Two NDSU faculty members have been named a fellow for 2014 by their respective professional organizations.

Mohamed Mergoum, Richard C. Frohberg endowed professor of spring wheat breeding/genetics, was named fellow of the Crop Science Society of America. He was presented with the award at the society’s annual meeting in November.

The American Society of Agronomy named R. Jay Goos, professor of soil science, a fellow. It is the third year in a row the society has recognized an NDSU faculty member. Dave Franzen, professor and Extension Service soil science specialist, received the honor in 2013. Mergoum received the honor in 2012.

It is both organizations’ highest recognition. Up to 0.3 percent of the societies active and emeritus members may be elected fellow. Members of each society nominate worthy colleagues based on their professional achievements and meritorious service.

Mergoum is the spring wheat breeder at NDSU. His program focuses mainly on developing wheat cultivars/germplasm adapted to the U.S. North Central Plains. He has released 11 spring wheat cultivars in the last decade.

“We are among the leading research programs in wheat breeding and genetics and this award is a testimony that what we are doing at NDSU is well-recognized at national and international levels,” Mergoum said. “This should give an example and provide incentive for young scientists that you can achieve your goals if you work hard and persist on doing that no matter where and who you are.”

Goos joined NDSU in 1980, and his research involves soil fertility and plant nutrition. He is best known for his work with nitrogen fertilizer additives and iron deficiency chlorosis of soybeans. He has been honored for his teaching, and he currently teaches the course Introduction to Soil Science to about 200 students per year. Goos also is a popular speaker at educational meetings for farmers and agronomists.

“I am simply honored to be listed along with some of my most beloved professors that also were fellows of the society,” Goos said. “To be able to be named along with them is the greatest honor.”

Goos was named 1999 researcher of the year by the Fluid Fertilizer Foundation. Among his accolades, Goos received an Honorary Member Award from the National Fertilizer Solutions Association and the Crops and Soils Award from the American Society of Agronomy.

Mergoum earned a bachelor’s degree from IAV, Rabat, Morocco; master’s degree from the University of Minnesota; and a doctoral degree from Colorado State University.

Goos earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from South Dakota State University and a doctoral degree from Colorado State University.

Both have written or co-written numerous peer-reviewed articles and other publications.

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