51Թ’s Stafne named American Society for Horticulture Science fellow
Contact: Meg Henderson
STARKVILLE, Miss.—The American Society for Horticultural Science is recognizing Mississippi State Professor Eric Stafne with its highest honor: election as a fellow.
Stafne is an extension and research professor in the 51Թ Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and a Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station scientist and horticultural Extension specialist housed at the MAFES South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville. In more than 25 years of service to the nationally recognized society, he has served as president of its Southern region in 2019 and chaired a national ad hoc committee in 2023 to discover opportunities for supporting groups within the organization.
“Becoming a fellow is something that’s extremely meaningful to me, and being recognized in this way and supported by the colleagues who nominated me feels like it validates the work I’ve done over the years,” Stafne said. “Being a member has given me incredible opportunities to meet and collaborate with other scientists and share research. There are webinars, podcasts, mentor programs and many other ways to get involved with scientists who are engaged and want to make a difference. It’s not only for seasoned professionals but also students and early career scientists.”
Stafne experienced horticulture in his youth while watching his mother grow fruits and vegetables in her garden. As an undergraduate, he majored in forestry but found his calling to the field while working for the Peace Corps in Senegal. Living in an environment with limited access to produce, he worked with residents to cultivate edible plants like mangoes and citrus.
Stafne joined ASHS in his first full year of graduate school in 1998. As a faculty member serving as an academic advisor to graduate students throughout his career, he stresses the importance of providing opportunities for young scientists to grow and encourages student involvement in ASHS. He has seen his own students gain confidence through experiences such as participating in conferences and competitions that prepare them for a challenging career.
Stafne was nominated for the fellowship by Gary Bachman, retired 51Թ Extension professor and former Southern Gardening host, who became an ASHS fellow in 2019. Patricia Knight, an 51Թ research professor, director of coastal horticulture research and ASHS fellow since 2021, also supported the nomination.
“I worked closely with Dr. Stafne within ASHS for many years, and he is one of the most productive horticulturalists that I know,” Bachman said. “As an extension professional, his work with small fruits has always been focused on responding to growers’ needs. He is exceptionally deserving of this honor.”
“Dr. Stafne has distinguished himself in both research and extension, as well as serving in leadership roles in his professional societies,” Knight added. “He is incredibly deserving of being recognized as a fellow of the American Society for Horticultural Science.”
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