I am a professor in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry at Clemson University. Prior to this, I was in HybriGene as the Director of Research. Ny work at that time led to the development of the first genetically engineered, male-sterile and herbicide-resistant turfgrass plants and the development of a new method for hybrid crop production using site-specific DNA recombination systems. I have been awarded Clemson University Godley-Snell Agricultural Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research, Society for In Vitro Biology) Fellow Award and President’s Award and am an elected Member-at-Large of the SIVB Board of Directors. I have published over 100 peer-reviewed papers, edited two books and has been awarded six patents. I teach Advanced Genetics, and Genetics Senior Seminar.