Sonny Ramaswamy, an agricultural leader from Purdue University, became dean of the Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences in August. He directs the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station and succeeds long-time OSU dean Thayne Dutson, who retired from the position in 2008.
An entomologist, Ramaswamy has studied the reproductive biology of insects and plant-insect interactions, conducting applied research on insect pests affecting wheat, cotton, beans, other row crops and trees.
OSU’s nationally top-ranked programs support Oregon’s agricultural industries, which last year posted record sales of $4.9 billion. Overall economic activity is estimated at $25 billion annually from cattle, dairy, nursery crops, fruits and berries, wheat, grass seed and other sectors.
Ramaswamy is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Entomological Society of America.
Follow Sonny’s observations on his blog.
To support agricultural research at OSU, contact the Oregon State University Foundation.