Dr. Jeffrey Arnold Named 2008 Distinguished Agricultural Alumni in
Purdue University’s Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering

West Lafayette, IN – March 21, 2008  – Purdue University’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering recognized Dr. Jeffrey Arnold as its 2008 Distinguished Agricultural Alumni.

The Distinguished Agricultural Alumni honor and title is given to select individuals in recognition of outstanding accomplishments and significant contributions to their profession and to society. One hundred fifty-two alumni from the College of Agriculture have received this distinction since the award program started in 1992.

Dr. Arnold earned a PhD degree from Purdue University’s Agricultural and Biological Engineering department in 1992 and is currently the Research Leader of the Grassland, Soil and Water Research Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Temple.

As a Purdue doctoral student, Dr. Arnold worked to develop the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT).  This public domain software is a river basin scale model used to quantify the impact of land management practices in complex watersheds.  

He has published over 235 articles and chapters and has reported at nearly 50 national and international meetings.  In the United States, his work plays a key role in USDA conservation policy and the Environmental Protection Agency’s environmental policy. His international reach is equally impressive with many scientists traveling from various countries to have the opportunity to work with him.