I was hired in 1992 to conduct research and instruction in plant breeding and plant genetics and horticulture. I have also served in a variety of administrative roles in our college, as well as department chair. Interaction with students on a regular basis forms what for me is a core principle: our primary job in serving the public is to make sure our students can obtain what they came to the university to get: a top-notch education. I see this as one of the primary reasons for being placed here by the people of Wisconsin. We have many objectives in this complex institution, but the one that focuses on getting it right for students is among my highest priorities. I regularly mentor undergraduate and graduate students in their research, and I serve as an advisor to a number of undergraduate students.
I teach courses throughout the academic year, including Plant Science 390 (3 credits, co-taught with Professors Yi Wang and Amaya Atucha), Plant Science 350 (2 credits) and 351 (1 credit), Plant Science 380 (2 credits, co-taught with Dan Cornelius), and Biocore 381 (3 credits, team taught).
I have been heavily involved in research since my arrival here in 1992, in partnership with active group of graduate and undergraduate students. My research focuses on vegetable breeding and genetics and investigation of traits of importance to consumers, processors, farmers, and gardeners. We have also bred numerous cultivars and 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. We currently have over 75 active germplasm licenses.