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Since joining Syngenta in 1975, having worked first with legacy companies ICI and Zeneca, Kaukeinen’s research on subjects, including pesticide evaluation techniques, pesticide resistance, non-target animal and environmental hazard assessment, has resulted in the development of several key pest management solutions and the publication of more than 30 articles and book chapters. In addition to his laboratory and field research responsibilities, Kaukeinen also contributed to product formulation and development. He has also been involved with pest management training programs at various meetings of certified applicators around the USA.
“Dale’s expertise and dedication to the pest management industry has been instrumental to our success,” said Ashish Malik, business head, Syngenta Professional Products. “His contributions go beyond our company’s walls. We will miss him, and wish him the best of luck in all future endeavors.”
Kaukeinen received his undergraduate degree in biology from The Pennsylvania State University where he worked with renowned entomologist Dr. Robert Snetsinger. He conducted his graduate work first at Penn State, then at Bowling Green University in Ohio, where he worked with rodent expert Dr. William B Jackson. It was during this time that Kaukeinen detected the first case of warfarin resistance in rats. His research was later published in Science magazine and led to a nationwide laboratory screening of rats in an effort to determine the scope of the resistance problem. It was because of this that Kaukeinen began evaluating experimental rodenticides including the compound brodifacoum which is the active ingredient in Syngenta’s successful Talon®-G rodenticide, the first second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide to receive US registration.
Kaukeinen was also involved in the development of several Syngenta insecticides, including Demon®, Demand® CS insecticide with iCAP™ technology and Archer® insect growth regulator, as well as the Multiplex® Station. He has maintained his commercial applicator certification in several states and has enjoyed working with individual PMP companies to help make them aware of the latest pest management developments.
“I am grateful for my time spent with Syngenta and within the pest management industry,” Kaukeinen said. “Now I am looking forward to more time with family, pursuing my hobbies and possibly some industry consulting.”
Syngenta also announced that John Thieme, sales representative, retired from his position with the company at the end of 2005, after 31 years of service to the pest management industry.
Thieme began his career with what is now Syngenta in 1974. He served in a variety of roles within the agricultural, horticultural and professional pest management divisions. Thieme’s most recent position was as the Syngenta professional pest management division sales representative for the Northeast and Midwest territories.
“John always took great pride in exceeding customer needs whether he was a field development representative, technical service representative, product service lead or field sales representative,” said Steve Miller, sales manager, Professional Pest Management. “We thank him for his many contributions to Syngenta and wish him well in his future adventures.”
Thieme has no immediate plans post-retirement but looks forward to exciting opportunities in the future.
“Of all the positions I have held in Syngenta, I have enjoyed the professional pest management industry the best,” said Thieme. “This is the most personally rewarding side of the business because of the down to earth, appreciative customers that I deal with on a daily basis.”