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New Mexico State University

Agronomy

Dr. Champa Sengupta-Gopalan

Champa Gopalan
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Title:Professor
Research area:Biotechnology, Crops
Office location: Skeen Hall N326
Email Address: csgopala@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (575) 646-5784
Office Fax: (575) 646-6041

Education:

  • Ph.D.: Botany (Plant morphogenesis), Ohio State University, Columbus.
  • M.S.: Botany (Plant Biochemistry), University of Kalyani, India
  • B.S.: Biology, University of Jodhpur, India.

Professional Experience:

  • 1992 - present: Professor, Dept. of Plant & Env. Sciences (former Agron & Horti until Dec. 2005)/Molecular Biology Program
  • 1985 - 1992: Associate Professor, Dept. of Agron & Hort/Molecular Biology program
  • Jan 1985 - May 1985: Research Scientist, International Plant Research Institute, San Carlos, CA
  • 1982 - 1985: Research Scientist, Agrigenetics Advanced Research Division, Madison, WI
  • 1980 - 1981: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Pharmacology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford
  • 1978 - 1980: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Biology, McGill University, CANADA
Research Interests:

The Legume-Rhizobium symbiosis involves a complex series of events requiring close coordination between host and bacterial functions. My research focuses on four aspects of symbiosis: Isolation and characterization of soybean genes that are specifically expressed in N2- fixing root nodule; Understanding the role of plant flavonoids in nodule initiation; Determining the mechanism by which the host differentiates between a symbiont and a pathogen; Manipulating the expression of genes encoding the key ammonia assimilator enzyme, glutamine synthetase, in roots and nodules of alfalfa. Our ultimate goal is to understand the molecular mechanism of nodulation, N2 fixation and ammonia assimilation in legumes and to devise genetic manipulations in the plant to improve the efficiency of these processes. In addition, my lab is also interested in the seed storage protein genes. While my basic research efforts are focused on the regulation of expression of these genes, my efforts in the applied aspect is in the nutritional improvement of seeds and forage crops. In collaboration with the Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, I am also working on engineering crop plants with genes encoding for proteins with nematicidal activity.

In the past five years at New Mexico State University I have taught courses in Plant Genetics (with special emphasis on molecular genetics), Plant Biochemistry and Plant Genetic Engineering. In all my teaching efforts, I place a special emphasis on bridging the gap between transmission genetics. I am closely associated with the Plant Genetic Engineering Lab and am a member of both the Agronomy and Horticulture graduate faculty and the Molecular Biology graduate program faculty.

Dr. Francisco Contreras-Govea

Francisco Contreras-Govea

Title: Assistant Professor of Agronomy, Agricultural Science Center at Artesia

Expertise: alfalfa, corn, sorghum and silage

Office Location: Artesia

Office Phone: (575) 748-1228

FAX:

Email Address: fecontre@nmsu.edu

Education:

University of Wisconsin-Madison December 2003

Major: Ph.D., Agronomy

Dissertation: Forage Production and Quality Characteristics of Cereals and Ryegrass in Monoculture or Binary Mixtures with Kura Clover.

Antonio Narro University (UAAAN), Mexico June 1991 Major: Master of Science, Range Management

Thesis: Effect of Three Stock Densities on Forage Yield and Nutritive Value of Triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) Sward.

Juarez University of Durango State, Mexico December 1982

Major: B.S., Agronomic Engineering

Minor: Livestock production

Thesis: Pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides L R. Br.) Maturity Stage, Nitrogen Level, and Cutting Height Effects on Forage Yield and Quality Characteristics.

Dr. Kulbhushan Grover

Kulbhushan Grover

Title: Assistant Professor

Research area

Office location: Skeen Hall N358

Email Address: kgrover@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (575) 646-2352

Office Fax: (575) 646-6041

Dr. Steven Guldan

Steven Guldan

Title: Professor

Research area: Being located at the Sustainable Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde, my research covers vegetable, fruit and forage crops and cropping systems of importance to north central New Mexico. In general, research is aimed at developing economically-and- ecologically-sustainable crop production systems. As superintendent at the Center, I am administratively responsible for its facilities, equipment, and research projects. I am currently serving as the research leader for the Rural Agricultural Improvement and Public Affairs Project being administered out of the Center.

Office location: Sustainable Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde

Email Address: sguldan@nmsu.edu

Office Phone: (505) 852-4241

Office Fax: (505) 852-2857

Education:

  • Ph.D.: Agronomy, University of Minnesota.
  • M.S.: Agronomy, University of Minnesota.
  • B.S.: Geography, Mankato State University.

Professional Experience:

  • Professor, 2003-present Dept. of Plant & Env. Sciences (former Agronomy & Horticulture until Dec. 2005), Associate Professor, 1998-2003, Assistant Professor, 1992-1998, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, and Superintendent, 1992-present, Alcalde Sustainable Agriculture Science Center, New Mexico State University. Responsible for research on development of sustainable cropping and crop-livestock systems in north-central New Mexico. Crop research includes various horticultural and agronomic crops. Current livestock research investigates cattle performance when grazing alternative forages in the fall and spring.
  • Agronomist, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, East Troy, Wisconsin. Cooperative project with, and located at, North Dakota State University's Carrington Research Extension Center, Carrington, North Dakota, 1988-1992. Headed project investigating, both on-farm and on-station, the potential for greater use of legumes in crop and crop-livestock systems in the Northern Great Plains.
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, Maize Training Program, El Batan, Mexico, 1986-1988. Maize Training Program. Instructed in field and classroom several groups of maize trainees in on-farm and experiment station research procedures.
  • Research Assistant, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 1982-1986. Soybean Physiology Research Project.
  • Farmhand, Sleepy Eye, MN, childhood-1982

Leonard Lauriault

Leonard Lauriault

Title: Forage Agronomist, College Professor, Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari

Expertise: Forage; general agronomy

Expertise Detail: Irrigated hay and pastures, alfalfa and other forages, grazing management, cellulosic biofuels

Office Location: Tucumcari

Office Phone: (575) 461-1620

FAX: (575) 461-1631

Email Address: lmlaur@nmsu.edu
Education:

M.S. in Crop Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. May 1989.

Thesis: The effect of thiamin supplementation on the ingestive behavior of beef cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue.

Lauriault, L.M., C.T. Dougherty*, N.W. Bradley, and P.L. Cornelius. 1990. Thiamin supplementation and the ingestive behavior of beef cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue. J. Anim. Sci. 68:1245-1253.

B.S. in Agriculture, Berea College, Berea, KY. May 1980.

Experience:

Forage Agronomist. College Professor (July 2009 to present); College Associate Professor (July 2004 to June 2009); College Assistant Professor (January 2002 to June 2004); Agriculture Specialist (January 1997 to January 2002). Plant and Environmental Sciences Department (former Agronomy and Horticulture), New Mexico State University College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, Las Cruces, NM.

Research Specialist, Forage Cultivar Evaluationist. July 1990 to December 1996. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Department of Agronomy, Lexington, KY.

Area Regulatory Specialist. November 1989 to July 1990. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Division of Regulatory Services, Lexington, KY.

Principal Laboratory Technician, Forage Management and Utilization. October 1980 to November 1989. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Department of Agronomy, Lexington, KY.

Teaching and Field Assistant, Soil and Plant Science Laboratory and Berea College Forest. February 1978 to May 1980. Berea College Labor Program. Berea College Department of Agriculture, Berea, KY.

Awards:

Editor's Citation for Excellence in Manuscript Review, Agronomy Journal, 2006.

Constancia por la exposicion de la Conferencia Magistral, XXV Congreso Nacional de Control Biologico La Sociedad Mexicana de Control Biologico, 15 November 2002.

Conservation Service Award - New Mexico Area Conservation Districts, Region V, 1998.

Conservationist Award - Canadian River Soil and Water Conservation District, 1998.

A. Paul Nestor Employee Creativity Award, Finalist University of Kentucky, 1995.

Personal philosophy: Perseverance is the pathway to perfection (Phillippians 3:12-16)

Dr. Michael O'Neill

Michael O'Neill

Title:Associate Professor and Superintendent
Research area:
Office location: Agricultural Science Center - Farmington
Email Address: moneill@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (505) 327-7757
Office Fax: (505) 325-5246

Career interests and profile

    Agroforestry, agronomy, crop physiology, crop introduction, agricultural research, microirrigation, natural resources management for the semi-arid high plateau of north-western New Mexico and surrounding areas. Collaborative links with international agricultural research institutes, universities, development organizations, agribusiness and/or consulting firms.

  • Superintendent with overall responsibility for management of a 250-acre agricultural research facility situated in the high desert of northwestern New Mexico;
  • Research encompass the judicious use of water through microirrigation in semi-arid environments; hybrid poplar introductions into the region; variety trials for state and national testing programs;
  • Over 20 years of international agricultural research and development experience, primarily in Africa (Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Kenya), and India;
  • Team leader for three projects in the coffee-based land use system of Embu, Kenya including the National Agroforestry Research Project (NAFRP), the African Highlands Initiative (AHI), and the Systemwide Livestock Project (SLP);
  • Senior Agronomist in Kenya and Niger leading research and dissemination efforts in mixed, small-holder farming systems;
  • Designed, implemented and analyzed irrigated and dryland agronomic trials in semi-arid Arizona and Sahelian West Africa;
  • Solid knowledge base of the interactions between crops, livestock, and trees and their productivity within prevailing climatic parameters;
  • Management of, and participation in, interdisciplinary, multi-cultural, multi-lingual teams operating within national agricultural research systems (NARS) in collaboration with international agricultural research centers (IARC), universities, national extension programs, and non-governmental organizations;
  • Management of on-station and on-farm nurseries for the production of a diverse range of tree species used in agroforestry research and dissemination;
  • Strong analytical skills necessary for on-station/on-farm research and dissemination;
  • Excellent association with donor community and solid knowledge of proposal development and project monitoring processes;
  • Firm grasp of computer software and literate in: Microsoft Office (i.e. MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Access), Genstat, SPSS, Corel DRAW, Corel PhotoPaint, ArcView, and Email communication;
  • Advisor for post-graduate students 20 at the MS level and 10 at the Ph.D. level.
Employment history
  • Associate Professor and Superintendent July 2005 - Present

    New Mexico State University

  • Assistant Professor and Superintendent 1999 - 2005

    New Mexico State University

  • Senior Scientist Agronomist/Agroforester 1991 - 1999

    International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF)

  • Assistant Professor Agronomist 1989 - 1991

    University of Missouri

  • Senior Agronomist 1985 - 1989

    Development Alternatives, Inc.

  • International Intern 1982 1984

    International Crop Research Institute for the semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT)

  • Graduate Research Associate 1979 - 1982

    University of Arizona

  • Graduate Research Assistant 1977 - 1979

    University of Arizona

  • Research Assistant 1976 - 1977

    University of Arizona, Agricultural Research Station, Yuma, AZ

  • Peace Corps Volunteer 1971 - 1974

    Ghana and Burkina Faso, West Africa

Education:
  • Ph.D. Agronomy and Plant Genetics 1979 - 1982 University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
  • M.S. Soil and Water Science 1977 - 1979 University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
  • Diploma Social Ecology 6/75 - 8/75 Goddard College, Plainfield, Vermont
  • B.S. Biology/Chemistry 1966 - 1971 Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Professional Experience:
Languages
  • English Excellent written and spoken capabilities (Mother tongue)
  • French Written and spoken capabilities
Societies and clubs
  • Member: Western Regional Research Project - W1128, Reducing Barriers to Adoption of Microirrigation 2000 - Present
  • Member: Soil and Water Conservation Society 1995 - Present
  • Member: World Association of Soil and Water Conservation 1995 - Present
  • Adviser: International Foundation for Science 1994 - Present
  • Reviewer: East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal 1989 - Present
  • Reviewer: Journal of Arid Environments 1999 - Present
  • Member: American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America, and Crop Science Society of America 1977 - Present
  • Treasurer: American Employees Recreation Association, Niamey, Niger 1987 - 1988
  • Treasurer: American Embassy Commissary, Niamey, Niger 1986 - 1987

Dr. Ian Ray

Ian Ray
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Title:Professor
Research area:Application of conventional breeding & selection methodologies to improve drought and salt tolerance in alfalfa.
Application of genomic strategies to manipulate forage yield heterosis and to identify key loci controlling drought and salt tolerance in alfalfa..
Office location: Skeen Hall N342
Email Address: iaray@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (505) 646-3819
Office Fax: (505) 646-6041

Education:

  • B.S., Agriculture, New Mexico State University
  • M.S., Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Ph.D., Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Research Interests:

IMPROVING OSMOTIC STRESS TOLERANCE IN ALFALFA THROUGH MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES AND CONVENTIONAL BREEDING.

We are focusing on three approaches to improve osmotic stress tolerance in alfalfa: 1) metabolic engineering with genes that produce osmoregulatory compounds and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes, 2) developing genomic strategies to identify key loci controlling drought tolerance, and 3) conventional breeding and selection for improved drought tolerance.

Under salt and drought stress many plants accumulate low molecular weight compounds, such as sugar alcohols, to help cells adjust to low water potentials. Under stress, ROS may damage specific stromal enzymes of the Calvin-cycle. We are evaluating stress tolerance response in alfalfa that has been transformed with multigene cassettes containing enzymes that produce osmoltye compounds and that scavenge ROS.

Genetic characterization of complex crop traits, such as drought tolerance, is now feasible using gene expression profiles based on high density arrays of plant cDNAs. We are initiating a project to rapidly generate a large collection of drought-responsive genes from alfalfa by screening cDNA microarrays that are available in related legume species. Those arrayed cDNAs, from legume species, which hybridize as drought-responsive to control and drought-stressed alfalfa labeled cDNAs will be identified. Our hypothesis is that drought responsive genes are candidate genes for the quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing drought resistance in alfalfa. Drought-responsive cDNAs will be developed into allele specific markers, mapped, and placed on an AFLP linkage map that we have developed. These markers will subsequently be evaluated for their associations with QTL influencing drought tolerance in tetraploid alfalfa.

We are also actively involved in developing drought tolerant alfalfa cultivars and germplasms and in describing genetic associations between agronomic, morphological, and water-use efficiency traits in alfalfa under irrigated and drought conditions. Our field data indicate that some drought tolerant phenotypes appear to rely on deep rooting mechanisms to escape drought. Others appear to rely on turgor maintenance through osmotic adjustment or stomatal regulation. These different phenotypes provide ideal genetic material for further molecular and physiological characterization of drought tolerance response in alfalfa.

Research Positions and Employment
  • 1985-1989 Research Assistant, Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
  • 1989-1992 Agronomist/Forage Breeder, North Dakota State University, Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, Mandan, ND
  • 1992-93 Research Geneticist, USDA-ARS, Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, Mandan, ND.
  • 1994-2000 Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy & Horticulture, New Mexico State University.
  • 2000-2006 Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, New Mexico State University.
  • 2006-present Professor, Department of Plant & Environmental Science, New Mexico State Univ.
  • 1994-present Joint appointment in the Molecular Biology Graduate Program, New Mexico State University.
Current Research Emphasis

Genetic characterization and improvement of drought/salt tolerance in alfalfa through molecular techniques and conventional breeding approaches.

Courses Taught
  • AGRO/HORT/BIOL 305L Genetic Techniques
  • AGRO/HORT 365 Principles of Crop Production
  • AGRO/HORT 365L Principles of Crop Production Lab
  • AGRO 483 Sustainable Production of Agronomic Crops
  • AGRO/BIOL/HORT/MOLB 486 Intermediate Genetics
  • AGRO/HORT 610 Advanced Plant Breeding

Daniel Smeal

Daniel Smeal

Title: College Professor

Research Area:Irrigation, crop water-use, xeriscaping

Office Location: Agricultural Science Center at Farmington

Email Address: dsmeal@nmsu.edu

Office phone: (505) 327-7757

Office fax: (505) 325-5246


Education:

  • MS Biology, Eastern New Mexico University - 1980
  • BS Biology/Wildlife Management, Eastern New Mexico University - 1978
  • Certified Irrigation Designer - Irrigation Association
  • Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor - Irrigation Association
  • Certified Crop Advisor - American Society of Agronomy


Research Interests/Current Research Emphasis:

  • Crop water-use and water-use/yield (and/or quality) relations of agronomic and horticultural crops, including turfgrass and drought-tolerant (xeric) landscape plants.
  • Water conservation through plant selection and climate-based irrigation scheduling.


Professional Experience:

  • 1983 to present: Research Scientist at New Mexico State University's Agricultural Science Center at Farmington.
  • 1980 to 1983: Research Assistant for NMSU's Agricultural Engineering Department at the Agricultural Science Center at Clovis.


Professional Societies and Awards:

  • Irrigation Association
  • (member - Technical Conference Coordinating Committee)
  • American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
  • Recipient: Stephen W. and Robert E. Roberts Memorial Staff Award. 2000.

Dr. Jinfa Zhang

Jinfa Zhang

Title:Associate Professor
Research area:Cotton Breeding, Genetics and Genomics
Office location: Skeen Hall N338
Email Address: jinzhang@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (575) 646-3438
Office Fax: (575) 646-6041

Education:

  • Ph.D.: Plant Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas
  • M.S.: Plant Genetics and Breeding, Central China Agricultural University
  • B.S.: Central China Agricultural University at Jinzhou

Professional Experience:
  • 2007 - now: Associate Professor, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University
  • 2002 - 2007: Assistant Professor, Department of Plant and Environmental Science, New Mexico State University
  • 2001 - 2002: Cotton Molecular Breeder, Cotton Technology Team, Monsanto Company
  • 2000 - 2001: Research Associate, Department of Biology, McGill University
  • 1999 - 2000: Research Associate, Department of Agronomy, University of Arkansas
  • 1996 - 1999: Senior Research Assistant, Department of Agronomy, University of Arkansas
  • 1995 - 1996: Visiting Scientist, Department of Agronomy, University of Arkansas
  • 1992 - 1998: Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy, Central China Agricultural University
  • 1987 - 1992: Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy, Central China Agricultural University
  • 1985 - 1987: Instructor, Department of Agronomy, Central China Agricultural University

Research Interests: The Cotton Breeding and Genetics Program at New Mexico State University has a history of 75 years in developing Acala cotton germplasm and varieties with high fiber quality and Verticlillium wilt tolerance. Our research continues in that tradition, with emphasis on developing high fiber quality and high yielding Acala cultivars, and incorporating high levels of resistance to pink bollworm, bollworm, herbicides, Verticillium wilt, and root-knot nematodes in Acala and Pima cotton for New Mexico and the southwest region. We are continuing to work on developing a practical hybrid cotton seed production system based on cytoplasmical male sterility. Tools in quantitative, qualitative and molecular genetics are integrated into our breeding program. A significant portion of our effort involves developing functional molecular markers and identifying genes or quantitative trait loci ( QTLs ) for fiber quality, yield, agronomic traits, male fertility restoration, insect, disease and nematode resistance, and heat and drought tolerance in order to develop efficient marker-assisted selection strategies. Molecular mapping, physical mapping, candidate gene approach, and gene expression profiling are combined to locate and isolate candidate genes or QTLs of agronomic importance.

I teach Molecular Analysis of Complex Traits (Agro/Hort 516), Genetics and Society (Agro 303G), Genetic Techniques Laboratory (GENE 305L), Genetics Seminar (GENE 440), and Sustainable Crop Production (Agro 483). I am a member of both the Plant and Environmental Sciences graduate faculty and Molecular Biology Graduate Program faculty.

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Mark Marsalis

Title:Extension Agronomy Specialist

Research area:Forage and grain crops, silage and hay production and sustainability in irrigated and dryland systems; cereal crops for grain and forage; perennial grasses

Office location: Agricultural Science Center at Clovis, 2346 State Road 288, Clovis, NM 88101

Email Address: marsalis@nmsu.edu

Office Phone: (575) 985-2292 ext. 123

Office Fax: (575) 985-2419

Education:

  • Ph.D.: Agronomy (Forages), Texas Tech University, 2004

    Dissertation: Adaptation of Forage Bermudagrass to the Texas High Plains Grown Under Saline and Limited Irrigation Conditions.

  • M.S.: Plant and Soil Science (Forage Ecology), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2000

    Thesis: Effects of Stocking Rate, Season, and Changes in Fungal Endophyte Level on Performance of Steers Grazing Tall Fescue.

  • B.S.: Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, 1997

Experience

  • Current Position: September 2004-present, Assistant Professor, Extension Agronomy Specialist, Extension Plant Sciences Dept./Agricultural Science Center at Clovis, New Mexico State University
  • Graduate Research Assistant: Texas Tech University, Forages, 2000-2004.
  • Graduate Research Assistant: University of Tennessee, Forages, 1998-2000.
  • Forester Assistant: Wickersham Forestry Services, Inc., Madison, MS, 1997-1998.