Entomology and Plant Pathology Professor Recognized for Service in Combatting Harmful Insects
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The accomplishments of the faculty and staff of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture were celebrated at an annual awards luncheon held on the UT Knoxville campus in the new Agriculture and Natural Resources Building on July 30. Many of the awards are gifts made possible by faculty, alumni and friends of the institute.
UTIA Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Keith Carver hosted the luncheon and praised the honorees for their work. “The enthusiasm and expertise demonstrated by our UTIA faculty and staff is unparalleled,” he said. “I am always in awe of their dedication to providing real life solutions to the people of Tennessee. These well-deserved awards represent impacts and accomplishments that benefit Tennesseans and society now and for years to come.”
Juan Luis Jurat-Fuentes, professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, was recognized with the AgResearch Dean’s Professor Award. The title of this honor recognizes highly productive and impactful faculty members at the rank of professor who demonstrate well-documented, consistent and outstanding research products and key program impacts. Jurat-Fuentes is the second-ever recipient of this award. At this same ceremony in 2024, Jurat-Fuentes was also named the winner of two other honors.
“It is an incredible honor to be named a recipient of the AgResearch Dean’s Professor Award at UTIA,” Jurat-Fuentes says. “This recognition reflects the dedication of my team, the support of the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, and the commitment of AgResearch to advancing impactful agricultural research.”
Jurat-Fuentes leads the Insect Molecular Pathology and Resistance (IMPaR) Lab – where part of the focus is on gene silencing and Bt toxins to develop effective biotechnologies controlling devastating pests, like harmful army worms. He collaborates with scientists across academia, industry and government to develop more environmentally friendly pest control technologies – leading to safer food and fiber production while enhancing crop yields.
Jurat-Fuentes is a native of Valencia, Spain. He plays guitar, is a huge soccer fan — and he has danced the Argentine tango on every continent except Antarctica. He’s the faculty advisor for the Vol Tango Club – teaching the Argentine tango.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch, and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.