• The California/Nevada Section of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers recently presented its "Engineer of the Year" Award to Ken Giles, an associate professor in the UC Davis biological and agricultural engineering department. Giles' research is directed toward pest control and protection of crops and products. The ASAE award acknowledges Giles' development of the Synchro Ag Spraying System, a technology he initiated with basic research and followed into the commercialization stage. • James Oltjen, a Cooperative Extension specialist in the UC Davis animal science department, was recently presented the 1997 Extension Award by the Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science. Oltjen is recognized as an international leader in applying mathematical models and computer techniques to farming and ranching. He stresses the need to integrate disciplinary knowledge, economic considerations and practical experience into research and extension programs. More university news and an experts directory: http://www-news.ucdavis.edu/PubComm/