Purdue agronomy faculty members earn 2025 ACSESS Fellows

The Alliance of Crop, Soil and Environmental Science Societies (ACSESS)—comprised of the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)—has announced its 2025 Fellow recipients.

Among the societies’ 7,900 members and 13,000 certified professionals in agronomic, crop, soil and environmental sciences, Fellow is the highest recognition. Each year, only 0.3% of active members earn Fellow status, based on their professional achievements and service.

“Being selected as a Fellow demonstrates that these individuals are recognized by their peers for their leadership, cutting edge research and exemplary scholarship,” said Laura Bowling, department head and professor in the Department of Agronomy.

CSSA Fellow: Ignacio Ciampitti

Ignacio Ciampitti, co-director of Purdue University’s Institute for Digital and Advanced Agricultural Systems (IDAAS) and professor of quantitative agronomy in the Department of Agronomy, has earned Fellow status from CSSA.

“This recognition is not just for me, but for all the people who have worked on my team and have contributed to our efforts,” said Ciampitti. “Receiving this award for Purdue is going to help us reinforce the importance of digital agriculture and make the case for further improvements on research training to prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders.”

Planting data and harvesting discovery

Ciampitti has developed an outstanding research program, making significant contributions in crop production and the use of new technologies, with over 300 peer-reviewed publications. His research, which has been supported by many funding organizations, includes several global and national-scale analyses for improving the effective use of nitrogen in corn, assessing N fixation for soybeans and connecting the use of modern technologies, new data science approaches and foundational crop ecophysiology to advance long-term productivity of major agricultural systems.

Beyond Ciampitti’s current roles at Purdue, he also co-leads the NASA Acres Farmer Innovation Ambassador Team—a new initiative designed to encourage U.S. farmers and ranchers to utilize satellite imagery and to develop impactful applications that solve real-world problems. He also serves on the advisory committee for the Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center at the University of Missouri, on the editorial boards of several international journals and as the technical editor for Crop Science. 

Guidance, growth and global impact take root

Ciampitti’s commitment to mentorship truly stands out. He has served as adviser to more than 30 graduate students, participated as a committee member for more than 30 others, and has hosted over 100 international research scholars.

SSSA Fellow: Ron Turco

Ron Turco, associate dean for Agricultural Research and Graduate Education, has also been honoredas a 2025 SSSA Fellow.

“The award recognizes members’ contributions to the Soil Science Society—I’ve dedicated much of my career working in that space—so it’s a great recognition to have," said Turco.

Decades of digging into soil science leadership

Turco’s engagement with professional societies began in the 1980s, and he has since maintained a significant presence in SSSA. Turco organized SSSA’s first efforts in understanding soil bioremediation, leading two day-long symposia and co-authoring a publication. He co-organized an impactful standalone SSSA meeting and helped coordinate the society’s inaugural meeting on industrial hemp. He also served on the ACSESS Board of Directors, the ACS732 Program Planning Committee, SSSA Board of Directors and was president of SSSA from 2021-2023.

Turco has held numerous academic and leadership positions at Purdue before being appointed associate dean, including department head for the Department of Agronomy. He also previously served as assistant director of the Office of Agriculture Research Programs-Environment, a Purdue Climate Change Research Center executive committee member and director of the Purdue Water Community and Indiana Water Resources Research Center.

Research that continues to grow

Turco has mentored 25 graduate students to the completion of advanced degrees and has taught more than 1,000 undergraduates across courses in soil science, microbiology and environmental processes. 

His research—spanning soil biology, biodegrading, soil quality, and chemical and subsurface material behaviors—has made significant impacts in the soil science community. “I’ve published extensively on soils and soil process, and some of those papers have been influential in advancing the field,” Turco explained.

Through this work, he has advanced scholars’ and researchers’ understanding of how microorganisms interact with their environments. His scholarship has been widely recognized, with more than 15,369 citations to date.

SSSA Fellow: Sylvie Brouder

Sylvie Brouder, director of both Purdue Center for Global Food Security and Purdue Water Quality Field Station (WQFS), the Wickersham Chair of Excellence in Agricultural Research and professor of agronomy, has also been named a 2025 SSSA Fellow in recognition of her research in plant nutrients and fertilizers, along with her dedication to extension and professional service.

As director of the WQFS, Brouder oversees all field and laboratory operations while managing long-term datasets on crop performance, soil and water quality and greenhouse gas emissions. Her appointment as the Wickersham Chair of Excellence in Agricultural Research in 2012 recognized her commitment to advancing crop and soil sciences to benefit Indiana communities. In 2022, she was appointed director of the Purdue Center for Global Food Security, where she leads campus-wide efforts in research, educational programming and initiatives related to food and nutritional security.

Fertilizing the future of soil science

“I’ve always studied nutrients and nutrient cycling in agricultural systems, and I’ve worked extensively on the science that underpins the recommendations provided to farmers and policymakers,” said Brouder. “Most of my research is aimed at understanding what happens to applied nutrients and the combined impacts on farmer profitability, as well as water and air quality.”

Her consistent and exemplary record of contributions to soil fertility and plant nutrition—reflected in more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and over 200 published abstracts in professional society proceedings—demonstrates her deep dedication to advancing the field.

In addition to her research, Brouder takes a collaborative, curricular approach to extension work, co-producing materials tailored to stakeholder needs and delivering seminars, workshops conferences and short courses. In the classroom, she teaches advanced undergraduate and graduate-level courses in plant nutrition, soil fertility, agroecosystems and research methodology, with materials designed to be immediately useful to practicing professionals. Throughout her career, she has listened carefully to students, stakeholders and colleagues to identify needs and create opportunities that move soil science across multiple industries.

Grounded in service

Brouder’s passion for service, advocacy and strengthening soil sciences has defined her career. A dedicated SSSA member for more than 38 years, she has held numerous leadership roles, including on the ACSESS Board of Directors and as ASA president. Her leadership was especially impactful during the COVID pandemic, when she collaborated closely with other ACSESS presidents to guide the professional societies through an unprecedented time.

“I joined all three science societies during the second year of my Ph.D. program and have remained a member since,” explained Brouder. “They play a key role in maintaining the standard of our discipline while providing forums for exchanging cutting-edge information and serving as visioning bodies that help identify research priorities we should focus on.

Beyond formal committee service, Brouder actively participates in advocacy events organized by the Science and Policy Office, bringing scientific expertise to conversations that shape agricultural policy. She has also organized multiple ACS special symposia focused on the challenges and benefits of Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable data—efforts that single-handedly reshaped the landscape of agricultural data sharing across both the public and private sectors.

In addition to receiving SSSA Fellow, Brouder has been awarded the ASA Distinguished Service Award.