PhD Student Maureen Kahiu Receives Third Place at the International Turfgrass Research Conference in Japan.
What drew you to the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT Knoxville, and/or the turfgrass program?
The highly successful and wonderful turfgrass faculty. They have great camaraderie, and when I saw that, I knew it would be a great environment to be in! Secondly, I liked that they had a well kept turfgrass research farm and equipment, with a professional (the great Bill Czekai) managing it.
What research did you present at the conference?
I presented on how fraise mowing can be used to control Poa Annua (a troublesome golf course weed) in putting green collars. The key takeaway was that it is a great tool in a golf course’s weed management program in light of increasing herbicide resistance. I was happy to take up this presentation because it addresses direct practitioner concerns—weed management, which I am quite interested in.
What led to you presenting at the conference? What was the process?
I had multiple presentations at this conference. But I ended up entering this paper into the competition because my advisor (whose paper it is) couldn’t make it to the conference. And I have always liked presenting applied science at research conferences.
How does it feel to have this work recognized on such a large stage in the field of turfgrass science and management?
This is Dr. Brosnan’s work, I was just the messenger. However, as someone who’s quite passionate about applied turfgrass science, I was excited to take it up and eventually to see the work getting recognition at the turfgrass world stage.
What were your main takeaways from presenting at the conference?
Due to its international nature, interactions with people from other nationalities remind you quickly that there are multiple angles to turfgrass management that you may not have considered.
How did this experience and/or the turfgrass program contribute to your professional goals?
The amount of networking opportunities that I’ve been afforded by being a part of the turfgrass program and the plant sciences department has been incredible.
Any faculty mentors you want to give a shoutout to?
Absolutely! My primary advisor, Dr. Brosnan has been key in growing my professional career. He has provided my labmates and me every possible opportunity for professional growth. Although not faculty, Greg Breeden, Extension specialist in plant sciences, was also a huge part of this work.
Anything else you would like to add?
Yes, I’d like to shout out the turfgrass faculty, including Dr. Brosnan, Dr. Sorochan, Dr. Horvath, and Dr. Bowling, for being committed to developing students to meet the modern turfgrass industry needs. Also, every member of the turfgrass team—staff, graduate, and undergraduate students.
