News Release Distributed 08/12/11
Cristina Sabliov, associate professor in the LSU AgCenter Department of Biological and Agriculture Engineering, has received the 2011 New Holland Young Researcher Award.
The award, which was presented Aug. 10 at the annual meeting of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers in Louisville, Ky., recognizes the use of scientific methodology to seek out facts or principles significant to the agricultural engineering profession. It is given to an individual under the age of 40.
Sabliov is the first woman to receive the award, which has been awarded since 1972 and is endowed by New Holland American Inc. of New Holland, Pa.
“It’s a great honor to be considered for this award, especially to be the first woman among a distinguished group,” Sabliov said.
Sabliov’s research uses nanotechnology to solve health and food issues. Her work includes building polymeric nanoparticles that help improve the body’s ability to fully utilize vitamins. She also conducts research on microwave extraction to retrieve antioxidants from plant materials.
Nanotechnology can be thought of as the design and synthesis of functional systems at the molecular level, where sizes are measured in nanometers – a billionth of a meter – she said.
Sabliov teaches courses on food and bioprocess engineering at LSU and serves as an advisor to graduate and undergraduate students.
“The award is a validation of the quality and significance of the work we are doing at the LSU AgCenter’s Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department,” Sabliov added.
Sabliov has been a member of the LSU AgCenter faculty for eight years and a member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers for five years.
Tobie Blanchard