The Ohio State University

At the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Conference & Show in December an awards ceremony honored industry personnel and turfgrass science students.  One of the recipients was Associate Professor Dave Gardner who was recognized with the Professional Excellence Award.

Dr. Gardner has been with the turfgrass science team since 2000 and was recently granted tenure.  During his time at Ohio State he has written 16 peer-reviewed publications, taught several courses each year and recently won the Price Advising Award for his service to the turfgrass science students. 

Each year, Dr. Gardner gives industry talks and writes for several trade journals. He also conducts between 15 and 30  field research studies, with particular emphasis on weed control, turfgrass stress physiology, and nitrogen and pesticide fate in turfgrass.  Dr. Gardner currently advises five graduate students: Qingfang Chen, Ed Nangle, Emily Horner, Ryan Beeson, and Kelley Dimke.

Dr. John Street had the following to say about Dr. Gardner's role within the turfgrass science program -  "Dr. David Gardner has been a great addition to the Ohio State University Turfgrass Program. He exemplifies the best in the "team work"  concept with his colleagues in all aspects of teaching, research, and extension at OSU.  His expertise in turfgrass management, statistics, mathematics, computer science, and general knowledge of agronomic and horticultural subjects has made him a tremendous resource to his colleagues. the HCS department, and the HCS graduate/undergraduate students. He is always willing to help others and share his knowledge. He advises graduate and undergraduate students, serves as advisor to the OSU Turf Club, prepares the students for the annual GCSAA Turf Bowl, and serves as chaperon for these 15-20 undergraduates at the GCSAAA Conference and Show annually. He is a great young man and scientist with a brilliant mind, kind heart and willingness to help all. OSU is very lucky to have him."

In addition to Dr. Gardner's award, The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation presented a check to The State University for $154,017.00. This money goes to support turfgrass science faculty & staff, annual management of the OTF Research & Education Facility, and to support turfgrass student scholarships.

The 2006 scholarship winners were:

• Ian Gallagher ~ OTF Scholarship $1,000
• Joshua Bryant ~ R.D.Baker Memorial Scholarship $2,500
• Jospeh Lachey ~ R.D.Baker Memorial Scholarship $2,500
• Jeffrey Ritzert ~ R.D.Baker Memorial Scholarship $2,500
• Erick Shreve ~ R.D.Baker Memorial Scholarship $2,500
• John Gruneisen ~ Biddulph Scholarship $5,000

This much appreciated support enables the OSU Turfgrass Program to strive in it's effort to be leaders in turfgrass education, research and extension.