The American Society of Animal Science presented Mark Nelson, retired associate professor with Washington State University’s Department of Animal Sciences, with its Fellow Award for Teaching, during the society’s Virtual Annual Meeting and Trade Show in July.
The Fellow Award recognizes a long-serving society member’s distinguished contributions to animal science and the livestock industry.
A faculty member at WSU for 34 years, Nelson taught or partnered to deliver dozens of different courses ranging from introductory lectures and laboratory courses to a graduate nutrition course, as well as numerous Extension short courses, workshops, and field days.
In his courses, Nelson emphasizing critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, scientific and information literacy, communication skills and integration of learning. He trained 22 graduate students, wrote more than 225 publications and presented more than 150 talks.
Nelson was also active in the WSU Writing Program, and in extracurricular activities included advising the WSU Block and Bridle Club, Ceres Women’s Agriculture Fraternity, Cougar Cattle Feeders, and numerous undergraduate research projects. Numerous awards recognized his integration of teaching, research, advising, and Extension programs.
He retired in 2018.
The virtual meeting was held jointly with the Canadian Society of Animal Science and the Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science, July 19-23, 2020.