Thierry E. Besançon is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Weed Science at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Dr. Besançon provides leadership to develop, implement and evaluate applied weed control research and education fitting the needs of New Jersey conventional or organic growers. His crop portfolio and experience are very diverse and include cranberry, blueberry, grape, vegetables, small fruits, tree fruits, and agronomic crops. Besançon’s research program focuses on the development and improvement of weed control strategies for specialty crops based on Integrated Weed Management as well as the study of weed biology and ecology. In collaboration with other universities of the mid-Atlantic region (University of Delaware, University of Maryland, Cornell), Besançon develops and evaluates vegetable plasticulture production systems that integrate grassy cover crops or living mulches between rows for reducing pesticide use and improving soil health. Besançon regularly conducts farm visits in New Jersey and provides expertise with weed management issues. Since 2017, Besançon has given over 140 talks on weed management for various cropping systems, providing over 70 hours of education to a statewide audience of more than 2,500 people. Outreach of these audiences includes live presentations and workshops as well as twilight farm meetings and practical demonstrations. Besançon is also regularly invited to give out-of-state extension presentations at regional and national conferences. Besançon currently serves as President-Elect of the Northeastern Weed Science Society board and as the New Jersey Liaison Representative for the IR-4 Project.