Mark Hanna has worked to embed safety messaging into all aspects of agriculture, but especially related to machinery. An agricultural engineer by training, he holds a BS, MS and PhD from Iowa State University. As a researcher, he applies his engineering skills to improve both economic efficiencies for farmers and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. His research topics include reducing off-target chemical drift and improving precision nutrient application to reduce input costs and negative environmental consequences associated with overuse. He has also examined ways to improve fuel efficiencies and alternative tilling strategies to increase producer profits while preserving non-renewable resources.
He has won numerous awards during his long career at ISU Extension. These include:
Outstanding Achievement in Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Iowa State University
ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers) Engineer of the Year Award
ASABE Rainbird Engineering Concept of the Year Award
ASABE Iowa Section Engineer of the Year Award
Mission Award for Extension from Gamma Sigma Delta