Four faculty members in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture — S. Carolina Córdova, Javed Iqbal, Christian Stephenson and Guillermo Balboa — were recognized with faculty awards at the department’s faculty retreat on Sept. 25. The awards recognize faculty members for excellence in research, Extension and contributions that advance science, education and outreach.
Nominations for the awards were reviewed and selected by the Department Awards Committee, led by Amanda Folck, assistant Extension educator. Each awardee received a plaque and $500 professional development award.
Excellence in Extension Award
The 2026 Excellence in Extension Award was presented to S. Carolina Córdova, assistant professor and statewide soil health specialist.
Córdova was recognized for her significant contributions to the department’s Extension mission through impactful programming that has produced positive outcomes for stakeholders. The award recognizes her ability to translate research into practical, science-based solutions and recommendations while improving profitability and environmental outcomes.
Excellence in Research Award
The 2026 Excellence in Research Award was presented to Javed Iqbal, associate professor of agronomy and horticulture. This award recognizes a faculty member who significantly contributes to the department’s research mission through outstanding research programs.
Iqbal’s research interests include addressing soil nutrient management issues and their impact on water quality; evaluation and optimizing the profitable use of fertilizer producers and manure for sustainable agriculture with limited environmental impact; and developing cost-effective, efficient and site-specific nutrient management practices that increase farm profits while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient loss to groundwater.
Excellence in Teaching Award
The 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Christian Stephenson, assistant professor of practice. The award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and contributions to the department’s teaching mission.
Stephenson currently teaches PLAS: 133 – Horticultural Plant Sciences Library and PLAS 319 – Edible Landscapes.
Xtra Service Award
The 2026 Xtra Service Award was presented to Guillermo Balboa, research assistant professor. The award is presented to a faculty member that consistently “goes beyond the call of duty” when fulfilling their professional responsibilities.
Balboa’s area of expertise is plant physiology, weed and production systems, with a focus in cropping systems, nutrient management and digital agriculture. He is passionate about applying agronomic knowledge, soil science and crop production principles to investigate innovations in farming systems that can increase productivity, water and nutrient-se efficiency to achieve sustainability.
Learn more about the faculty awards here.
