Font Size

content body

Two Auburn University faculty members in the Department of Poultry Science were recently recognized by the Poultry Science Association for their achievements in research and Alabama Extension outreach.  

The Poultry Science Association awarded Dianna Bourassa and Wilmer Pacheco associate professors and Alabama Extension Specialists received some of the association’s highest honors.  

Bourassa received the Evonik Award for Achievement in Poultry Science, a mid-career award for researchers making significant strides in innovation in Poultry Science. Pacheco received the Phibro Extension Award for his internationally renowned Extension and outreach programming. He also received the National Chicken Council Broiler Research Award for research that delivers measurable economic benefits to the broiler industry. 

“Receiving this award is special to me,” Bourassa said. “Our teams work hard to conduct research that come as a need of our poultry integrators, who are part of every stage of production. For us, recognitions like this make us feel that our goals are being accomplished.” 

The Poultry Science Association is professional organization made up of academics, Extension specialists, industry producers, researchers and students. The association supports the advancement of poultry science through research and ingenuity. 

“Through Auburn and Alabama Extension, we have built a strong team that is committed to serving the poultry industry,” Pacheco said. “To me, this Extension award recognizes the entire team and our students. They are the ones who make these projects possible and help us translate our work into meaningful impacts for the poultry industry and the communities we serve.” 

Through the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station and Alabama Extension, Bourassa and Pacheco use their research and Extension appointments to address challenges facing the poultry industry. While they are part of the same team, their research and Extension objectives target different priorities. 

Bourassa’s research focuses on food safety and processing interventions. During her time in the Poultry Science Association, she has contributed numerous publications and secured and served as a collaborator on approximately $7 million in grant funding. Pacheco’s research and Extension focus on feed manufacturing, poultry nutrition and their effect on broiler production.  

As a member of the association's food safety and planning committee, Bourassa continues to dedicate her time and expertise to the Poultry Science Association.    

“Research comes from direct interactions with the poultry industry. I learn what their problems and concerns are, then bring that back and design studies that address those challenges,” Bourassa said.  

As members of the Alabama Extension poultry science team, their work extends beyond research. Bourassa’s discoveries in food safety are used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as they conduct inspections to protect the health of consumers. This is a high value form of outreach that safeguards food safety across the poultry supply chain.  

Before beginning his career in higher education, Pacheco worked as feed mill supervisor.  This practical experience has been instrumental in his current role, helping him develop applied research and Extension programs that address real-world challenges in feed manufacturing and poultry production. 

“We work closely with the U.S. Soybean Export Council, the U.S. Grain Council and other commodity groups to understand the challenges facing the poultry industry and identify practical solutions,” Pacheco said. “Feed makes up about 70% of production costs, so even small improvements in feed manufacturing and efficiency can have a meaningful economic impact for producers.” 

Together, Bourassa and Pacheco’s achievements reflect the leadership of Auburn University’s poultry science program. Through the land-grant mission, their research and Extension programs strengthen one of Alabama’s most important industries.