Board of Regents honors nine Texas A&M AgriLife faculty, professionals

Marco Palma, Ph.D., professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, and interim associate director for Responsive Agriculture, Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, was presented with the Regents Professor title. Palma is a pioneering agricultural economist and behavioral scientist known for groundbreaking, multidisciplinary innovations that deepen understanding of human food choices and agricultural production decisions. As director of the Texas A&M Human Behavior Laboratory — the world’s largest academic neurophysiological behavioral science lab — he leads cutting-edge studies on consumer food behavior. With 119 peer-reviewed publications, $117 million in grants and 110 graduate students advised, Palma’s human behavior research drives dynamic agriculture production, influencing food policy, industry practices and public health. Palma has earned global recognition for his contributions, and his neuroeconomics program is known for methodological innovation and real-world impact.

Gerard Kyle, Ph.D., professor and associate head for academic programs in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, is an innovative educator who is responsive to the shifting societal and policy dynamics of the national and international needs of conservation and natural resource management practice. He has chaired and graduated five master’s and 18 doctoral students and served on 46 other student committees. For two decades, Kyle has reshaped undergraduate learning through education abroad programs and high-impact learning experiences in protected area management. His courses blend in-class instruction, transformative field experiences and engagement with some of the world’s premier thought leaders working in protected area management and conservation. Student evaluations cite his passion, commitment, empathy and care for them as individuals, and the quality and quantity of knowledge gained through his courses.

Katie Lewis, Ph.D., AgriLife Research soil chemistry and fertility scientist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center at Lubbock and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences with a joint appointment at Texas Tech University, is a national leader in sustainable soil management. She leads high-impact research that has translated to increased agricultural productivity, improved soil health, decreased water demand from the Ogallala Aquifer, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, sequestration of carbon and nitrous oxide, and increased conservation tillage adoption. Since joining the faculty in 2014, she has published 55 peer-reviewed articles and secured $7.7 million in funding. Her work is nationally and internationally recognized for advancing regenerative agriculture and optimizing nutrient and water-use efficiency. Her commitment to graduate training and practical soil strategies continues to shape the future of agricultural science and environmental stewardship.

Girisha Ganjegunte, Ph.D., AgriLife Research water resources and salinity management researcher at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso and professor in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, is a globally recognized expert. His research addresses critical challenges in arid regions, focusing on salinity mitigation, water reuse and climate-smart agriculture. His projects focus on developing alternative water sources for beneficial uses, including irrigation, evaluation of electromagnetic induction for rapid assessment of salinity at a high spatial resolution, on-farm water conservation and soil salinity management. With over $81.5 million in funding and 293 publications — including 63 peer-reviewed articles — his work advances sustainable agriculture. Innovations like sulfur burner treatments and polymer applications have saved millions in salinity management costs. He has mentored over 40 students and postdoc scientists, fostering future leaders in agricultural science.

Julie Gardner, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension specialist in healthy lifestyles, leads innovative statewide initiatives such as the Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador Program and Path to the Plate. Gardner exemplifies the highest standards of leadership, innovation and service in the field of youth development and public health education. With over three decades of experience in Extension education, she has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of Texas’ youth and families through evidence-based programming, strategic partnerships and visionary leadership. She has overseen multimillion-dollar health initiatives and teaches nutrition at Baylor University. Her work emphasizes experiential learning, leadership and community engagement. Her influence spans generations, strengthening both family health and youth leadership across the state.

Shane McLellan, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in McLennan County. With over 25 years of service in Hill, Freestone and McLennan counties, he has built a trusted, community-focused program grounded in agricultural expertise, educational leadership and strong relationships. He has delivered almost 400 educational programs, covering everything from livestock and row crops to urban issues and wildlife. McLellan is widely respected for his ability to connect producers, volunteers and youth with practical, research-based solutions that improve operations and strengthen communities. He has developed and led numerous high-impact programs in livestock, crops and horticulture, and is known for securing lasting support from local industry partners and elected officials. His mentorship and collaborative leadership have strengthened agricultural communities across Central Texas.

Gabriel Gomez, DVM, Ph.D., Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory assistant agency director for pathology. Since joining TVMDL in 2013, Gomez has advanced through leadership roles, now overseeing necropsy, histopathology and anatomic pathology services at College Station and Canyon labs. His commitment to client communication and service has enhanced TVMDL’s global impact, particularly within the Texas deer industry. Gomez played a pivotal role in developing and implementing the gold-standard antemortem testing method for chronic wasting disease, CWD, enabling over 40,000 tests annually. His leadership during the 2021 CWD outbreak ensured rapid sample processing, preserving industry operations. Beyond diagnostics, Gomez supports national research initiatives and leads TVMDL’s pathology residency program, mentoring future veterinary pathologists. His dedication to excellence in service, science and education continues to shape animal health across Texas and beyond.

Gretchen Riley, forest management chief and division director of forestry and natural resource management. In her roles, Riley develops and oversees forest management program goals and plans for implementation. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation and leadership throughout her 14 years with Texas A&M Forest Service, significantly impacting the health and sustainability of forest resources across Texas – especially in communities. Riley leads strategic initiatives for the state forestry agency, focused on the long-term health of the state’s forest resources and the development of the agency’s people. Riley helps ensure that the agency is not just reacting to problems but proactively planning for sustainability, resilience and growth. Her work helps to safeguard the ecological benefits of forests while also supporting the economic vitality of forest-dependent communities.

Hughes Simpson, assistant director over external affairs. In his role, Simpson develops and oversees legislative governmental relations and strategy and secures development and grant-funding opportunities for the agency. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and collaboration throughout his 25 years with the agency, significantly impacting the sustainability of forest resources across Texas and the partnerships that make it possible. Simpson was instrumental in cultivating and maintaining strong collaboration with the Texas A&M Foundation. With his oversight, more than $235,000 in scholarships were made available for students in the Texas A&M Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology’s forest resource track. He also developed the agency’s Leadership Institute, leads the Texas Longleaf Team in the restoration of the native longleaf pine ecosystem, strengthened partnerships with American YouthWorks’ Texas Conservation Corps and established the Texas Partnership for Forests and Water.