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Michael L. Pate, PhD
Dr. Pate is an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Systems Technology at Utah State
University, where he coordinates the agricultural systems technology undergraduate program.
His agricultural work experience includes beef cattle and poultry production. Dr. Pate received
his undergraduate and master’s degrees in Agricultural Education from the University of
Arkansas, and completed his PhD program in Agricultural Education at Iowa State University.
Prior to pursuing graduate studies, Dr. Pate taught agriculture and life sciences at the high
school level. His teaching philosophy is grounded in the use of extensive laboratory practicums
to emphasize problem-based application of agricultural engineering principles, the function
and use of agricultural technology, and the integration of technology management concepts
for the food, fi ber, and natural resources industry. Dr. Pate serves as a skills event coordinator
for the Utah FFA Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems Career Development
Event. His research focuses on the safety and health of individuals working in production
agriculture. Dr. Pate has authored over 15 refereed journal articles. He is the current chair for
the NCERA-197 Agricultural Safety and Health Research and Extension Committee and a
board member for the International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health (ISASH).
W. Brian Hoover, PhD
Dr. Hoover is an Associate Professor at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky,
where he teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in the agricultural systems technology
program. Dr. Hoover earned his doctoral degree from Purdue University and his bachelor of
science and master of science degrees from Murray State University in the area of Agricultural
Systems Technology. He has professional contributions to the area of agriculture systems
over the last 14 years through teaching several courses and research in agricultural systems
technology and agricultural safety. A wide variety of learning experiences on his family’s farm
prepared Dr. Hoover for a career in agriculture and continues to provide him a connection to
crop production, livestock production, and agricultural machinery.