Profile TabsProfileDr. Gary GaoProfessor (Affiliate)100% Extensiongao.2@osu.edu (740) 289-2071Office: Howlett Hall (225A)Columbus CampusProfessional InformationDegrees & Credentials: PhD Viticulture - The Ohio State University (1993)MS Viticulture - The Ohio State University (1988)BS Pomology - Shanxi Agricultural University (1985)Interests & Expertise: Small high value fruit productionBiography: I've been conducting an extension program on high value fruit crops, such as aronia, blackberries, blueberries, currants, elderberries, gooseberries, grapes, and Raspberries at South Centers since 2011. My applied research has been centered around fruit production in field, high tunnel, and greenhouse. My academic interests have been on secondary metabolism in fruit crops since I did my Ph.D. work on fruit color development and anthocyanins. I have collaborated with faculty members in agricultural engineering (FABE), entomology, food science and technology, pharmacy, plant pathology, veterinarian science as well as scientists at USDA in Wooster. I have been lucky enough to participated in a multi-state and multimillion dollar project on intelligent sprayer project. Over the years I've been involved in countless extension programs, recently I've been focused on the Fall Fruit Research Updates, Fruit Pruning Workshops & Fruit Production Series. You can learn a bit more about me by clicking on the questions below: What got you interested in this field? When I was a kid, I was really intrigued and fascinated by how beautiful and tasty apples can be grown on trees! Exciting current research Small fruits such as aronia, blackberries, blueberries, currants, elderberries, gooseberries, grapes, and raspberries. Rough career path that brought you to OSU Prior to my appointment at South Centers, I had worked as a horticulture extension educator in Delaware and Clermont Counties. Over the years, I have done many forms of formal and information teaching for OSU Extension. In addition, I had taught three undergraduate classes including “Tree Fruits and Small Fruits,” “Plant Nutrition,” and “Horticultural Crop Physiology” when I was an adjunct faculty for the University of Cincinnati in the 1990s. During the last ten years, I have provided guest lectures for Entomology, HCS, and Plant Pathology departments. Industry international involvement Internationally, I conducted several training programs for the Cochran Fellowship program (Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova), and the Scientific Cooperation and Exchange Program (US and China). Favorite industry conference It's hard to pick just one. Some of my favorites are OPGMA Congress (Produce Network) & the Ohio Grape and Wine Conference. I have also been invited to numerous conferences in China where I was able to lead talks on fruit production and landscape horticulture in multiple provinces. My presentations at conferences over the years have reached more than tens of thousands. What are you most excited about seeing happen in HCS this year New department chair, new hires and new outreach efforts. What do you do in your free time I love playing basketball and volleyball! When I am not playing sports, I watch a lot of college football. I also enjoy photography and traveling. Want to know more? Check out the specialty fruits Facebook Page or Website. You can also find me on Linkedin! Works - Any -Journal articleBook/book chapterReportWorking paperPolicy briefPresentationData
