By Blake Jackson
Mike Gore, a professor at Cornell University, has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the field of plant breeding.
The National Association for Plant Breeding (NAPB) recently awarded him the Public Sector Impact Award, acknowledging his groundbreaking research, technological innovations, and leadership in crop improvement.
Gore's research has focused on unraveling the genetic basis of complex traits in crops such as maize, oat, cassava, and cotton.
By utilizing quantitative genetics, genomics, and high-throughput phenotyping, he has developed critical tools for molecular breeding, enabling the creation of improved crops with enhanced nutritional qualities. His work has had a profound impact on global food security.
Beyond his academic achievements, Gore has been instrumental in leading research initiatives at the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Crop Improvement (ILCI) and the Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS).
At ILCI, he has co-led phenomics research, developing low-cost tools to assist plant breeders in collecting and analyzing field data.
By empowering breeders in low-resource countries with technologies like handheld spectrometers and digital data collection software, Gore has streamlined the measurement of essential crop traits, contributing to more efficient crop selection and improved food security.
"“All the acknowledgments Mike receives certainly are warranted. His commitment to research, education, and outreach are significant and he serves to catalyze progress across a range of programs and disciplines," said Stephen Kresovich, director of ILCI.
At CROPPS, Gore serves as associate director for research partnerships and leads efforts to discover extreme phenotypes and novel diversity in plants.
His research leverages programmable plants and the Internet of Living Things (IoLT) to explore phenotypic plasticity, enabling the selection of plant genotypes that are well-suited for specific environments. This work promotes the development of more resilient and productive crops.
"Alongside Mike's creative technical work, he stands out for his qualities as a collaborator, mentor, and convener. Mike has excellent vision and brings the right people together from across his extensive network to achieve positive outcomes for the individuals and organizations involved," said Abe Stroock, director of CROPPS.
Gore's contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including fellowships from the Crop Science Society of America and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
The Public Sector Impact Award further solidifies his reputation as a leading figure in plant breeding and genetics.
Photo Credit: cornell-university
Categories: New York, Crops, Education