OLDS — An Olds College plant science instructor has received an award for her leadership and research on grasslands and forages.
Christine Fulkerth received the 2021 Alberta Forage Industry Network (AFIN) leadership award.
Fulkerth, a professional agrologist and former chair of the AFIN, has been a plant science instructor at Olds College since 2001.
The award goes to people that the AFIN believes have exemplified or enhanced that organization’s goals and whose leadership has gained national or provincial significance.
It recognizes people who have “provided initiative and direction in the areas of management practices, research, extension or promotion of the economic and/or environmental benefits of the forage industry (native rangeland, seeded pasture or hayland) in the province of Alberta," a news release says.
“Christine has gained respect from all AFIN members for her leadership style and was selected unanimously for the award by the board members. She is held in high esteem by her students and has been a mentor to many over the years,” the release says.
Fulkerth has a bachelor of science degree in biology from the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta, a master’s degree in plant science from the University of Alberta and a diploma in integrated pest management from Olds College.
“With these credentials, Chris is a very competent and multi skilled agrologist, serving as an excellent mentor to her students,” the release adds.
During an interview, Fulkerth said she was surprised -- but pleased -- to receive the award.
“I guess it’s a recognition of that work that I’ve put in,” she said, noting she teaches four courses at Olds College and has been on the AFIN board since 2011.
“It’s also nice to feel that you’ve got some influence on that in the field, so it’s kind of a good thing that way, of course. It’s coming from a really good group. It’s a forage industry network, so another real positive of it is it’s been the opportunity to meet some key players in the industry and made some great connections that way.”
Fulkerth noted that a couple of her former students now sit on the AFIN board.
She said although teaching students during the COVID-19 pandemic created some challenges, there were opportunities too.
“We were fortunate enough that we were able to take students out to some of the new properties that the college has been gifted in the last few years to do some grassland health assessments and things like that,” she said.
