Michael Sama, a University of Kentucky Gatton Foundation Distinguished Professor in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (BAE), was recognized with three awards at the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Annual International Meeting. The honors were as follows: 

• Outstanding Associate Editor, awarded in recognition of excellent service for the machinery systems community within ASABE journals 
• Outstanding Leadership as a Conference Chair, for organizing the 2024 Agricultural Equipment Technology Conference in Louisville 
• President’s Citation, for excellent leadership as chair of the planning committee for the 2024 Agricultural Equipment Technology Conference in Louisville 

“Supporting my professional society is rewarding in itself,” Sama said. “It’s nice to be recognized by your peers and society leadership. I think my family was the most excited.” 

While at the ASABE meeting, Sama and his team gave seven presentations. One was a memorial session for the late Richard Gates, a former UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment faculty member and BAE department chair. Gates served as department chair when Sama was hired as a staff engineer while finishing school.  

“These are well deserved recognitions of Dr. Sama’s varied contributions in the classroom, research and service,” said BAE Department Chair Michael Montross. 

Among many duties, Sama serves as the faculty advisor for the UK Wildcat Pulling Team. This summer the team placed eighth overall at the international level, receiving many first-place honors for safety and design. 

“Working with students is the most rewarding part of my job,” Sama said. “They provide the energy and excitement needed to sustain a research and teaching program. I wouldn’t have a career without them.” 

The BAE program at UK is a partnership between the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the UK Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. For more information on the department, visit https://bae.ca.uky.edu/. 

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