Two professors in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture recently were named Fellows of two professional societies during the societies' annual meetings in Pittsburgh.

Glen Aiken, who is an agronomist and animal scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture -- Agricultural Research Service and adjunct professor in UK's Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, was named a Fellow of the Crop Science Society of America.

Ole Wendroth, an associate professor in plant and soil sciences, became a Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America. 

Fellows of both societies are nominated by other society members based on their professional achievements and service to the society. In both societies, only 0.3 percent of members are elected Fellows.

"Being elected as a Fellow in one's scientific society affirms the scientist's professional accomplishments and indicates the high regard for the scientist by society members," said Todd Pfeiffer, chair of UK's Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. "Along with their scientific productivity, Drs. Wendroth and Aiken have served as editors of their societies' primary research journals, being trusted as discerning evaluators of the experimental evidence and interpretations of their colleagues."

Aiken's research focuses on forages and grazing management. His research looks at ways to improve production and well-being of livestock that graze tall fescue pastures infected with an endophyte, which produces alkaloids that reduce a grazing animal's vitality.

In the society, Aiken serves on the rapid response committee. He previously served as technical editor of Crop Science, on the society's biosecurity committee and as chair of Division C06, which is the forages and grazinglands division. Aiken is also a Fellow of the Agronomy Society of America.

"It's something I appreciate a great deal," said Aiken on becoming a Fellow. "Anytime you get recognition from your peers, it makes the recognition particularly special."

Wendroth's research is in soil landscape processes, with an emphasis on water and solute transport and biomass development. He specifically studies nitrogen levels in fields and ways to best utilize nitrogen so it is beneficial for crops and the environment.

He is an associate editor for the Soil Science Society of America Journal and the Vadose Zone Journal. In past years, Wendroth has served as associate editor of the Journal of Environmental Quality and as associate and technical editor for the Agronomy Journal. In addition, he serves on the society's committees for the soil physics early career award and the Don and Betty Kirkham award. Wendroth is also an American Society of Agronomy Fellow.

"It's a very big honor for me to be elected a Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America," Wendroth said. "I've always enjoyed interacting with my colleagues and students. These interactions have helped me accomplish many goals, and it's these accomplishments that have helped me receive this recognition."