ARS: Meet Bridget Behe, professor honoured as 2024 B.Y. Morrison Memorial Lecturer
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has named Professor Bridget Behe, Ph.D. the distinguished 2024 B.Y. Morrison Memorial Lecturer.
This esteemed award was created in 1968 to honor Benjamin Y. Morrison’s legacy. It emphasizes the value of protecting natural beauty by recognizing outstanding contributions to ornamental horticulture and environmental sciences.
Behe will virtually give her lecture to ARS staff on May 14, 2024 at 2:00 PM EST after being chosen for her exceptional work. Her presentation will delve into her research in ornamental horticultural science, focusing on initiatives aimed at conserving and enhancing natural aesthetics.
In addition to the recognition, the B.Y. Morrison Memorial Lecturer award includes a financial honorarium, along with a medallion and plaque to commemorate Dr. Behe’s achievement. ARS will also feature her on their Memorial Lectureships page and conduct a recorded video interview, further highlighting her significant contributions.
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Dr. Behe joins a distinguished cohort of ARS Memorial lecturers, including notable names such as James Luby (2023), Bernadine C. Strik (2022), Penelope Perkins-Veazie (2021), and others, solidifying her position among the trailblazers in the field.
Here’s what to know about Professor Bridget Behe, Ph.D.:
Background and expertise: Professor Bridget Behe is a renowned expert in horticultural marketing, currently teaching at Michigan State University.
With extensive experience in academia and industry, she provides valuable insights into running successful horticultural businesses.
Research and publications: Bridget has conducted over 65 consumer research projects on both edible and ornamental horticultural products.
She has authored more than 600 publications in trade press and peer-reviewed journals, sharing her findings and knowledge with the industry.
Industry engagement: Bridget is actively engaged with industry professionals and groups, speaking at conferences nationally and internationally.
She also writes articles for trade magazines, disseminating her research findings to a broader audience.
Committee and leadership roles: Bridget has served in various leadership roles, including co-chairing the AmericanHort Garden Center Committee and currently serving on their Retail Committee.
She is also involved in USDA regional project committees, addressing consumer and economic challenges facing the industry.
Recognition and awards: Bridget’s contributions to extension, education, and materials have been recognized through awards such as the Outstanding Extension Specialist in Michigan (2016) and the Outstanding Undergraduate Educator Career Award by the American Society for Horticultural Science (2018).
Additionally, the Marketing Munchies podcast, which she is involved with, won the Outstanding Education Materials Award in 2019.
Education: Bridget holds degrees from Penn State University (Ph.D. Horticulture, B.S. Horticulture, B.S. Agricultural Education) and The Ohio State University (M.S. Horticulture), providing her with a strong academic foundation in the field.