2025 GLENN DOWNING AWARD

Dr. Travis Esau is a Professor at the Department of Engineering in the Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University. Dr. Esau is a Licensed Professional Engineer and a Professional Agrologist, and currently the president of the CSABE/SCGAB. Dr. Esau is a mechanical engineer specializing in machine systems and automation engineering, focusing on agricultural mechanized systems, digital agriculture, precision agriculture, remote sensing, agricultural drones, automation of farming operations and data-driven decision analysis for complex agricultural and biological systems. Traditional agricultural farming is not sustainable and requires new engineering advancements to remain competitive in local and global markets. His mechanized systems research increases farm efficiency and uses environmental resources more effectively. His research team is comprised of Postdocs, PhD and MSc students, research staff and undergraduate students. He has published over 75 peer-reviewed journal publications and actively participates in international conferences and regional farmer field day events. Dr. Esau teaches undergraduate courses, including engineering design, vector mechanics, technology for precision agriculture, and agricultural machinery and building technology courses. Dr. Esau has received several awards from Dalhousie University, including the Engineering Society Faculty Momentum Award, Award, Early Career Research Excellence Award, and Early Career Teaching Excellence Award. Additionally, he has received the Outstanding Young Agrologist Award from the NS Institute of Agrologists and the Young Engineer of the Year Award from the CSABE/SCGAB. Dr. Esau is also involved with graduate student supervision at the University of Maine and the University of PEI, where he holds adjunct positions.