Fernando named Fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Department faculty and student earn highest honors from the society
Sandun Fernando, Ph.D., was recently named a Fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, ASABE, during the organization’s international meeting in Toronto.
Fernando, Dow Professor in Bioprocess Engineering and associate department head for graduate programs in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, was honored for his pioneering contributions to biomolecular engineering, sustainable bioenergy and agricultural biotechnology, including innovations in therapeutic peptide and oligonucleotide (aptamer) design for drugs and advanced biosensor technologies.
“The breakthroughs from our laboratory have only been possible because of the creativity, dedication and support of current and former students, colleagues and my family,” Fernando said. “Together, we have been able to pioneer the Highly Optimized Peptide Engineering, HOPE, algorithm, which allows us to design peptides and oligonucleotides with remarkable specificity.
“This platform is helping us push the boundaries of drug and inhibitor design against targets that were once considered beyond reach.”
Additionally, Ann Kenimer, Ph.D., professor emeritus, ASABE Fellow and former associate provost for undergraduate studies in the department, received the Massey-Ferguson Education Gold Medal, one of the organization’s three major annual awards.
Ayushi Pandey, graduate student of Srini Ale, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Research agrohydrologist and professor at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Vernon, placed third in the Boyd-Scott Graduate Research Award Competition at the master’s level.
About the Fellow distinction
ASABE defines a Fellow as a member of unusual professional distinction, with outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience in, or related to, the field of agricultural, food or biological systems engineering.
Fellows possess a minimum of 20 years of active practice in or related to the profession of engineering, the teaching of engineering, or the teaching of an engineering-related curriculum and a minimum of 20 years as an active member-engineer or member in ASABE.
Fernando’s contributions to innovation
Fernando specializes in biomolecular engineering, focusing on nanoscale molecular constructs to regulate catalysis in biological processes.
“The HOPE platform enables the design of peptides and oligonucleotides highly specific to their targets,” Fernando said. “Unlike traditional drug design, which often relies on well-defined binding pockets, HOPE allows targeting of broad or less-structured protein and enzyme surfaces that were previously considered ‘undruggable.’ This breakthrough has opened new avenues for applications spanning agriculture, bioenergy and human health.”
Fernando has made significant contributions to biomolecular engineering through his patents and scientific research.
Fernando earned both his doctorate and master’s degrees in agricultural and biological engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
Masey-Ferguson Educational Gold Medal
Established in 1965, the award is named for Daniel Massey, pioneer, innovator and agricultural machinery manufacturer, and Harry Ferguson, inventor and ardent exponent of agricultural mechanization.
The award honors individuals whose dedication to the spirit of learning and teaching in the field of agricultural engineering has advanced with distinction in agricultural knowledge and practice and whose efforts serve as an inspiration to others.
Kenimer, who retired from the department in 2024, received the award for her dedication to teaching and student success as well as her contributions to the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology in the accreditation of engineering programs globally.
