Plant genetics scientist and expert witness with more than 25 years of experience in plant genomics, genetics, and plant physiology, this expert evaluates scientific and technical issues involving plant breeding, genetic traits, and crop development. The expert has experience providing expert witness services, including litigation consultation, deposition testimony, and courtroom testimony in matters involving plant genetics and related agricultural biotechnology issues. Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture. Master of Science in Horticulture. Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Science. Professional affiliations include the American Society of Plant Biologists and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The expert’s scientific work includes peer-reviewed publications, invited conference presentations, and collaborative research projects focused on plant genomics, seed physiology, and crop breeding. Professional work centers on plant genomics and genetic analysis related to crop improvement, particularly research focused on lettuce breeding and genetic trait development. Areas of technical expertise include nitrogen use efficiency, water use efficiency, seed germination under abiotic stress, and resistance to bolting. This research involves identifying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms influencing phenotypic stability and trait expression, as well as comparative genomics across plant species. The expert’s work also includes the analysis of genetic diversity and physiological characteristics in plants and botanicals.

Academic and scientific leadership roles include serving as Executive Director of a statewide agricultural research institute responsible for coordinating applied agricultural and natural resource research programs across a multi-campus university system. This role includes oversight of multi-institutional research initiatives, evaluation of research programs, and coordination with university administrators, industry stakeholders, and public agencies. Additional prior leadership roles include Director of Research and Graduate Studies for a college of agriculture and long-term faculty service as a professor in plant sciences. Research contributions in plant genetics and genomics include participation in multi-institutional research initiatives addressing crop improvement, plant breeding strategies, and genomics-assisted trait development. The expert has contributed to federally and state funded research programs related to crop sustainability, including projects addressing water and nitrogen efficiency in lettuce cultivation and the genetic basis of seed germination and plant development under environmental stress.