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Patrick G. Hunt: Click to download 300-dpi image in .zip format
Patrick G. Hunt, ARS Distinguished Senior Research Scientist of 2005.
Download 300-dpi image in .zip format.)

Johanns Announces Top USDA-ARS Scientists for 2005

By Luis Pons
February 7, 2006

WASHINGTON, February 7, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced Patrick G. Hunt, a USDA soil scientist based in Florence, S.C., has been named the Agricultural Research Service Distinguished Senior Research Scientist of 2005 and also recognized the seven Area Senior Research Scientists of 2005.

"We lead the world in innovation, in part through the impressive record of accomplishment of the scientists at the Agricultural Research Service that we celebrate today," said Johanns. "Your scientific discoveries provide solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from the field to the dinner table and help to sustain a competitive agricultural economy."

Johanns recognized Hunt and other ARS scientists at an awards ceremony today. Hunt, who works at the ARS Coastal Plains Soil, Water and Plant Research Center in Florence, was honored for his scientific research and exemplary leadership in managing nutrients and wastes in agricultural and environmental systems.

"For 35 years, Patrick Hunt has conducted high-quality, innovative research for the U.S. government in multiple areas of science and technology," said ARS Administrator Edward B. Knipling. "High on his list of achievements is his contribution to balancing the protection of the environment with the production needs of small- and large-scale agriculture. His work on the management of waste and wastewater associated with municipalities and livestock operations can only be classified as landmark scientific research."

David Johnston: Click to download 300-dpi image in .zip format
David Johnston, ARS Outstanding Early Career Research Scientist of the Year for 2005.
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Hunt has also made significant discoveries pertaining to oil-spill recovery, photobiology and colored-mulch technology. His research has been published in more than 200 technical publications and more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles. (More about Hunt's research)

ARS also recognized seven "Area Senior Research Scientists of 2005." They are:

ARS also presented awards to eight "Early Career Scientists of the Year" who have earned their doctorates within the past decade and have been with the agency for seven years or less. The highest of these honors is the Herbert L. Rothbart Outstanding Early Career Research Scientist of the Year, which for 2005 was awarded to David Johnston, a research food technologist with the ARS Crop Conversion Science and Engineering Research Unit in Wyndmoor, Pa.

Johnston was honored for developing novel, environmentally sustainable biochemical and engineering processes that are improving the way corn is processed into foods and fuels around the world. He has been nominated for inclusion in the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers. (More about Johnston's research)

The seven other ARS Area Early Career Scientists for 2005 honored today are:

ARS is USDA's chief scientific research agency.