Horticulture professor wins ASHS Early Career Competition

Sushan Ru, assistant professor of horticulture, won first place in the Early Career Competition at the American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference Sept. 23-27. ASHS is globally recognized as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists.

Winners of the Early Career Award are recognized for exceptional contributions to horticultural science within seven years of completing their final academic degree prior to their employment.

Ru won for her work establishing the first small-fruit breeding program in Alabama. Her research focuses particularly on the improvement of blueberry crops for better frost tolerance, disease resistance and fruit quality. She has been on faculty at Auburn University since 2021. 

With thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents scientists as well as industry professionals, extension agents, students, government and more.

Also at the ASHS 2024 conference, Amy Wright, associate dean for instruction, was named a fellow of the society.