Education

• 1980 - B. S. University of Illinois, Urbana, Agronomy
• 1982 - M. S. University of Illinois, Urbana, Plant Breeding and Genetics
• 1985 - Ph.D. Iowa State University, Ames, Plant Breeding and Cytogenetic

Employment History

• 1984 - 2002, Research Geneticist, USDA, ARS, Ames, Iowa
• 1985 - 1987, Associate Member, Graduate Faculty, Iowa State University
• 1987 - Present, Full Member, Graduate Faculty, Iowa State University
• 1985 - 1990, Assistant Professor of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• 1990 - 1997, Associate Professor of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• 1997 - Present, Professor of Agronomy, Iowa State University
• 2002 - Present, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int'l Chair in Maize Breeding
• 2002 - Present, Director, Raymond F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding

Research Description

The objectives of my research program are:

• The development of quantitative and statistical genetic models to:

• Predict and describe the observed gains due to cyclical selection as a function of selection methods, changes in allelic frequencies, types of allelic effects involved, effective population sizes used, and effects due to inbreeding and random genetic drift;

• Determine the relative importance of different genetic effects in genetically broad-based populations that include adapted and unadapted germplasm; and

• Determine the most effective methods for the adaptation and incorporation of unadapted germplasm for the U. S. Corn Belt;

• Design field experiments to estimate and compare changes in populations improved by different cyclical selection schemes;

• Conduct research on the relative efficiency of selection indices and their application to selection and breeding methods;

• Conduct computer simulation studies to provide guidelines on relative effectiveness of different selection schemes for various genetic models;

• Develop and expand computer software and hardware for collection and analysis of data from basic research studies;

• Collaborate with the appropriate scientists on the using molecular marker techniques to enhance the understanding of quantitative genetic theory and selection methods;

• Publish results from research in appropriate scientific journals.

Publications

My refereed publications