March 23, 2020 (Huntsville, AL) – HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is expanding its plant research through the addition of research faculty member Josh Clevenger, PhD.
Josh Clevenger, PhD
Clevenger was previously a research scientist working with Mars Wrigley Chocolate, specializing in peanut genetic improvement by leveraging genomics technologies, and developing and improving computational tools for high-throughput sequence-based genotyping. He also played a large role in the industry-led Peanut Genome Initiative, developing genomic tools and markers for molecular breeding.
“The addition of Josh to our research faculty will help further expand HudsonAlpha’s work in the application of genomics to improve the sustainability of agriculture,” said Jeremy Schmutz, co-director of the HudsonAlpha Genome Sequencing Center.
HudsonAlpha’s work in plant genomics includes research looking for genetic markers that can help make agriculture more efficient through increased yields, improved disease resistance and reduced water use.
“My lab will focus on using genomics for crop improvement, especially crops in the Southeast and Alabama,” Clevenger explained. “I look forward to joining HudsonAlpha’s team of plant genomics researchers and using the tools that we develop to improve disease resistance for crops in the state. I’m passionate about getting farmers the varieties they need to be successful and am excited to get started working for the growers in Alabama.”
Clevenger earned his PhD from the University of Georgia and a masters in Horticulture and Plant Breeding from The Ohio State University.
About HudsonAlpha: HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit institute dedicated to developing and applying scientific advances to health, agriculture, learning, and commercialization. Opened in 2008, HudsonAlpha’s vision is to leverage the synergy between discovery, education, medicine, and economic development in genomic sciences to improve the human condition around the globe. The HudsonAlpha biotechnology campus consists of 152 acres nestled within Cummings Research Park, the nation’s second largest research park. The state-of-the-art facilities co-locate nonprofit scientific researchers with entrepreneurs and educators. HudsonAlpha has become a national and international leader in genetics and genomics research and biotech education and fosters more than 40 diverse biotech companies on campus. To learn more about HudsonAlpha, visit hudsonalpha.org.
Media Contact:
Margetta Thomas
mthomas@hudsonalpha.org
256-327-0425
