Takeaways
- Yangxuan Liu recognized for early career excellence: The UGA Cooperative Extension economist received the 2025 AAEA Distinguished Extension/Outreach Program Award for professionals with less than 10 years of experience.
- Liu hopes this will encourage women in her field: She has found that agriculture and Extension can be a challenging field for women from other countries to break into, and she hopes this award will help illuminate their value.
- Liu won the award alongside her Ph.D. advisor: Liu’s doctoral advisor, Michael Langemeier of Purdue University, won the award for individuals with over 10 years of experience.
Yangxuan Liu, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics in the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, received the 2025 Distinguished Extension/Outreach Program Award – Less than 10 Years Experience from the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) in late July.
The award honors individuals displaying professional excellence in Extension and outreach, helping reach farmers and innovate their practices.
Liu, an economist for UGA Cooperative Extension, studies alternative farming practices and emerging technologies that empower farmers to make the most informed decisions possible with their cotton and peanut crops.
Making meaningful strides
The honor was meaningful to Liu, who recognizes the hurdles women, especially those from other parts of the world, face in agriculture and Extension.
“It is a symbol of what is possible when talent, dedication and perseverance meet opportunity,” Liu said. “It demonstrates that women can excel in Extension work, and that individuals with international backgrounds are welcomed, valued and capable of making meaningful contributions to the agricultural community.”
Collective recognition
Liu had the opportunity to win this award alongside her doctoral advisor, Michael Langemeier of Purdue University. Langemeier received the Distinguished Extension/Outreach Program Award – More than 10 Years Experience.
Winning this award alongside her adviser emphasized the importance of mentorship and how guiding the next generation is a big part of what drives her and her colleagues in their work.
“It is a reminder of the duty I carry as an educator,” she said, “and the importance of passing this spirit forward.”
Liu received the award at the AAEA Awards and Fellows Recognition Ceremony, held in Denver, Colorado. These awards are presented to members of the organization each year by the AAEA at its annual meeting.
