UT Institute of Agriculture Presents Top Faculty and Staff Awards for 2022
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture recognized some of its top faculty, staff, researchers and Extension experts at UTIA’s annual Awards and Promotions luncheon on the UTIA campus in Knoxville August 16, 2022. Many of the awards are gifts made possible by faculty, alumni and friends of the Institute.
UT Institute of Agriculture Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Carrie Castille hosted the award winners and celebrated their work. “I am so excited to recognize excellence as exemplified by the award-winning members of our UTIA faculty and staff,” Castille says. “Their continuing commitment to our land-grant mission ensures that the Institute develops and delivers real-life solutions to improve the health and economy of our state and beyond while also enhancing our environment.”
Cassie Halvorsen, a Research Lab Facility Manager with the Department of Plant Sciences, was honored with the UT AgResearch Outstanding Support Staff Award. Halvorsen works with Neal Stewart, a professor of plant science and the Ivan Racheff Chair of Excellence in Plant Molecular Biology. In Stewart’s lab more than 30 other lab researchers and students conduct cutting-edge research in plant biotechnology. Halvorsen serves as the primary contact for new employees, works to promote lab safety and handles account oversight and travel. She also manages the PRC, Plant Research Center – connecting researchers with a common interest in plant biology.
Halvorsen grew up in Greeneville, Tennessee, and she is very pleased to work in Knoxville and to receive this award. “I am so excited to be given this award. UTIA has given me many opportunities and I am proud to serve here,” she says.
Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. utia.tennessee.edu.