Two Alabama Extension specialists were recently recognized by the Poultry Science Association for their achievements in the field.  

Alabama Extension Specialists and Auburn University Associate Professors Dianna Bourassa and Wilmer Pacheco received some of the association’s highest honors. 

Bourassa received the Evonik Award for Achievement in Poultry Science, a mid-career award for researchers making significant innovations. Pacheco received the Phibro Extension Award for his internationally renowned Extension and outreach programming. He also received the National Chicken Council Broiler Research Award, recognizing researchers that deliver measurable economic benefits to the broiler industry. 

“Receiving this award is special to me,” Bourassa said. “Our teams work hard to conduct research that come as a need of our poultry integrators, who are part of every stage of production. For us, recognitions like this make us feel that our goals are being accomplished.” 

Advancing the Industry

The Poultry Science Association is professional organization made up of academics, Extension specialists, industry producers, researchers and students. The association supports the advancement of poultry science through research and ingenuity. 

“Through Auburn and Alabama Extension, we have built a strong team that is committed to serving the poultry industry,” Pacheco said. “To me, this Extension award recognizes the entire team and our students. They are the ones who make these projects possible and help us translate our work into meaningful impacts for the poultry industry and the communities we serve.” 

Through the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station and Alabama Extension, Bourassa and Pacheco use their research and Extension appointments to address challenges facing the poultry industry. While part of the same team, their research and Extension objectives target different priorities. 

Bourassa’s research focuses on food safety and processing interventions. She has contributed numerous publications and served as a collaborator on approximately $7 million in grant funding. Pacheco’s research and Extension focus on feed manufacturing, poultry nutrition and their effect on broiler production.  

She also dedicates her time and expertise to the association by serving on its food safety and planning committee.  

“Research comes from direct interactions with the poultry industry. I learn what their problems and concerns are, then I bring that back and design studies that address those challenges,” Bourassa said.  

Science-Backed Guidance

As members of the Alabama Extension poultry science team, their work extends beyond research. The U.S. Department of Agriculture uses Bourassa’s discoveries in food safety to conduct inspections to protect the health of consumers. This is a high-value form of outreach that safeguards food safety across the poultry supply chain.  

Pacheco worked as feed mill supervisor before beginning his career in higher education. This practical experience is instrumental in his current role, helping him develop applied research and Extension programs that address real-world challenges in feed manufacturing and poultry production. 

“We work closely with the U.S. Soybean Export Council, the U.S. Grain Council and other commodity groups to understand the challenges facing the poultry industry and identify practical solutions,” Pacheco said. “Feed makes up about 70% of production costs, so even small improvements in feed manufacturing and efficiency can have a meaningful economic impact for producers.” 

Together, Bourassa and Pacheco’s achievements reflect the leadership of Auburn University’s poultry science program. Through the land-grant mission, their research and Extension programs strengthen one of Alabama’s most important industries.