By Blake Jackson
Abby Seaman, has been awarded the 2024 Outstanding Achievements in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Award by the Northeastern IPM Center (NEIPM).
This prestigious award recognizes her exceptional contributions to IPM during her 30-year career with Cornell University's New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYSIPM).
As NYSIPM's vegetable IPM coordinator and associate director, Seaman played a pivotal role in advancing IPM practices throughout New York.
Her impact is evident in the numerous grants she secured, the extensive publications she authored, and the invaluable support she provided to farmers across the region.
“Abby’s contributions to IPM over nearly three decades have been nothing short of extraordinary. Through her dedication, she has profoundly impacted vegetable farmers across New York and the Northeast,’ NYSIPM Director Alejandro Calixto said. “Her program not only championed the adoption of IPM practices but also pioneered innovative strategies to address evolving challenges, and her legacy of excellence, innovation and support for the ag community will continue to inspire future generations.”
In her letter announcing the award, NEIPM Director Deborah G. Grantham highlighted the high esteem in which Seaman is held by her colleagues.
"Abby Seaman has been an impressive and tireless force for IPM advancement, advocacy and adoption for her entire career. I can think of no better way to recognize her life-long dedication and contributions to IPM than to select her for this honor," one nominator remarked.
Seaman, who retired from NYSIPM in December, expressed her gratitude for the award. "Everything I’ve done has been in collaboration with colleagues and supported by the growers who allowed us to work on their farms," she said. "I’ve been able to spend my entire career doing interesting and important work that I enjoy. There’s no better reward than that."
Photo Credit: cornell-university
Categories: New York, Education