Belated congratulations are now extended to Dr. Carlos Crisosto for receiving the UCCE 2019/2020 Outstanding Research Distinguished Service Award. This honor was announced in late June and recognizes outstanding accomplishments by UCCE academics over a significant period of time for: academic excellence; innovative methods of obtaining new knowledge; the impact of research on clientele and the level of adoption; and the incorporation of research into extension programs.
The following remarks were made by The Academic Assembly Council Distinguished Service Award Committee:
The committee recommends Carlos Crisosto for the Outstanding Research Award. Dr. Crisosto, Postharvest Physiology Extension Specialist, has demonstrated an exceptional research program with impacts on both the California food industry and consumers through his work on postharvest handling of tree fruits and nuts. His work has had a high impact on food loss reduction, improvement of fruit quality and safety, and expansion of markets for California agriculture. Highlights of Dr. Crisosto's work include his incorporation of consumer perceptions into the measurement of fruit quality, collaborative development and implementation of protocols for fruit ripening, transportation, and retail handling, and research into consumer perceptions of different cultivars. His outstanding research has been coupled with an outreach and education program that included extension through site visits, in person workshops, short courses, manuals, popular articles, websites and collaboration. In addition to his academic successes, Dr. Crisosto was awarded the Industry Distinguished Service & Achievement Award by the California fig industry in recognition of supporting cultivar development, improving marketing and utilization of dried and fresh figs over his career. The success of Dr. Crisosto's program is a testament to the outstanding work in applied research that can be accomplished through UC ANR.
Carlos is joining other members of the UC KAC/KARE community who have received Distinguished Service Awards from UCCE: 2011 Outstanding Extension – Walt Bentley, area IPM advisor and 2016 Outstanding Leader - Peter Goodell, UC Cooperative Extension IPM advisor.
For over 30 years, Carlos has been a UC Davis, California State-Wide Pomology Postharvest Specialist in charge of fresh fruit and nuts. Previously he worked as an Assistant Pomology Professor at the Universidad Católica de Chile, working with deciduous fruit. We still see Carlos at the Kearney postharvest building working with grad students and the local industry to develop methods for optimum preservation of stone fruit after harvest. Over the years, Carlos has made full use of the amenities at Kearney for his applied research. Research amenities include 21 walk-cold rooms, gas exchange board for manipulating storage atmosphere, ample office space and lab benches, personnel devoted to facilitating research and a cohesive network of colleagues to engage and collaborate with.
Congratulations, Carlos, and thank you for all your hard work and mentoring.
