Mississipi - Dr. Girish Panicker, presently serving as the director of the Conservation Research Program at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a professor at Alcorn State University in Mississippi, has been honored with the 2023 International Conservation Research Award by the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS).
In recognition of his noteworthy contributions, Dr. Panicker's research on C-factor (Cover and Management) technology, which effectively combats soil erosion and addresses climate change concerns, is extensively utilized by graduate students and environmentalists.
Hailing from Kerala, Dr. Panicker has conducted pioneering experiments with blueberries to combat lung cancer and coronary heart disease. Furthermore, he has collaborated with the American government to advance organic fertilizers, engaged in the study and production of muscadines to progress toward eliminating breast cancer, and extensively researched cover crops, generating invaluable insights for erosion prediction, nutrient management, and climate change mitigation. These achievements have been highlighted in a report by Alcorn University.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Panicker has received numerous accolades, including the Pride of India Award and the 2020 Organic Achievement Award from the American Society of Agronomy, among others.
Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Dr. Panicker stated, "This is a significant honor for me and Alcorn State. I consider myself fortunate to have obtained my position here. Dr. Bristow guided me through my Ph.D., and returning to Alcorn was a deliberate choice, as I knew that our soil and water conservation project could have a global impact. Our research reaches numerous countries worldwide."
Dr. Panicker's deep-rooted passion for horticulture and agronomy can be traced back to his upbringing on his family's farm in Kerala, where he drew inspiration from his mother's dedication to natural farming and education. He pursued a bachelor's degree in agriculture from the University of Kerala and subsequently worked alongside the Indian government and the United Nations, gaining extensive international experience.
Eventually, he joined Alcorn State University, where he earned a master's degree in agronomy and pursued his Ph.D. in horticulture with a specialization in pomology (study of fruits and cultivation) at Mississippi State University.