Alec Kowalewski Joins Oregon State University

Dr. Alec Kowalewski, who was raised in western Michigan, holds a doctorate in crop and soil science from Michigan State University. At OSU, he succeeds Rob Golembiewski, who served three years in the position.

Alec, 33, said he’s very grateful that 30-year OSU Turf Grass Specialist Tom Cook, who preceded Golembiewski, is there on a regular basis—on his own free time—to break him into the new position. “It’s really been good for me.”

Alec Kowalewski presents at the 2012 WCTA Conference in Victoria

Prior to joining OSU, Alec taught turf management at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia. He also was involved with the development of sustainable bermudagrass hybrids at the University of Georgia’s Coastal Plains Experiment Station in Tifton and served as a resident consultant at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Responsibilities entailed in this appointment include undergraduate and graduate education and advising, industry and community outreach, as well as directing the universities applied turfgrass research program.  Dr. Kowalewski has guest lectured on a state, national and international level and released several publications related to golf, sports and municipal turf management.  His research background includes organic weed control, sports turf management, sod production, pre and post-emergence herbicide use, golf green management, and the development of sustainable turfgrass cultivars.  Current research and extension interests include improving the environmental and economic sustainability of turfgrass management. 

Kowalewski and his wife Heidi have one daughter and live in Philomath, OR.