Alexandria, Virginia, USA
June 24, 2011

The American Seed Trade Association recognized Paul Zankowski of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Plant Variety Protection Office (PVP) with its Distinguished Service Award June 20 at its 128th Annual Convention, held in Huntington Beach, California.

ASTA's Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the association and the seed industry.

Zankowski has been involved in plant biotechnology and the seed industry for the past 22 years. He received his bachelors degree in biology from Penn State University and his masters and doctorate degrees in plant physiology from the University of California, Davis. Zankowski conducted post-doctoral work in plant bioengineering at the ARCO Plant Cell Research Institute and Advanced Genetic Sciences.

Later, he joined the biotechnology team at Harris Moran Seed Company in 1988 where he held the positions of cell biologist, associate director of science & technology, biotechnology manager, vice president of research and director of biotechnology.

In 2001, Zankowski was appointed the commissioner of USDA's Plant Variety Protection Office. Since then his efforts have provided tremendous support for the seed industry.
 

Website: http://www.amseed.org

Published: June 24, 2011