Information about my work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
I was hired in 1992 to conduct research and instruction in plant breeding and plant genetics and horticulture, and I have been carrying out those responsibilities for the last 27 years. I worked in various administrative roles in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences from 2004-2010 and served as chair of the Department of Horticulture from 2011-2018. I regularly teach courses in vegetable crops (fall semester), plants and human wellbeing (fall semester), and evolutionary biology (fall semester), and indigenous foodways (spring semester) in addition to advising graduate and undergraduate students.
Our research program focuses on vegetable breeding and genetics with an emphasis on plant secondary metabolites that have some potential value for human health and wellbeing. We have also bred numerous inbred lines that have been used to make commercial hybrids. These are grown by farmers throughout the world. A portion of our germplasm is licensed through WARF and returns royalties to our program. We currently have over 75 active germplasm licenses from all three of our crops.
Mentors
Gallery of Mentors
