His name is Jim Frank, but you may know him by another moniker: The Good Science Guy. It's a title connected to an educational initiative from Syngenta Crop Protection that is to join good agricultural practices with good ol' science.
Dr. Frank has been tagged to help start The Good Science Guys initiative, which "is a way for Syngenta ambassadors to reach a larger audience on the importance of solid, science-based agricultural practices," according to the company.
"Speaking at industry events, including grower meetings, tradeshows and field tours, the Good Science Guys platform is the beginning of a larger initiative that will help growers make better decisions."
Frank "is recognized industry-wide for his speaking and teaching ability, his extensive knowledge of agriculture and his fun personality," according to Syngenta. "Because of his extensive background, Frank is highly qualified to speak on a variety of topics."
He was on hand at the Potato Expo 2009 in San Antonio, Texas, in January, and has been commissioned to spread education by way of shows, school presentations and other events across the country.
"We are excited to have someone as knowledgeable and dynamic as Jim Frank partner with us in our commitment to education. The Good Science Guys initiative is about teaching everyone how science plays a part in day-to-day decisions on the farm," said Mary DeMers, horticulture communications manager for Syngenta Crop Protection.
"As a part of this initiative, Frank represents a commitment to education and acts as an advocate for good farming practices."
Frank holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois and worked for the USDA before and after completing his doctoral degree. He has worked at Pennsylvania State University and was a senior plant pathologist for Syngenta, which at the time was ICI Americas/Zeneca.
In one of his positions with the USDA, he worked at the University of Maine where he had part in the development of the Atlantic and BelRus varieties. Frank also has experience with glycoalkaloids and Rhizoctonia.
He has extensive experience with azoxystrobin, a product Syngenta calls "the first systemic strobilurin fungicide." He was also on the North American Fungicide Resistance Action Committee for strobilurins and served as the committee's chairman.
"Frank's education and experience has given him extensive knowledge of the industry and the ability to speak with expertise on many agricultural practices," according to Syngenta.
"He understands the important role that both academia and crop science play in agriculture, and his experience working with students has made him extremely passionate about education."
Visit www.farmassist.com or www.syngentacropprotection.com. Call the Syngenta Customer Center at 866-796-4368.