Sami Dridi, a poultry science professor and researcher with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, was recently elected second vice president of the Poultry Science Association board of directors.

Dridi is a professor of avian endocrinology and molecular genetics in the Poultry Science Department for the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. The experiment station is the research arm of the U of A System Division of Agriculture.

His current research focuses on defining and understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of heat stress responses and metabolic disorders in broilers.  

Dridi was first elected to the board in 2023.

"We are proud to welcome this outstanding group of professionals to PSA's leadership," said PSA Executive Director Andy Vance. "Their diverse expertise will guide our continued efforts to support poultry research, education and outreach."

The Poultry Science Association announced the newly elected members during its 114th PSA Annual Meeting held July 14-17 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The PSA board members also include: 

• President Douglas R. Korver, Ph.D., Alpine Poultry Nutrition Inc.

• First Vice President Lisa R. Bielke, Ph.D., North Carolina State University

• Secretary/Treasurer Gregory L. Engelke, M.S., P.A.S., Cornerstone Resources LLC

• At-Large Director José Otávio Sorbara, Ph.D., University of Georgia

• At-Large Director Anita Menconi, Ph.D., Evonik Corporation

• Director Alexandra "Ally" Jackson, Auburn University

PSA board members guide strategic initiatives, help make key financial decisions, organize international meetings and serve as liaisons to the association's many volunteer committees, Vance explained. Their leadership ensures the association continues to provide impactful programs and resources for the global poultry science community.

At last year's Poultry Science Association meeting, Dridi was recognized with the American Feed Industry Association Poultry Nutrition Research Award and the National Chicken Council Broiler Research Award. 

For more information on PSA leadership and initiatives, visit www.poultryscience.org.

To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website. Follow us on X at @ArkAgResearch, subscribe to the Food, Farms and Forests podcast and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.

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About the Poultry Science Association: The Poultry Science Association is a professional organization consisting of approximately 1,950 educators, scientists, extension specialists, industry researchers, administrators, producers, and college students who are committed to advancing the poultry industry. Since 1908, the Poultry Science Association has maintained a level of prestige that ranks it among the top professional organizations in the field. For over a century, PSA's member scientists have contributed through their research to the growth of the poultry industry and the development of safer and more nutritious food products for the consumer. Throughout this period, PSA has served - and it continues to serve - as the premier clearinghouse and publisher of basic and applied poultry research in the world. The application of research findings published in PSA's journals has been and remains a major contributor to the rapid growth and maturation of the meat and egg industries. In addition, poultry-related research has made substantial contributions to the overall understanding of human health and nutrition.

About the Division of Agriculture: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation's historic land grant education system. The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three system campuses. Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.