This column offers a sampling of honors recently awarded to UC Davis faculty, staff and units:

Veterinary dermatologist Peter Ihrke recently received the Hill’s Excellence in Veterinary Healthcare Award from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Ihrke is a professor of dermatology in the School of Veterinary Medicine and chief of the dermatology service in UC Davis’ William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. The honor, sponsored annually by Hill’s pet food company, recognizes efforts to promote companion animal healthcare and the family-pet-veterinary bond, as well as leading-edge research.

Chemical ecologist Walter Leal, a professor of entomology who is internationally known for his pioneering and innovative work in insect communication, was recently selected as a fellow of the Entomological Society of America. Leal’s research has focused on the identification of complex chemical signals, or pheromones, of major pest species and the role that pheromones play in insect behavior. His work has helped to explain how insects detect host and nonhost plants, and how insect parasites detect their prey.

Dan Anderson, a professor of wildlife biology, recently was tapped for the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Pacific Seabird Group. The organization also selected UC Davis researcher Frank Gress for a Special Achievement Award. Both scientists have conducted extensive rsearch on the California brown pelican, among other seabirds.

Pamela Tom, director of the Seafood Network Information Center, which is part of the Sea Grant Extension Program, received a Professional Achievement Award from the Chinese Association of Food Scientists. The award recognizes members for “outstanding contributions to the field of food science and engineering, related to teaching, research, extension, administration, or leadership in the food industry.”