Purdue Professor Honored for Advancing Agricultural Safety and Health

By Andi Anderson

Kingsly Ambrose, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Purdue University, has been recognized nationally for his contributions to agricultural safety and health.

He received the SMV Technologies Ergonomics, Safety and Health Award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) during its international meeting last month.

The award honors exemplary work that advances agricultural and biological safety through research, innovation, product development, education, and outreach. Ambrose’s recognition highlights his long-standing commitment to improving grain handling and processing safety.

Ambrose’s research applies engineering principles and particle-scale data to understand the behavior of agricultural materials. This knowledge is critical in preventing common hazards such as structural failures, entrapments in grain storage, and dangerous dust explosions.

He has developed predictive models and advanced technologies, including a sensor that measures suspended dust concentrations to prevent grain dust ignition and systems to improve bulk material flow.

“On average, 10 explosions occur in grain facilities across the U.S., resulting in deaths, injuries and millions of dollars in damages and insurance claims,” Ambrose said. “These incidents don’t only affect the industry and employees; they affect surrounding communities.”

With nearly 14 years of experience in grain dust explosion prevention, Ambrose has combined scientific research with education and outreach. He frequently works with industry professionals, training both employers and employees to recognize risks and implement safer practices.

His goal is to ensure science-based solutions translate into real-world safety improvements that protect workers and communities.

Ambrose emphasized the importance of ongoing research and innovation. “We need to conduct more research and train industry workers — both employers and employees — on the dangers of dust explosions, from where they start to why they happen,” he said.

At Purdue, Ambrose leads efforts to develop comprehensive solutions for agricultural safety. His vision is to deliver fully packaged technologies that can be adopted by industry, ensuring a safer future for grain handling and processing operations.

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