deal of time with students outside of
the classroom, counseling and advising. He has served as faculty advisor to the Avian Science Club and is major advisor to graduate students, serving on many graduate committees. His service on the College of Agricultural Sciences Committee on Instructional Development has extended over two terms of two years. This committee serves to advise the resident instruction faculty of the college on matters dealing with improvement of teaching and recommends and facilitates procedures to enhance the program. Dr. Avens was born in Geneva, New York in 1940 where he attended school. He is married and has three children. In 1965 he received his B.S. degree from Syracuse University with a major in microbiology and a minor in chemistry. His graduate degrees, the M.S. in 1969, and the Ph.D. in 1972, were earned at Colorado State University. Before coming to Colorado he was employed by the Food and Drug Administration, Buffalo District, as senior microbiologist. His areas of research interests have been in the area of bacterial contamination of poultry meat. Dr. Avens is a member of the Poultry Science Association, the World's Poukry Science Association, American Society for Microbiology, Institute of Food Technologists, International Association of Milk, Food and Environmental Sanitarians, Sigma Xi, Phi Kappa Phi, and Gamma Sigma Delta.
The American Feed Manufacturers' Association Award, instituted by the Nutrition Council, consisting of one thousand dollars and a plaque, was presented to Dr. Jerry L. Sell, Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. The award is given for original, distinctive work demonstrating sound research in poultry nutrition. Research published in the five preceding clanedar years is considered for the award. The presentation was made by R. Peacock on behalf of the American Feed Manufacturers' Association. The citation read in part: "Dr. Sell's research contributions have been of sterl-
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Dr. John S. Avens, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. The award is given in recognition of the fact that excellence in teaching is basic to the welfare of the poultry industry. It is given to a member who over a period of years has demonstrated outstanding success as a teacher. In the absence of Dr. Avens, the presentation was made to Dr. R. E. Moreng by D. C. Snetsinger on behalf of the Ralston Purina Company. Dr. Avens has directed a major portion of his resident instruction effort toward achieving excellence in the classroom teaching through new and unique motivation methods. He teaches the introductory course in avian science both terms throughout the year with an average enrollment of 50 students each term. In addition he offers a course in food safety each fall which draws enrollments of 60—80 students. The "word" of his classes has spread on campus and many students from disciplines outside of agriculture enroll in his courses. He communicates very well with his students, a reflection in part of his great respect for them and his confidence in their ability to successfully achieve their individual goals. One of his nominators stated, "He gets to know most of his students and treats them as individuals, and in large classes this involves a concerted effort and much of his time outside of class. Students say that Jack Avens is genuinely enthusiastic, friendly, understanding, approachable, and interested in them as individuals."
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The Pfizer Extension Teaching Award, consisting of one thousand dollars and a plaque, provided by Pfizer, Inc. was presented to Dr. R.
A. Ernst, Extension Poultry Specialist, Uni^ versity of California, f \ Davis, California. The I 1 presentation was made I %5% g^ f by H. Connell on behalf of Pfizer, Inc. The award is given for an outstanding program of / work in poultry extension. Dr. Ernst was born in Michigan on July 5, 1938. He received his B.S. degree in 1959, his M.S. degree in poultry management in 1963, and in 1966 his Ph.D. degree in poultry physiology, all from Michigan State University. On August 1, 1966, he joined the faculty of the University of California as Extension Poultry Specialist with his headquarters in the Avian Sciences Department on the Davis campus. He married Sharon Ogden on June 24, 1967. They have one child, Carol. The Ernsts reside in Davis where Ralph has continued his position as poultry specialist for the past 11V4 years. During this entire time, his appointment has been 100% extension. Dr. Ernst has developed an outstanding, effective program of work for a broad spectrum of clientele. In addition to serving the traditional commercial poultry and egg industries, he has initiated new activities to serve the needs of special audiences. For example, a project conceived and developed by Dr. Ernst is the publication of information leaflets for the hobbyist and backyard poultrymen to be distributed through feedstores and county extension offices. The "Surburban Rancher" started out as a newsletter but became so popular and valuable as a reference that past and current issues are now released as regular leaflets. The scope of subjects covered also has been broadened to include other animals and pets. Dr. Ernst has been very active in conducting field research to generate new information and assist industry with special problems. Over the past five years he has led intensive studies in reproductive problems of turkeys, hatchery operation, the causes of poor shell quality, and shell damage incurred in egg collection systems. Results of his research have been widely published and presented at public meetings. He is recognized as an authority in these areas by industry which has adopted many of his recommendations by making cost-saving changes.
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ing merit. Mineral metabolism, particularly that of magnesium, has attracted his insights and efforts which have provided a molecular basis for the absorption of this essential nutrient. Similarly, he provided a biochemical explanation of the species effect of chlorinated hydrocarbons. Aside from these major contributions, he showed that dietary fats have an 'extra caloric' value in laying hens above the recognized metabolizable energy values. Dr. Sell's findings over the past five years have resulted in 21 referred publications and an equal number of abstracts and popular articles." Dr. Sell was born February 6, 1931 in Adel, Iowa, and received a B.S. degree in 1957, an M.S. degree in 1958, and a Ph.D. degree in 1960 from the Iowa State University. His undergraduate major was animal science while his graduate major was poultry nutrition. He was an assistant professor from 1960 to 1963 and an associate professor from 1963 to 1966 in the Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. In 1966 he joined the Department of Animal Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, as associate professor and was promoted to professor in 1968. In 1976 he returned to the Iowa State University as a professor of poultry nutrition. He is author or co-author of more than 60 papers in refereed scientific journals, 26 bulletins or technical articles, and 44 abstracts. In 1966 he was awarded a travel grant from the National Research Council of Canada for presentation of scientific papers at Hamburg, Germany and Keiv, USSR. He received the Outstanding Teacher Award in Agriculture at North Dakota State University in 1971. In 1974 he received the Faculty Lectureship Award, the highest award presented by the North Dakota State University for distinguished academic achievement. In addition to the Poultry Science Association, he is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute of Nutrition, the North Dakota Academy of Sciences, Sigma Xi, and the World's Poultry Science Association.
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nation's leading egg producing state and the second state in turkey production, Dr. Ernst has an excellent record since joining the University of California in 1966. Continuation at this high performance level for the remainder of his career is anticipated.
The National Turkey Federation Research Award of one thousand dollars and a plaque, sponsored by the National Turkey Federation, was presented to Dr. Bert W. Bierer, Department of Poultry Science, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina. The Award is given, in even-numbered years, for an outstanding record in turkey research during the previous five years. The presentation was made by K. Klippen on behalf of the National Turkey Federation. The citation read, in part: "Dr. Bert W. Bierer's contributions to avian disease research have been outstanding. His interests have been varied through the years and frequently come from problems encountered in the diagnostic laboratory. He has investigated such disease areas as effects of starvation, leucocytozoon disease, salmonellosis, encephalitis, fowl cholera, and others. He has published 79 scientific articles and 17 abstracts relating to various avian disease conditions. His in-depth study of fowl cholera, resulting in 7 scientific publications, is the primary basis for the Award. This research work involved the development of a live cholera vaccine for the prevention of fowl cholera in turkeys. A strain of Pasteurella multocida, which Dr. Bierer recognized as having characteristics which might make it suitable as a vaccine, was isolated from birds submitted for diagnosis. He conducted experiments to determine its ability to impart immunity, showed that it would not become pathogenic, and demonstrated the best method for its administration. He set up field studies in South Carolina and in neighboring states and thereby demonstrated its practicality under field conditions. Dr. Bierer insisted that the Clemson Univer-
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One of the specialist's responsibilities is to train extension staff working at the county and regional levels. Dr. Ernst has been a co-organizer and teaching participant in 17 such training conferences in the period of 1973 to 1977 giving local areas the best informed and up-todate advisors possible. Recognition of industry's high regard for Dr. Ernst's knowledge and ability is reflected in the numerous appointments he has received to committees and other positions of responsibility. He serves on the Scientific Advisory Council of the Pacific Egg and Poultry Association, on the Turkey Steering Committee for PePa, on the Poultry Advisory Committee of the California Farm Bureau, as liaison officer between the California Egg Program and the University, and as liaison officer between the California Turkey Marketing Order and the University. Within the University, Dr. Ernst is also frequently called on for special service. In 1974 he was a member and secretary of the Extension Specialists' Executive Committee; in 1975 he served as chairman of the Specialists' Committee and vice president of the Cooperative Extension Assembly; and in 1976 to 1977 he served as president of the Extension Assembly, a statewide organization of all extension staff. He also is chairman of the Extension Poultry Program Study Committee and of the Department of Avian Sciences Public Relations Committee. He holds the title of associate in the experiment station, lecturer in avian sciences, and is a member of the Avian Sciences Graduate Group. From 1972 to 1973 Dr. Ernst was a member of the Pfizer Extension Award Committee for the Poultry Science Association, and in 1974 he was chairman of that committee. He is a member of Poultry Science Association, World's Poultry Science Association, Sigma Xi, Alpha Zeta, and the California Animal Nutrition Council. Dr. Ernst is a highly skilled teacher. He communicates very well, both on a one-to-one basis and with groups, using visual aids very effectively. His many publications and their quality attest to his excellent writing ability. As a researcher, he is innovative and well-trained in experimental design; he understands and appreciates the biostatistical approach to research. From 1973 to 1974 he spent a six-month sabbatical leave at the University of Georgia to further improve his professional competence. As an extension specialist working in the
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1947 as a poultry diagnostician, becoming professor of poultry science in 1964, and attaining emeritus status in 1976. Two books on veterinary history have been published. He has been the recipient of a number of honors, including the Dixie Poultry Exposition, South Carolina Farmer Cooperative Council, Gamma Sigma Delta, the Most Distinguished Award by the South Carolina Turkey Federation in 1976, and Lifetime Honorary Member of the National Turkey Federation in 1977. He is a member of a number of poultry and veterinarian organizations including the American Association of Avian Pathologists, the National Turkey Federation, and the Poultry Science Association. Besides poultry pathology, Dr. Bierer has also been interested in Indian lore and history. These hobbies have resulted in the publication between 1939 and 1974 of five books on Indians and artifacts in the Southeast.
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sity vaccine be made available to the industry without unnecessary restraint and has not attempted to gain any personal financial benefit from its use. It has been licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture to a commercial organization which markets the vaccine on a national basis. A number of industry people and veterinarians have stated that the development of the fowl cholera vaccine has been a tremendously important development for the turkey industry and is now saving the turkey industry several million dollars a year. Dr. Bierer was born June 2, 1911 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he attended grammer and high school. He received a V.M.D. degree from the School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania in 1934. He has also earned an additional 46 credits at the University of South Carolina between 1945 and 1951. He was employed by Clemson University in