July 16, 2019
Lincoln, Neb. — The Nebraska National Guard presented Judy Wu-Smart, assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, with the Patriot Award at a ceremony on July 9 in Lincoln.
The Patriot award was created by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them have answered their nation’s call to serve.
"Dr. Wu-Smart is a model UNL faculty member who especially shines in her remarkable concern for others," said department head John Ruberson. "It is a privilege to have her in the department and at UNL. We are very proud of her and her care for our service members who sacrifice so much."
Wu-Smart serves as the director of the Nebraska Bee Lab. The lab pursues research questions and extension programs focused on better understanding various stressors for impacting pollinator health. There are currently four guard members working on Wu-Smart’s program team, and she has been very supportive of their participation in absences for training and other activities, accommodating their circumstances with positivity.
“I am truly honored to have received this award for my small contribution but really I’d like to recognize and thank the wonderful military staff and students that serve our country and who also dedicate such passion to their work and studies,” Wu-Smart said.
To learn more about Wu-Smart’s work with the Bee Lab, visit https://entomology.unl.edu/bee-lab.
Contact:John Ruberson
Department Head
Department of Entomology
402-472-8683
jruberson2@unl.edu