October 19, 2004
Lee Burras, Iowa State University agronomy associate professor, has been awarded the Pioneer Agronomy Professorship.
Burras joined the department in 1995. He received his bachelor's degree in 1981 in agronomy and his master’s degree in soil genesis in 1984 from Iowa State. He earned his doctorate degree in soil genesis in 1992 at Ohio State University. He is a licensed professional soil scientist. His appointment is 70 percent teaching and 30 percent research. His teaching and research examine the relationship between agriculture and the environment.
Burras serves on the department’s teaching panel and teaches five courses per year on Iowa State campus and at the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. He has received numerous accolades for teaching and advising including 2004 College of Agriculture Outstanding Adviser and VEISHEA 2003 College of Agriculture Faculty of the Year. He is also the current Miller Faculty Fellow in the ISU Center for Teaching Excellence.
Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. established the endowed professorship in 1997 through a gift to the ISU Foundation. The intent of the professorship is to support research, teaching and extension at the Iowa State agronomy department. The Pioneer Agronomy Professorship is awarded by the chair of the department to an agronomy faculty member who displays excellence in his/her field of scholarship based on critical areas of importance within the department’s strategic plan. The appointment is for three years.
Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.