New ASAS president says scientists should be “aggressive” about public outreach

A new plan for ASAS

Dr. Margaret Benson, the recently sworn-in president of the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), admits that traveling is “fun perk” of her job. She traveled to Mexico this spring and is planning trips to Norway and Argentina. Benson’s got quite the colorful passport.
But no matter where she travels for ASAS, Benson has an important goal: to get the story, the real, science-based story of animal science, out to the world.
“We have to be aggressive about getting a positive image of animal science out there,” Benson said. “I think that means interacting and talking with people in the public.”
Public outreach is a big focus for Benson, who started her term as president during the July ASAS and American Dairy Society Association Joint Annual Meeting this July. Benson wants animal science news and scientific discoveries to reach the ears of fellow scientists, industry stakeholders, and legislators.
“I think that’s going to be a big thing for us,” Benson said.
Benson’s plan seems even more important as federal funding for animal agriculture research wanes.

A lifetime of service

Anyone who knows Benson shouldn’t be surprised that she’s chosen to emphasize public outreach in animal science. Benson grew up around livestock on her family’s farm, and she’s been working with the public and ASAS members ever since she started graduate school at North Dakota State University.
“I’ve been involved and a member of Animal Science since my first days of graduate school,” she said. “I really think we’re an exciting organization to be a part of.”
After receiving her master’s from North Dakota State, Benson earned her PhD at the University of Kentucky. She first worked as a professor at Michigan State University, and she was given an Outstanding Young Teacher Award by ASAS in 1995. Then in 2000, Benson added an MBA to her already impressive CV. Benson credits ASAS with providing support during her career.
Today, Benson is a professor and department chair for the Department of Animal Science at Washington State University, where her research focuses on nutritional management of sheep and beef cattle. After serving as an ASAS Board of Directors member, Benson decided to run for president.
“To be a member of an organization, you have to do your part,” she said.

A call to fellow scientists

Benson encourages members to give feedback and submit their ideas for improvement in the organization.
“If our membership has ideas for new things they’d like us to try, we’re receptive to that,” Benson said.
She described several ways members can get involved. They can submit papers to the new Educators’ Toolbox or attend international meetings to learn about animal science in other countries. Benson is also a fan of Animal Frontiers, a new review magazine launched this summer by ASAS, the Canadian Society of Animal Science, and the European Federation of Animal Science.
“That’s an example where we need our experts to contribute,” Benson said.
By contributing to international publications, as well as educational materials and social media, Benson hopes animal science can reach more people.
“We’re broader than what traditional animal science included,” she said.

Media Contact:

Madeline McCurry-Schmidt
Scientific Communications Associate
American Society of Animal Science
Phone 217-239-3323 ext.121
Fax 217-398-4119
MadelineMS@assochq.org

The ASAS fosters the discovery, sharing and application of scientific knowledge concerning the responsible use of animals to enhance human life and well-being.

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Champaign, IL 61822
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This release was published on openPR.