WSU’s AgWeatherNet Enjoys New Leadership
Washington State University has a new leader for the school’s AgWeatherNet program.
WSU soil scientist David Brown is the program’s new director. Brown has been with WAZZU for nearly 12 year, and he has an extensive background in the study of soil and crop sensing. The school says his work helps people grow crops more sustainably while reserving natural resources. Brown began his new role on November 16th , replacing director Gary Grove, who stepped down November 1st.
A Fulbright Scholar, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, and Peace Corps high school teacher in Fiji, Brown earned his doctorate in soil science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
As incoming director, Brown will oversee all aspects of the 30-year-old AgWeatherNet, one of the largest and best automated agricultural weather station networks in North America. He also will enhance its use as a research tool for scientists and extension tool for faculty and industry.
“We are confident that our industry and research partners will benefit from David’s leadership skills,” said André-Denis Wright, dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS).
Brown adds considerable experience to AgWeatherNet in project and program leadership, agricultural research, data analytics and environmental sensing. He also has extensive knowledge of soil moisture sensors and distributed sensor networks.
“Thanks to increasing use of sensors and data science that help growers make decisions about their farms, we’re in the midst of a transformational change in agricultural production,” said Brown. “Working with WSU agricultural and environmental scientists, AgWeatherNet is well positioned to play a key role in this transformation for Washington producers.”
Wright thanked Grove for leading AgWeatherNet for the past three years.
“All of CAHNRS appreciates the time and dedication Gary has provided to this critical unit in advancing our service to the state’s agriculture industries and faculty research efforts,” he said.
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