Dr. Calvin G. Messersmith is Professor of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University (NDSU), where he has been involved in teaching and research since 1966. He developed the undergraduate weed science option, the introductory weed science course, and the internship program for crop and weed science majors at NDSU. Dr. Messersmith introduced many teaching innovations into his undergraduate courses, including development of autotutorial laboratories, lecture and laboratory manuals, permanent plant mounts embedded in plastic resin, and educational films. Dr. Messersmith serves as coordinator of the departmental undergraduate teaching program, advisor for about 20 undergraduate students annually and assists in career placement. Dr. Messersmith has served as major professor for seven Ph.D. and eight M.S. graduates.
Dr. Messersmith has specialized in perennial weed control, especially leafy spurge. He is coordinator of a multidisciplinary leafy spurge control project at NDSU that includes biological, chemical, cultural, and physical control. The project includes cooperating scientists from the Departments of Agricultural Economics, Animal and Range Sciences, Botany, Plant Sciences, Entomology, and Plant Pathology.
Dr. Messersmith served the North Central Weed Science Society (NCWSS) as Editor of the Research Reports for 8 yr and was on the board of directors for about 16 yr, including 1 yr as President in 1985. Prior to becoming the WSSA Vice President in 1995, he served on the WSSA board of directors for 3 yr and was the first Editor who designed and launched Weed Technology from 1985 to 1990. Dr. Messersmith has been honored as an NCWSS Honorary Member and WSSA Fellow.
Dr. Messersmith received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Nebraska and his Ph.D. degree from NDSU. He has received several awards for contributions to education, including the American Society of Agronomy CIBA-Geigy Award, the first NDSU-wide Odney Award for Excellence in Teaching, the FarmHouse Fraternity Master Builder of Men Award, the WSSA Outstanding Teacher Award, the Burlington Northern Foundation Faculty Achievement Award at NDSU, and the NACTA (National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture) Teaching Award of Merit.
