Wendy Sue Wheeler, Extension Coordinator and educator with WSU’s Department of Entomology, was honored for her involvement in helping people and agriculture use, manage, and dispose of pesticides safely and sustainably.
This winter, Wheeler received the President’s Award from The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance (TPSA).
Founded in 2000, TPSA brings together government agencies, educational and research institutions, public organizations, private corporations and individuals to increase the effectiveness and longevity of pesticide stewardship, ensuring useful chemicals are used properly.
At WSU, Wheeler educates Washingtonians about proper, safe, effective, and sustainable use of pesticides for agriculture, landscape care, and gardening. She coordinates a team of specialists who manage all aspects of pesticide use.
“I am humbled to receive this award from TPSA,” Wheeler said. “I have benefited from the Alliance, and grown in my job through my involvement and the mentorship of its members.”
Wheeler has been a member of TPSA for several years and has served on the board of directors, including as president. She is now serving as treasurer, and has been actively involved with the annual meeting planning committee.
“Wendy Sue has been there to answer my questions and offered suggestions throughout 2021,” said TPSA President Taryn VanWassenhove, who presented her with the award at the alliance’s virtual annual conference in February.
“With COVID-19 restricting travel and in-person meetings, TPSA had to reconsider holding the annual conference and how we could still hold a conference,” VanWassenhove said. “Wheeler’s experience, along with her knowledge of TPSA, was invaluable to me throughout the year.”
“TPSA provides opportunities to meet with people from around the nation who face the same topics and challenges we have here in Washington,” Wheeler said. “You can sit down at the table and engage with stakeholders and other educators over similar issues and questions. It brings a science-based group approach together, so you don’t have to figure things out on your own.”
The 2022 Pesticide Stewardship Conference is scheduled for February 1-3 in Reno, Nevada.
Learn more about TPSA here: https://tpsalliance.org/