Professor Sarge Bilgili receives 2015 Charles Beard Award

From left: Charles Beard, former director of the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory and retired vice president of research at USPOULTRY and Sarge Bilgili, professor and head of the Department of Population Health at the University of Georgia. 
USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation recognized Sacit “Sarge” F. Bilgili, professor of poultry science at Auburn University, as the 2015 recipient of the Charles Beard Research Excellence Award during the International Poultry Scientific Forum, held in conjunction with the International Production& Processing Expo.
The USPOULTRY Foundation Research Advisory Committee selected Bilgili based on his exceptional research to enhance efficiency and product quality in the broiler industry. During the course of his research, Bilgili and his colleagues have received numerous research grants from USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation to investigate methods to improve the quality and safety of broiler products and improve poultry production methods. Bilgili has an impressive record of communicating his research findings to the broiler industry and assisting in implementing innovations.
The award is named in honor of Charles Beard, former director of the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory and retired vice president of research at USPOULTRY.
“The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has been very supportive of our research program over the years, and I am extremely grateful for this support. Dr. Beard’s research career is impressive, and I am pleased to receive this award that bears his name,” said Bilgili. 
Bilgili received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ankara University in Turkey, his Master of Science from Oregon State University and Ph.D. from Auburn University. Bilgili joined the Department of Poultry Science at Auburn University in 1985 as an assistant professor and extension poultry processing specialist, later attaining the ranks of associate professor (1991) and professor (1996). His scholarly work bridges live production and processing phases of the broiler industry.
“Dr. Bilgili’s research program is a great example of how USPOULTRY research funds can be directed toward important, applied research to find solutions to current problems faced by the poultry industry. The quality of Dr. Bilgili’s research is outstanding, and the results have been used by the broiler industry to make improvements in several areas, including product quality, food safety and broiler production,” said John Glisson, vice president for research programs for USPOULTRY.
The goal of the Charles Beard Research Excellence Award is to recognize outstanding completed research projects, funded by USPOULTRY or the USPOULTRY Foundation, which have made a significant positive impact on the poultry industry. As the recipient of the award, Bilgili received a $1,500 cash prize.