2024 International Awards: Lisa Tiemann

Carl K. Eicher International Development Award

Published: Tuesday, 26 Mar 2024   Author: Jonathan Gibson

Lisa Tiemann is the 2024 recipient of the Carl K. Eicher International Development Award, which recognizes long-term, distinguished achievement in the promotion and advancement of international scholarship, teaching and public service.

Tiemann is currently an associate professor of soil biology, president of the Soil Ecology Society, a Fulbright Global Scholar, MSU Global Scholar, and an alumni of MSU's Academy of Global Engagement.

Tiemann's research has been conducted in a variety of cropping systems locally and globally to promote understanding of the basic principles of soil health and how soils can be sustainably managed to build healthy and resilient soils. She has worked in the Great Lakes Region, eastern Africa, and India. Her goal is to determine how to best help small-holder and resource poor farmers manage their soils to sustain the critical ecosystem services soils provide in support of food production for a rapidly growing human population.

Tiemann joined MSU in 2014 with a Ph.D in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Kansas. Prior to joining MSU, Tiemann worked at the University of New Hampshire as a postdoctoral research associate and as an NSF Science, Engineering and Education for Sustainability Fellow. Tiemann's research has been funded by the DOE, USDA, FEAR, NSF, the Alliance for African Partnerships (AAP) and multiple Michigan-based commodity groups.

Tiemann was nominated by Brian Horgan, professor and chairperson in Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences. “Her work not only honors the legacy of Professor Carl K. Eicher in international development but also sets a benchmark for excellence in sustainable food security and capacity building,” said Horgan.