Two College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences faculty members, Associate Professor Seeta Sistla and Professor Federico Casassa, were honored at the university’s Fall Conference event in September. 

Sistla, who teaches in the Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department, was recognized as a distinguished scholar for her work as an emerging national leader in soil science. Since joining Cal Poly, she has brought in more than $1 million in grants funded by the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the California Department of Food and Agriculture supporting diverse research projects that include investigating the ecological consequences of plastics in agriculture, solar array development in rangelands and arctic global change.

Casassa, who teaches in the Wine and Viticulture Department, was recognized with the provost’s leadership award for partnership in philanthropy. Casassa has been an integral part of advancement efforts for the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture and the department’s research program. Casassa’s research has brought leading winemakers from the area to the college and he has hosted numerous industry advisory council members and other potential donors and supporters for immersive wine experiences in the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture.