Roots of Research award honors 11 faculty with trees on campus
Eleven Kansas State University faculty members will be honored with their own commemorative trees through the 2025 Roots of Research Faculty Honor Program, recognizing exceptional research and scholarly work that has shaped students’ lives, advanced discovery and strengthened the university community.
“This year’s Roots of Research honorees embody the creativity, consistency and collaboration that define K-State’s research enterprise,” said Hans Coetzee, vice president for research. “By planting trees in their honor, we acknowledge not only their outstanding accomplishments today but also the enduring impact their work will have on our campus, our state and the many communities their discoveries touch.”
The 2025 awardees are:
- Marcellus Caldas, geography and geospatial sciences
- Suprem Das, industrial and manufacturing systems engineering
- Melanie Derby, mechanical and nuclear engineering
- Loretta Johnson, biology
- Michael Kanost, biochemistry and molecular biophysics
- Mary Beth Kirkham, agronomy
- T.G. Nagaraja, diagnostic medicine/pathobiology
- Anil Pahwa, electrical and computer engineering
- Caterina Scoglio, electrical and computer engineering
- Michelle Toews, School of Human Sciences
- Harold Trick, plant pathology
The award recognizes exceptional research and scholarly work that has inspired students, colleagues and the broader academic community.
In honor of their achievements, a tree will be planted on campus in each recipient’s name, symbolizing the deep roots they have cultivated through their work and the legacy they leave for future generations.
Tree planting ceremonies will occur during One K-State Research Week, April 17-24, at various locations across campus.
A schedule will be posted on the Office of the Vice President for Research website.
— Submitted by Erin Pennington