AREA OF EXPERTISE

Research Program: Bio-cultural diversity of apple (Malus) germplasm including in-situ and ex-situ genetic conservation, characterization by biochemical and molecular techniques (with collaborators), utilization by breeding for improved varieties (human health components such as antioxidants; tree disease-resistance including multiple gene scab resistance; and novel traits for tree or fruit) and cultural story of apples. Partnering with Midwest Apple Improvement Association (www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/maia/default.html) and Dawes Arboretum, Newark, OH in seedling evaluation and public education. Additional work on plant propagation technologies for apple (Malus), chestnut (Castanea) and mango (Mangifera). 

Extension Program: Respond to Ohio and Midwest U.S. tree fruit industry current and future needs by acquiring or creating and presenting research-based informational programming. Collaborate nationally and internationally with specialists to acquire/share tree fruit knowledge. Extension-focused research includes evaluation of cider safety technologies and apple variety and fruit tree rootstock work (NE-183 and NC-140 projects).

POSITIONS HELD

2004 - Fulbright Scholar (U.S. State Department), Kazakh State University and Main Botanical Garden, Almaty, Kazakhstan
2002 - Visting Scientist, Swiss Federal Fruit Crops Research Station, Wadenswil, Switzerland
1993 - present Associate Professor, Horticulture & Crop Science, OARDC/OSU
1990 - 1993 Associate Professor, Dept. of Horticulture, OARDC/OSU 
1984 - 1990 Assistant Professor, Dept. of Horticulture, OARDC/OSU 
1983 - 1979 Graduate Research Assistant, Dept. of Horticulture, Iowa State Univ.
1977 - 1979 Graduate Research Associate, Dept. of Horticulture, OARDC/OSU

EXTENSION

OSU Fruit Team (interdisciplinary team - chair 2005)