Simpson named Agricultural Engineer of the Year by ASABE Texas Section
Contact: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, [email protected]
COLLEGE STATION – Shay Simpson, associate program director for Texas A&M AgriLife Research Corporate Relations, has been named Agricultural Engineer of the Year by the Texas Section of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.
Simpson received the award at the Texas Section annual meeting in Temple.
“This award recognizes a Texas Section ASABE engineer who has provided significant contributions to the agricultural engineering profession through professional excellence and dedication to service,” according to the nomination.
The award is given based on leadership contributions to the Texas Section, sponsorship of association activities, employment of agricultural engineers, mechanized agriculture and agricultural systems management professionals, and support of engineering activities in Texas.
Simpson led a number of grant program initiatives with AgriLife Research Corporate Relations, including algae used as a feedstock for biofuel use and most recently plant characterization using automated sensing methods.
“Shay has made significant contributions in the cotton engineering and bioenergy fields,” wrote one nominee. “She has served on numerous ASABE committees and Texas Section leadership positions. Shay has over 24 years of progressive experience in the agricultural engineering field.”
Another nominee stated, “(Shay) has tirelessly worked behind the scenes on some of our most innovative research, shepherding contracts, intellectual property, licensing funding reporting and renewals, while providing much-needed technical support, which her engineering background uniquely enables her to do.”
Simpson, a Stephenville native, earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University in agricultural engineering and has previously served as manager of marketing and processing technology for the National Cotton Council.
