Robert W. “Bob” Bottcher, professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University, was born in Big Flats, NY and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering from Cornell University.  He completed his master’s and Ph.D. studies in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at NC State and went on to become a professor whose work centered primarily on the environmental effects of air quality.  His research efforts were world renowned, with projects and interests in Egypt, Holland, Taiwan, Brazil, England and New Zealand.  Livestock housing ventilation and odor emissions control were subjects Bob enjoyed discussing.  Although sadly cut short, Bob’s life was one full of passion for living.  His hobbies included canoeing, kayaking, skiing, running, thinking, photography and poetry.  He was devoted to his daughter, Anna.

This endowment will be used to provide unrestricted annual support to an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.  The award will be named the Robert W. Bottcher Promising Researcher Award.

Recipients of the award will be selected by a committee in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, as appointed by the Department Head.  Once selected, recipients would continue to receive the annual award until promoted to Associate Professor status or leaving the Department. Priority will be given to a faculty member with research in the area of odors, air quality and/or the environmental effects of odors.  If no assistant professor is employed in these areas, the committee may then choose an assistant professor working in a related area or in the area of greatest need of funding.

Awards may be used for any purpose identified by the researcher and approved by the above-mentioned committee as needed to assist the researcher’s program, including, but not limited to:
a. Equipment
b. Graduate student stipend
c. Lab supplies
d. Writing and publication assistance
e. Travel/expense funding for professional meetings

To make a tax deductible contribution toward this endowment, please complete the appropriate Gift Intention Form and mail it to the North Carolina Agricultural
Foundation, NC State University Box 7645, Raleigh, NC, 27695.

Gift Intention Form

If you have any questions or require additional information, please call Jim Young at at 919-515-2694 (jim_young@ncsu.edu) or Chris Wessel at
919-515-7678 (chris_wessel@ncsu.edu).