Dr. Kenton Sena, IPSS alum, was recently selected for the 2020 Outstanding Paper in the Forage and Grazinglands Section for Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management (CFTM) for his article entitled "Switchgrass Growth and Forage Quality Trends Provide Insight for Management." Dr. Sena recognizes the assistance of co-authors Dr. S. Ray Smith, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, as well as the critical assistance from David Davis, IPSS alum, and Dr. Ben Goff, former Faculty with the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. Dr. Sena conducted this research as part of his undergraduate senior research project with Dr. Smith's research program.

Dr. Kenton Sena is currently a Lecturer in the Lewis Honors College at the University of Kentucky. He earned a B.A. in biology (with a minor in literature) from Asbury University, and M.S. in Forestry from the University of Kentucky. His thesis research focused on forest restoration on reclaimed surface mines in Appalachia. He received his Ph.D. in Integrated Plant and Soil Science (Forest Science emphasis) from the University of Kentucky, focusing on improving methods for detection and characterizing the distribution of a nonnative pathogen (Phytophthora cinnamomi) that causes disease in American chestnut. He has published papers in journals such as Forests, Ecological Restoration, Science of the Total Environment, and Forest Ecology and Management. His teaching and research interests include forest restoration ecology, environmental science, and literature of the environment. He enjoys wildflower photography, hiking, backpacking, and spending time with family and friends.

After careful consideration by the CFTM Editorial Board, Dr. Sena's article was selected based on how it has advanced knowledge in the profession, the effectiveness of communication, methodology, originality, and impact. His article appeared in CSA News magazine (January 2021 issue).

This award was announced on the journal's twitter site and the Societies' twitter site. Due to the 2020 Annual Meeting being virtual, Dr. Sena's award was announced online, and additional recognition will take place in 2021 at the annual meeting in Salt Lake City.