Source: James "Pat" Murphy, 785-532-5838, jmurphy@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Andy Badeker, 785-532-6415, abadeker@k-state.edu
Friday, July 20, 2007
K-STATE PROFESSOR IS NAMED FELLOW OF AG ENGINEERING SOCIETY
MANHATTAN -- The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers has named Kansas State University's Pat Murphy a Fellow of the society.
Only 2 percent of the group have achieved the level of Fellow, which requires that a member demonstrate outstanding qualifications and unusual professional distinction; candidates must also have been society members for at least 20 years.
Murphy, a professor of biological and agricultural engineering, specializes in livestock systems. He also is interim assistant director of agricultural and natural resource programs for K-State Research and Extension.
Murphy is recognized as one of the country's first environmental engineers. He's known for his ability to apply engineering principles to the construction of feedlots, feed mills and corrals. He also has developed techniques for the handling of manure and waste water. His designs for cattle, hog and dairy facilities have improved their efficiency and safety while reducing the harm done to the surrounding environment.
In his 36 years as a member of the society, Murphy has held many leadership roles; currently he is chair of the awards coordinating committee. He was inducted as a Fellow June 19 during the group's annual meeting in Minneapolis, Minn.
The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, founded in 1907, has 9,000 members in more than 100 countries. Its headquarters are in St. Joseph, Mich.
Murphy earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering and business administration and his master's degree in agricultural engineering from K-State. He began working at K-State in 1966 as a research assistant. He was promoted to instructor in 1968 and assistant professor in 1971. He became a full professor in 1982.