Paul DeLaune named SSSA Fellow, Arkansas researchers earn national honors
Nov. 9, 2026
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- DeLaune is a professor and head of the department of crop, soil and environmental sciences
- Assistant professors Gerson Drescher and Caio Vieira receive Early Career Awards
- Graduate student Rafael Marmo selected as an ASA, CSSA and SSSA Bridge Scholar
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Download PHOTOS of award recipients
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Agricultural scientists with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture were recently awarded for their work by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America.
The recipients were recognized for achievements in research, education, leadership and service to the agricultural sciences at CANVAS, the societies' annual meeting held Oct. 31 - Nov. 4 in Portland, Oregon.
Among the recipients was Paul DeLaune, a professor and head of the department of crop, soil, and environmental sciences for UADA and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
DeLaune was named a Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America, the highest honor bestowed by the organization. The designation recognizes society members who have achieved excellence in soil science and demonstrated outstanding service to the profession throughout their careers.
Praised for his focus on applying research principles to solve practical problems facing producers, the Soil Science Society of America also lauded DeLaune for encouraging agricultural practices that protect soil and water resources while maintaining agronomic and economic goals.
“He is a valued collaborator among stakeholders and peers alike, due to his understanding of complex issues, ability to develop creative approaches, and an unbiased, unselfish manner that fosters a team approach which results in pertinent solutions,” the awards program added.
Early Career Awards to Drescher and Vieira
Early Career Awards were also presented to Gerson Drescher and Caio Canella Vieira, faculty members in the department of crop, soil and environmental sciences for UADA and the Bumpers College. The honor recognizes outstanding contributions to the fields of soil and crop science through research, education, extension, industry innovation, and service.
Drescher, an assistant professor of soil fertility, received an Early Career Award from the Soil Science Society of America.
His research program focuses on fertilizer recommendations and nutrient management strategies for major agronomic crops grown across the Mid-South, aiming to improve farm profitability while supporting environmental sustainability.
Since joining UADA in 2022, Drescher has established a research and teaching program that spans soil and plant analysis, nutrient cycling, soil health assessment, water quality, and fertilizer management. He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and actively contributes to professional scientific societies.
Vieira, an assistant professor of soybean breeding, received the Crop Science Society of America's Early Career Award.
Vieira leads UADA’s Soybean Breeding Program, where he focuses on developing high-yielding varieties with enhanced seed quality and improved tolerance to environmental stresses. He also works to improve breeding efficiency through genomic prediction and high-throughput phenotyping.
Since joining UADA in 2023, Vieira's program has released five soybean varieties and two germplasm lines with improved yield potential and resilience to flooding and drought.
Marmo named a Bridge Scholar
In addition to faculty honors, graduate student Rafael Gonçalves Marmo was selected as a Tri-Society Bridge Scholar.
Marmo, who is transitioning from a master's degree program to doctoral studies in the soybean breeding program, integrates multi-omics data to improve selection efficiency in soybean breeding pipelines.
The Bridge Scholars Program supports students pursuing agricultural, crop, soil and environmental sciences through mentorship, networking and professional development opportunities. Funded by the Agronomic Science Foundation, the program provides students with opportunities to connect with researchers and industry professionals to explore future career paths.
Together, the honors highlight the strength of agricultural research, education and student development programs within UADA and its research arm, the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.
To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit aaes.uada.edu. Follow the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station on LinkedIn and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.
About UADA
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land- grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three system campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
John Lovett
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
(479) 763-5929
jl119@uark.edu