It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Dr. Louis A. Magnarelli, Director of The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Thursday morning, July 11, 2013, at home after a courageous battle with illness. Lou’s career at the Station began nearly 4-decades ago and he was the Director of this institution for the last 9 years. Dr. Magnarelli was known internationally for his work on ticks, tick-associated diseases, serological testing for vector-borne pathogens, and many other scientific accomplishments, far too numerous to catalog here. His contributions to Connecticut and science were extensive and appreciated. Through the course of his career, he published over 218 scientific articles.

Dr. Magnarelli received his Ph.D. in medical entomology from Cornell University and came to the Experiment Station in 1975. He served as Chief Entomologist and State Entomologist from 1987-2004, Vice Director from 1992-2004, and was appointed the agency’s eighth Director in 2004.

However, Lou was not only our Director, he was our colleague and most of all, our friend. His door was always open, both literally and figuratively, for discussion of all matters from the scientific to the personal. His keen scientific and analytical mind was only exceeded by his desire to bring this institution’s scientific knowledge and experience to the benefit of the citizens of Connecticut. He was a strong supporter of Connecticut agriculture, the state’s trees and woodlands, and the green industry. Lou’s wisdom and skillful stewardship as our leader will be sorely missed. Even through his illness, his thoughts were always of the Experiment Station. All Station staff, both present and future, will take tremendous pride in honoring and continuing Dr. Magnarelli’s unwavering commitment for “Putting Science to Work for Society”.

Cards and flowers may be sent in the care of the Experiment Station to 123 Huntington Street, Box 1106, New Haven, CT 06504. Memorial contributions may be made to the Middlesex Home Hospice Care, Inc., 770 Saybrook Road, Suite 2, Middletown, CT 06457.

Welcome to The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's web page.

Scientists, technicians, and other staff at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, a state-supported research institution, have been serving the needs of state residents and the nation since 1875.  Important discoveries include the development of hybrid corn, pioneering work that led to the discovery of vitamin A, and contributions on ticks and mosquitoes and the disease organisms they transmit.  In addition to improving crop systems and reducing damage caused by insects, deer, and plant pathogens, our programs include major initiatives on reducing pesticide use, controlling invasive plants in lakes and ponds, water quality, forestry, growing crops for biodiesel fuel, and on food safety issues.

The internet enables us to disseminate information to a broad audience and represents a very effective mechanism for outreach.

Our main goals are to provide good service to Connecticut residents and to develop and use state-of-the-art scientific procedures to solve problems and improve the quality of life.

Sincerely,
Dr. Louis A. Magnarelli, Director

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