Sahlin Eminent Faculty Award

The university’s highest faculty honor

The Sahlin Eminent Faculty Award recognizes a scholar who has changed the thinking in his or her field through teaching, research, creative scholarship, and service. Each recipient has contributed notably to the vitality and strength of the Washington State University community for more than a decade.

One of the world’s leading plant scientists, Professor Browse used the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to identify and clone genes that control crop plants’ seed oil composition. That achievement enabled him to bioengineer plants to produce oils with increased levels of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. He discovered how plants use the hormone jasmonate to defend themselves against herbivores and pathogens, laying the foundation for research to produce pest-resistant crops.

In plant biology textbooks, characterizations of lipid metabolic pathways are based on Browse’s discoveries. Browse’s approach to studying lipid biochemistry—combining genetic analysis with detailed biochemical and physiological studies—has become a model for researchers worldwide.

Browse’s publications have been cited 25,000 times. He holds numerous patents. Growers have applied his research findings to solve agricultural problems. More than 70 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows have trained in his laboratory.

Previous recipients

2019                   K.W. Hipps, chemistry, materials science and engineering
2018                   Mark G. Kuzyk, physics and astronomy
2017                   Kelvin G. Lynn, mechanical and materials engineering
2016                   B.W. “Joe” Poovaiah, horticulture
2015                   John Reganold, crop and soil sciences
2014                   Ronald C. Mittelhammer, agricultural economics
2013                   Guy H. Palmer, global animal health
2012                   Michael J. Smerdon, molecular biosciences
2011                   Gregory W. Yasinitsky, music