Alison Van Eenennaam, a Cooperative Extension Specialist in animal genomics and biotechnology at UC Davis, recently received the 2010 National Award for Excellence in Extension during the annual meeting of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.

The association presents the award annually to an individual whose extension efforts have demonstrated “high-impact programming, visionary leadership and anticipation of emerging issues.” Agricultural extension professionals work to transmit scientific information to the public, so that farmers, ranchers, processors and consumers can put it into practical use.

Van Eenennaam’s extension program in UC Davis’ Department of Animal Science is focused on developing science-based educational materials about animal genomics and livestock biotechnology. She has developed a well-funded animal biotechnology research program and an internationally recognized outreach program. More information about her program is available at http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/faculty/vaneenennaam/.

She works closely with the beef cattle industry and has developed a range of educational programs for livestock producers on topics ranging from animal cloning to DNA- and genome-based genetic selection methods. She also serves as the extension representative on the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium Industry Council.

In an effort to increase public understanding of agricultural biotechnology, she uses a variety of media including YouTube videos, and provides science-based commentary on controversial topics including genetically engineered animals. She recently served as a member of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee, charged with considering the safety and effectiveness of the AquAdvantage Salmon. This salmon, which grows faster than conventionally bred Atlantic salmon, is the first genetically engineered animal intended for food purposes to go through the U.S. regulatory process.

Van Eenennaam, who has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and master’s and doctoral degrees from UC Davis, received the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Outstanding New Professional Distinguished Service Award and the UC Davis Academic Federation Award for Excellence in Research in 2009, and the 2010 American Society of Animal Science Western Section Extension Award.