Dr. Michael Barrett was awarded the Public Service Award at the annual meeting of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) in February. The Public Service Award is given annually to a WSSA member for accomplishments in advancing public understanding of the scientific principles of weed science (including but not limited to the study of weeds, their place in the environment, and the means by which they may be controlled and/or managed). The award is sponsored by Monsanto.

Dr. Barrett was recognized as the “Outstanding Young Weed Scientist” by the Weed Science Society of America in 1992 and received the “Outstanding Research Award” from the same organization in 2001. He is a Fellow of the Weed Science Society of America and North Central Weed Science Society. He served as President of the Weed Science Society of America in 2011–2012. He is currently serving in the role of Weed Science Subject Matter Expert to the EPA on behalf of the Weed Science Society of America. Currently research interests of Dr. Barrett include roadside and other non-crop vegetation management, development of a 2,4-D tolerant red clover variety, mode of action of the herbicide methiozolin, and the basis for atrazine tolerance in switchgrass. This work is supported by grants from the USDA and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.