Gregory Evanylo receives Rufus Chaney Award from United States Composting Council

Gregory Evanylo, professor and Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist in the Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, received the 2010 Rufus Chaney Award from the United States Composting Council (USCC).

He was formally presented with the honor during the USCC annual conference in Orlando, Fla.

The USCC is the leading composting and compost industry organization in the world and is involved in research, training, public education, development of composting standards, expansion of compost markets, and enlisting public support. The Rufus Chaney Award is presented annually to an individual who has displayed excellence in compost research over a period of at least 10 years and whose research findings have significantly impacted the composting industry and/or end users of compost. Evanylo was honored for his research and Extension activities that study the benefits of composting and the impacts of compost use on soil and water quality.

Evanylo's research and Extension work focuses on nutrient management, applications' effects on soil and water quality, and reduction of runoff to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Over the course of his career, Evanylo received numerous honors, including the Mid-Atlantic Water Program Les Lanyon Leadership Award, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Certificate of Recognition, and the Virginia Tech Alumni Award for Excellence in Extension.

Evanylo earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut and his master's degree from the University of Massachusetts; he went on to receive a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.

Written by Liz Guinn, communications assistant in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.