Leading the way in pesticide safety education

When it comes to cockroaches and other creepy-crawlies, our tendency is to take aim with the strongest and quickest chemicals available, or to call the pros in hopes they will unleash their extensive arsenal. Luckily for us, there are people like Dan Wixted working behind the scenes to ensure homeowners and professionals alike are also equipped with clear, concise and engaging information about how to apply pesticides safely and correctly.

Wixted ‘82, extension support specialist with Cornell’s Pesticide Safety Education Program since 2002, has been named an American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators (AAPSE) Fellow, the highest honor in his field.

Wixted (pictured, right, with AAPSE president Michael Weaver) was credited with being a gifted writer who has used his considerable talent and background in biology to revamp state and national training manuals, exams, brochures and other materials.

“Dan was an early leader who inspired many of his colleagues, including me, on the importance of quality educational materials, a feat that deserves significant recognition,” wrote one nominator from Nebraska.. “His efforts have impacted virtually all PSEP programs across the country.”

Wixted’s colleague, extension specialist Ron Gardner, was also recently honored with the Emmett R. Gauhn Memorial Award from the New York State Association for Food Protection. 

And alumna Joanne Kick-Raack '77 was named an Ohio Agriculture Woman of the Year, in recognition of her work as the state director for the Pesticide Safety Education Program at The Ohio State University Extension.