Avila awarded Outstanding Scientist for Brazilian Weed Science Society
Luis De Avila (center) accepts the Outstanding Scientist Award from the Brazilian Weed Science Society.
A Mississippi State University associate professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Dr. Glover B. Triplett Endowed Chair of Weed Science was recently honored by a weed science organization in South America.
Luis De Avila, a scientist with the university’s Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, or MAFES, recently received the Outstanding Scientist Award from the Brazilian Weed Science Society, or BWSS, for his contribution to the field.
Avila has been a part of the society for nearly 30 years, serving in its Congress and as its vice president from 2018-2022. As vice president, Avila took leadership over the journals and publications of the society. He led the congressmen of the society during that time and worked alongside fellow weed science professionals to grow the organization and advance the field.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award which is based on my contributions to weed science within the BWSS. This organization has provided a platform for me to grow alongside amazing colleagues. I do not take that for granted and I do my best to offer the same opportunity to others -- the students,” said Avila.
Avila grew up in southern Brazil on a small family farm, where he was immersed in agricultural practices from a young age. Regularly hand-pulling weeds alongside his father sparked an interest in finding more efficient methods of weed control. The early exposure of the challenges of farming motivated him to discover better weed management solutions. Today, Avila continuously builds on this foundation, dedicating his research to developing best practices of weed management for farmers.
Avila developed a passion for teaching and mentoring students. Having been at MSU for a year and a half now, he expressed that he has never felt more fulfilled in his career than he does at this university.
“It is a joy to interact with students and help them think outside the box at the endless possibilities in front of them. I want to help them accomplish something meaningful in their time here. I have been successful throughout my career, but I have never felt more successful than I do at MSU, leading students and conducting research. It’s an amazing environment surrounded by people who really care,” he expressed.
For more information on the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, visit www.pss.msstate.edu. For more on the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, visit www.mafes.msstate.edu.
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Erin Buckley | Agriculture and Natural Resources Marketing
