March 26, 2021

SEC Announces Dr. Peggy Ozias-Akins Wins 2021 Faculty Achievement Award for University of Georgia

By: SEC Staff
SECU (Twitter: @TheSECU)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (March 26, 2021) – Dr. Peggy Ozias-Akins, Distinguished Research Professor of Horticulture in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, has been named winner of the 2021 SEC Faculty Achievement Award for the University of Georgia, the SEC announced on Friday.

A molecular geneticist, Dr. Ozias-Akins’ research focuses on self-reproducing hybrids and peanut improvement using genetic techniques, two broad areas that have tremendous promise for the sustainability and security of the global food supply. She holds three patents and has received nearly $12 million in funding from entities such as the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Ozias-Akins is widely recognized internationally, and she has delivered invited presentations in numerous countries, including Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Italy, and the Philippines, among others.

“Dr. Ozias-Akins is a global leader in plant science, genetics and biotechnology and an innovative instructor and dedicated mentor at the University of Georgia,” said Dr. S. Jack Hu, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Georgia. “It is impossible to overstate the reach and importance of her life’s work, and by every measure she is an extraordinarily influential and engaged scholar.”

To receive an SEC achievement award the faculty member must have achieved the rank of full professor; have a record of extraordinary teaching, particularly at the undergraduate level; and have a record of research that is recognized nationally and/or internationally. University winners will receive a $5,000 honorarium from the SEC and will become their campus nominee for the SEC Professor of the Year Award, which will be announced in April.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Peggy Ozias-Akins.