Our Three Winners
N.C. PSI staff members score awards for their work on behalf of team agriculture, with Sarah Dinger and Jie Pacelli honored by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Lauren Maynard by NC State Research and Innovation.
The N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative began with grand ambitions — to become a world-class interdisciplinary plant sciences hub for addressing some of the world’s biggest challenges. Three staff members have been recognized this spring for their above-and-beyond work to make that lofty goal a reality.
Research Operations Manager Jie Pacelli and Education and Extension Outreach Program Manager Sarah Dinger were honored at the April 22 NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Celebration of Excellence, while Project Launch Director Lauren Maynard received word that she’d won the Pride of the Wolfpack Award.
Jie, Sarah and Lauren are all true champions for interdisciplinary plant sciences research and education, and their work is helping make the world a better place.
“Jie, Sarah and Lauren are all true champions for interdisciplinary plant sciences research and education, and their work is helping make the world a better place,” said N.C. PSI Executive Director Adrian Percy. “Each of them is driving our success through their innovative, people-centered approaches,
“Their work has played a valuable role in making it possible for researchers, educators, students and our industry and government partners to achieve the greatest impact possible,” he added. “I’m proud of what they’ve accomplished and feel privileged to work alongside them.”
Read on to learn more about our three winners and how they are helping transform agricultural research and education in North Carolina and beyond.
MEET OUR AWARD-WINNING STAFF
Pacelli Honored for Efforts To Ensure Wise Resource Use for World-Class Research
For helping ensure wise stewardship in the NC State’s Plant Sciences Building, Jie Pacelli earned the 2026 CALS Value Award. She is the N.C. PSI’s research operations manager.
Dinger Creates Spirited Communities for Ag Innovation and Education
Sarah Dinger’s infectious positivity invites connections among students, Extension agents and researchers, making a difference for them and for agriculture.
Maynard Wins Pride of the Wolfpack Award
Recent Pride of the Wolfpack Award winner Lauren Maynard positions interdisciplinary teams for success in tackling a range of challenges affecting agriculture and other sectors.
