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By Lori Greiner

Robert Grisso

BLACKSBURG, Va., July 14, 2009 -- Robert "Bobby" Grisso, professor of biological systems engineering in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and farm equipment and safety specialist for Virginia Cooperative Extension, was elected into the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers' (ASABE) 2009 Class of Fellows.

Grisso was formally presented with the honor at the annual ASABE meeting in Reno, Nev., on June 23.

The rank of Fellow is bestowed on less than 2 percent of the society’s members. According to ASABE, a Fellow is “… a member of unusual professional distinction, with outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience in, or related to, the field of agricultural, food, or biological systems engineering.” Fellows have at least 20 years of experience in the engineering or engineering education field and have been a member of the organization for at least 20 years.

Grisso’s Extension programming focuses on improving the accuracy of pesticide application through sprayer calibration, enhancing tractor performance, and using precision technology to optimize farm machinery, safety, and productivity. Grisso is also involved in interdisciplinary research on the optimization of harvesting and handling operations of biomass for energy production. He has received numerous awards from ASABE, including two paper awards, the Nolan Mitchell Young Extension Worker Award, and 21 Educational Aids Blue Ribbon Competition awards.

Grisso earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Virginia Tech and his Ph.D. from Auburn University and is a registered professional engineer. He has provided leadership for both college and Extension programming since joining Virginia Tech as a professor in 2001. Additionally, Grisso has authored more than 60 scientific publications and more than 100 Extension publications.

Written by Liz Guinn, communications assistant in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Contact Lori Greiner at lgreiner@vt.edu or (540) 231-5863.

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