Edelson named assistant director of statewide ag research organization

OAES accounts for approximately 40 percent of the university’s research and is one of two statewide agencies that are part of OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, along with the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

“We’re mandated by state and federal law to target issues and concerns of importance to Oklahoma,” said Clarence Watson, OAES associate director. “Jonathan is assuming a very key leadership role, not only for the organization but for Oklahomans in general.”

The OAES system is comprised of 17 research stations located across the state, with targeted research initiatives being conducted by more than 140 scientists and 25 multi-disciplinary teams.

“Jonathan brings a wealth of experience and an outstanding record of research accomplishments and leadership to the experiment station,” said Robert E. Whitson, vice president, dean and director of agricultural programs at OSU. “We are very pleased that he is joining our agricultural leadership team.”

As assistant director, Edelson will work closely with Watson and division administration to plan and develop statewide research programs, develop and manage state and federal grants and contracts, and work with state commodity groups, legislators, government agencies, community leaders and university officials to ensure OAES research thrusts are addressing issues of importance to Oklahoma.

Prior to accepting his new responsibilities, Edelson had been serving as head of the OSU department of entomology and plant pathology since October 2005. He also served as interim head of the department from October 2004 to September 2005, and as interim head of the department of biochemistry and molecular biology from February 2007 to July 2007.

Edelson served as director of the division’s Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Lane from 1989 to 1996 before transferring to Stillwater to concentrate on integrated pest management of horticultural crops.

He has garnered $4.3 million in extramural funding to support his research efforts and has served as a panel manager for the national USDA Pest Management Alternatives Program. His scientific publication record includes 61 refereed journals, 131 reviewed articles and 65 technical reports and lay journal articles.

“Jonathan has a positive style that unit administrators, faculty and staff appreciate, which has served him and the division well in his ability to build consensus among different individuals and groups,” Watson said. “Jonathan has great personal and professional integrity. People see that and respond to it.”

Prior to joining OSU, Edelson was a faculty member in the department of entomology at Texas A&M University from 1982-1988.

Edelson earned his doctoral and master’s degrees in entomology from Auburn University in 1982 and 1978, respectively, and his bachelor’s degree in fisheries and wildlife from the University of Missouri in 1975.

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REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Donald Stotts
News and Media Relations Manager
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143 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-4079
Fax: 405-744-5739
E-Mail: donald.stotts@okstate.edu

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