Judges Named for 'Young Scientist of the Year' Contest

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Bayer Environmental Science, along with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), announced today the judging panel for the third Bayer Environmental Science “Young Scientist of the Year” contest. The panel of industry and university leaders includes:

• Dr. Roger Gold, Professor of Entomology, Texas A&M University
• Dr. Philip G. Koehler, Professor of Entomology, University of Florida
• Dr. Ed Vargo, Professor of Entomology, North Carolina State University
• Dr. James Sargent, Director of Technical Support and Regulatory Compliance, Copesan Services
• Joey Harris, Vice-President of Sales & Service, Cook’s Pest Control\
• Dave Taylor, Technical Director, Antimite Termite and Pest Control
• Dr. Nick Hamon, Director of Development and Technical Services, Bayer Environmental Science

The judges will review all contest submissions, narrowing the field to three finalists and selecting one individual as the “Young Scientist of the Year.”  The three finalists will present their research at PestWorld 2008 in Washington, D.C. in October, where the “Young Scientist of the Year” will be announced.

“I have always admired Bayer for its support of research and was really impressed when it started the ‘Young Scientist of the Year’ award,” said Jim Sargent, director of technical support and regulatory compliance, Copesan Services.  “I am thrilled to be a part of this contest and look forward to the challenge of judging the outstanding submissions of the next generation of talent, who will advance our field.”

The Bayer Environmental Science “Young Scientist of the Year” contest is a scholarship and grant program for graduate students to acknowledge and financially support exceptional research that advances the pest management industry. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 will be granted to three finalists chosen by the judging panel and the “Young Scientist of the Year” will receive a $10,000 grant to continue his/her research. In addition, a $1,000 scholarship will be donated to the general scholarship fund at the schools attended by each of the three finalists. 

 In order to be eligible for the contest, an applicant must be a candidate for a master’s or doctoral degree at an accredited university.  Applications and program criteria can be obtained by calling 800/233-6164, ext. 2748.  Submissions are due by June 1, 2008.