World-renowned scientist Gebisa Ejeta will receive one of Purdue’s highest honors

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Gebisa Ejeta, who recently received one of the highest scientific honors awarded in the United States, the National Medal of Science, will be honored by Purdue University on Monday.

Ejeta was recognized for his contributions to the science of plant genetics for developing strains of sorghum that can withstand droughts and parasites. His work has played an instrumental role in feeding millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa.

Purdue University President Mung Chiang will present Ejeta one of Purdue’s highest honors, the Presidential Fellow for Food Security and Sustainable Global Development and Distinguished Professor of Agronomy, the Order of the Griffin.

“The Order of the Griffin recognizes outstanding service to Purdue by men and women whose commitment has gone beyond the call of duty and greatly benefited the university” states the news release.

Chaing will present this honor at Purdue's “Transforming African Food Systems in the 21st Century” program, which will be held at 3 p.m. in Stewart Center, Room 218. After the program, Purdue will host a reception at 5 p.m. and both will be open to the public.

“His story is one of perseverance and resilience — a role model for all Boilermakers," Chiang said in the news release. "He came to America from a small rural community in west-central Ethiopia to study at Purdue, earning his master’s degree and Ph.D. in plant breeding and genetics. Joining our faculty in the College of Agriculture, he became a pioneering researcher in food security, a World Food Prize and a National Medal of Science recipient as one of the world’s most impactful geneticists.

“He is emblematic of what the Order of the Griffin signifies, and I am delighted to present him with our university’s highest honor.”

Following the presentation, two speakers selected by Ejeta will address the gathering: William Masters, professor of food economics and policy at Tufts University, and Jocelyn Brown Hall, director, of the Liaison Office for North American Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

“Gebisa Ejeta has made extraordinary contributions to our college, university, country and world as a plant geneticist, educator and advocate dedicated to addressing issues impacting global food security,” said Bernie Engel, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture.

Last year, Ejeta was invited to the White House and received the National Medal of Science from President Joe Biden. The award acknowledged Ejeta's scientific development of strains of sorghum that have potentially fed millions around the world.

Ejeta's scientific accomplishments have altered the lives of millions of people around the world, as sorghum is the fifth most-produced grain globally and plays an important role in food security in some of the poorest parts of the world.

In 2009, his research earned him the 2009 World Food Prize as well as the recognition of his home country when he was awarded Ethiopia’s National Hero Award, Ethiopia’s highest honor.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Gebisa Ejeta will receive one of Purdue University’s highest honors