Horticulture
- Dr. Paul W. Bosland
- Dr. Christopher S. Cramer
- Dr. Ryan Goss
- Sabine Green
- Dr. John Harrington
- Dr. Kevin A. Lombard
- Dr. John G. Mexal
- Dr. Mary O'Connell
- Dr. G.A. Picchioni
- Dr. Naveen Puppala
- Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire
- Dr. Mark Uchanski
Dr. Paul W. Bosland
Title: Regents Professor
Research: Chile Breeding and Genetics
Office location: N354 Skeen Hall
Chile Pepper related Email Address: hotchile@nmsu.edu
Academic Email Address: pbosland@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (575) 646-5171
Office Fax: (575) 646-6041
Research area:
Dr. Paul W. Bosland, Regents professor of horticulture, is popularly known as the "Chileman." He leads the chile breeding and genetics research program at New Mexico State University. Dr. Bosland is recognized internationally as one of the foremost experts on *Capsicum*. He has published more than 100 scientific papers dealing with chile genetics, breeding, and germplasm evaluation. He is also the co-founder and director of the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University. The Chile Pepper Institute is the world's foremost research-based resource center for chile pepper information. He serves as co-chairman of the International Chile Pepper Conference. The Conference has grown to become the world's largest conference dedicated to the chile pepper. He is the founder and curator of the Capsicum Genetics Cooperative and served as the chairman of the USDA Capsicum Crop Advisory Committee.
Education:
- University of California B.S. 1976 Genetics Davis, CA
- University of California M.S. 1977 Vegetable Crops Davis, CA
- University of California Voc. Ag. Cred. 1980 Vocational Ag. Teaching Davis, CA
- University of Wisconsin Ph.D. 1986 Plt. Breeding & Genetics Madison, WI
Professional Experience:
He has received many honors and awards including named a Regents Professor, Fellow of the American Society of Horticultural Science, the NMSU College of Agriculture and Home Economics Distinguished Researcher Award, inclusion in Who's Who in America, Wilson's Guide to Experts in Science and Technology, 2000 Outstanding Scientists of the 20th Century, the Distinguished Award for Graduate Teaching/Achievement Gamma Sigma Delta, and the infamous IgNobel, at Harvard University. He was honored by the European Scientific Committee on Capsicum and Eggplant by being the first American ever selected to serve on this Committee. Dr. Bosland and his program have been featured in many media outlets. These range from Smithsonian Magazine, National Geographic, New York Times, New Yorker Magazine, Men's Health, Martha Stewart's Living, National Public Radio, CBS Sunday Morning, Scientific American Frontiers, Food Network, Discovery Channel, to name just a few, and was highlighted in the award winning video "Green Gold - From the Maya to the Moon." He even has been an expert consult to the television show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"
At U.C. Davis, he earned his B.S. degree in 1976 in genetics, and an M.S. degree in vegetable crops in 1977. While at U. C. Davis, he also earned a secondary teaching credential and subsequently taught at the high school and the community college level. Additionally, he worked in the Cooperative Extension Service as a Research Associate administering vegetable trials in California. After these experiences, he returned to school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and earned his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics in 1986. He joined the faculty in the Department of Horticulture at New Mexico State University in 1986, where he rose through the ranks to full professor in 1994.
In addition to his extensive fundamental and applied studies, Dr. Bosland has provided the opportunity for numerous graduate and undergraduate students to learn about the facts and excitement of chile peppers. His research has graced the covered of International Science journals and one of his cultivars, 'NuMex Twilight', has been acclaimed by Organic Gardening as a 'Plant Worth Having'. Likewise, he has generously devoted his time as a classroom teacher in undergraduate and graduate courses and is highly regarded for his teaching skills. He receives very high compliments from his students in all of his courses. He has made international graduate education a cornerstone of his program. Dr. Bosland is a member of American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Society for Horticultural Sciences, Gamma Sigma Delta, New Mexico Academy of Science, and Sigma Xi. Released more than 30 cultivars since 1988.
SELECTED HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS:
- Capsicum Crop Advisory Committee - Elected Chair
- Member of the Scientific Editorial Board of the journal Euphytica
- Consulting Editor, Journal of American Horticulture Society
- Member of the European Scientific Committee for Capsicum & Eggplant
- Director NMSU Chile Pepper Institute
- New Mexico Chile Pepper Conference - Co-chair
- Dona County Cooperative Extension Volunteer Award - 1990
- NMSU Distinguished Research Award - 1995
- Gamma Sigma Delta, The Honor Society of Agriculture - Elected President
- Globe of the Month Award, International Programs, 1998
- Gamma Sigma Delta Distinguished Graduate Teacher/Advisor -1999
- IgNobel Award Harvard University - 1999
- NMSU Graduate Council - Elected Chair
- Wilson Guide to Experts in Science & Technology - 1999-2004
- Who's Who in America - 2000-2006
- Finalist for the Dennis Darnell Faculty Achievement Award - 2000
- University Research Council Award for Exceptional Achievements in Creative Scholarly Activity, 2002
- Academic Keys Who's Who in Agriculture Higher Education - 2002
- Regent's Professor - 2003
- Nominated for the State of New Mexico Service Award - 2003
- American Society of Horticulture Science Outstanding Graduate Educator Award - 2004
- Faculty Appreciation Award, Dept. Plt. & Env. Sci., NMSU - 2006
- Finalist for the Michael P. Malone International Leadership Award - 2006
- Fellow of the American Society for Horticultural Science
Dr. Christopher S. Cramer
Title: Professor
Research area: Breeding, Genetics, Onions, Quantitative Genetics, Crop Production
Office location: N346 Skeen Hall
Email Address: cscramer@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (575) 646-2657
Office Fax: (575) 646-6041
Education:
- Ph.D. in Horticultural Science. Minor in Genetics and Statistics. Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh. May 1997. Dissertation: "Specific combining ability for fruit yield and shape, yield, and yield components of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) populations improved using recurrent selection.
- M.S. in Horticulture. Department of Plant Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs. May 1994. Master's Thesis: "In vitro and in vivo studies of Mussaenda.
- B.S. in Horticulture. Department of Horticulture, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park. Graduated with honors and distinction. May 1991. University Scholar's Program. Undergraduate Thesis. "Hybridization between diploid and tetraploid Pelargonium xhortorum Bailey."
Research Interests:
Our breeding program develops onion cultivars for growers in New Mexico. Very few commercial onion cultivars are adapted to the growing conditions found in New Mexico. In addition, the onion acreage in New Mexico is too small to warrant specific cultivar development by commercial seed companies. Our program develops high yielding, high quality, disease resistant, and bolting resistant cultivars that allow growers in New Mexico to be competitive with other onion markets in the United States.
Professional Experience:
- Professor of Horticulture.7/08-Present. Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University.
- Associate Professor of Horticulture. 7/03-7/08. Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University.
- Assistant Professor of Horticulture: 9/97-7/03. Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, New Mexico State University.
Courses Taught:
AGRO/HORT 100G (Introductory Plant Science) is an introductory course that exposes freshmen and sophomore students in agriculture related majors to the many disciplines of plant science. Students learn plant systematics, plant anatomy, soil science, plant physiology, plant propagation, plant breeding and genetics, landscape design, crop production, crop physiology, and pest management. Students take field trips to research facilities, library, growers' fields, commercial nurseries, and grocery stores. In the laboratory, students gain practical experience in crop production, transplanting, pruning, dissection, identification, plant propagation, and plant breeding. Students write an essay based upon current issues involving plant science and present their essay before the class. 4 credits hours with a lab.
AGRO/HORT 670 (Biometrical Genetics and Plant Breeding) is an upper level graduate course that examines quantitative genetics and how it can be used in a plant breeding program. Topics covered in the course included single gene inheritance, gene frequency, inbreeding, identity of alleles by descent, covariance of traits, covariance between individuals, epistasis, mating designs, gain from selection, heritability, heterosis and inbreeding depression, genotype by environment interaction, path analysis, and quantitative trait loci. 3 credit hours.
HORT 205 (Introduction to Horticulture) is an introductory course open to all majors in the university. Students learn plant anatomy, soil science, plant physiology, plant propagation, plant breeding and genetics, plant systematics, crop production, crop physiology, greenhouse and nursery management, and pest management. The course offers students flexibility in completing a course without having to come to campus on certain days or at certain times. First entirely web-based, distance education course offered by the department. 3 credit hours.
Dr. Ryan Goss
Title: Assistant Professor
Research area: Turfgrass science and management
Office location: 334 Skeen Hall
Email Address: ryangoss@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (575) 646-3297
Office Fax: (575) 646-6041
Education:
- BLA (Bachelors of Science in Landscape Architecture degree), the Ohio State University in 1997.
- MS (Masters of Science degree), Crop and Soil Science Department at Michigan State University in 2000.
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy degree), Agronomy and Horticulture Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2003.
Research Interests:
- Turfgrass physiology, stress physiology and general turfgrass management.
Sabine Green
Title: Floriculture Program Coordinator
Office location: W353 Skeen Hall
Email Address: swhitley@nmsu.eduOffice Phone: (575) 646-3662
Office Fax: (575) 646-6041
Education
- Master of Science in Ornamental Horticulture New Mexico State University August 2006
- Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture New Mexico State University, December 1996
EMPLOYMENT
- Floriculture Program Coordinator (2003 to present) New Mexico State University Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Floral Designer and Educational Outreach (2002) Renee's Fox Florist and Gifts Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant (1997 to 2001) Agronomy and Horticulture Department New Mexico State University
- ORGANIZATIONS NMSU Floral Evaluation and Design Team, Coach
- Host floral design workshop fundraisers
- Represent NMSU at the Phi Alpha Xi national floral competition
- Organize floral sales, including advertisements and promotional sales
- New Mexico State Florist Association (2003-2005)
- Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Agriculture (2006)
RESEARCH INTEREST:
- Specialty Floral Crops
- Floricuture Education
HONORS
- Outstanding Graduate Student, Horticulture Department, 2000
- Bonnie Lowenstein Scholarship recipient, 1999 and 2001
- Greenleaf Wholesale Floral, 2003 Statewide Designer Contest, 1st place Wedding designs category
- Honorary State FFA Degree, 2005
Dr. John Harrington
Title: Professor
Research area: Forest Biology, Reforestation, Native Plant Propagation and Disturbed Land Restoration.
Office location: Mora Research Center
Email Address: joharrin@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (505) 387-2319
Office Fax: (505) 387-9012
Education:
- Ph.D.: Agronomy, New Mexico State University
- M.S.: Forest Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
- B.A.: Forest Management, University of Winsconsin-Stevens Point
My research interests are in tree physiology associated with reforestation and afforestation systems, and the ecological process associated with arid and semi-arid woodland ecosystems. Previous research has focused on seed and seedling water relations, growth and development, stress physiology and dormancy both in greenhouse and field applications. While I have worked with many woody plant species, most of my effort has been on arid and semi-arid species with agroforestry and disturbed land restoration potential.
Currently, I am conducting research in three primary areas:
- container production of woody plants
- high elevation restoration ecology
- pinon-juniper woodland silviculture.
I am also involved in forest genetics/tree improvement and arid and semi-arid agroforestry research programs.
The container production (nursery) research program is currently focused on improving the understanding of asexual propagation of several conifer and deciduous species via rooted stem cuttings. I am also developing procedures to overcome dormancy mechanisms in species with recalcitrant seeds.
The high elevation restoration ecology research program is currently developing techniques to restore forest plant communities on mine overburden and tailings. Of primary interest in this area is examining the physiological processes associated with plant establishment on neutral and acidic overburden at elevations in excess of 2,000 meters. This program is also examining the influence of various site preparation and micro-site preparation techniques on transplant survival.
The pinon-juniper silviculture project is a partnership project with the U.S.D.A.-Forest Service, Carson National Forest and the New Mexico State University-Mora Research Center. This project involves examining the short-term (5 to 15 years) effects of overstory thinning on several ecosystem attributes including over- and under-story plant composition and regeneration, and biomass production.
Professional Affiliations- Society of American Foresters - Certified Forester
- Society of American Foresters (NM Chapter Chair 2001; AZ &NM Section Chair 2004-005)
- American Society of Horticulture Science
- Society for Ecological Restoration
- Society of Range Management (NM Board of Directors 2004-2005)
- National Christmas Tree Association
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
- International Society of Tropical Foresters
- International Erosion Control Association
- Southwestern Container Growers Association (Technical Coordinator)
- New Mexico Tree Farm System (Secretary 2000 - 2004)
- American Society for Mining and Reclamation (Forestry Division Chair 2003 - 2007)
- WCC-21 - Restoration Working Group (Chair 2002- 2003)
Dr. Kevin A. Lombard
Title: Assistant Professor of Horticulture
Office location:
Email Address: klombard@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (505) 327- 7757
Office Fax: (505)325-5246
Education:
May, 2007
Doctor of Philosophy, Major: Agronomy; Minor: Public Health (US and Mexico Border Health Issues), New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
August, 2000
Master of Science in Agriculture, Horticulture, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
May, 1991
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Horticulture,Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas.
Current projects/research:
1)Investigation of wine and table grape adaptability to the Four Corners Region,
2)Horticulture and Public Health: developing strategies for abating diabetes on the Navajo Nation
3)Developing a horticulture curriculum for San Juan College
Dr. John G. Mexal
Title: Professor of Horticulture, Assistant Department Head
Research area: Ecology and Conservation, Gardening and Landscaping, Water
Office location: N348 Skeen Hall
Email Address: jmexal@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (575)646-3335
Office Fax: (575) 646-6046
Education:
- Ph.D.: Plant Physiology, Colorado State University.
- M.S.: Biology, University of New Mexico
- B.S.: Biology and Chemistry, University of New Mexico.
TRAINING: University Development Workshop, Las Cruces, NM 2005
WebCT Workshop, NMSU 2001
Professional Writing Workshop, Las Cruces, NM 1990
University Development Workshop, Baltimore, MD 1986
Writing Across the Curriculum, NMSU 1984
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
- Assistant Department Head and Special Assistant to the Dean for Development, New Mexico State University, 2003 to present
- Professor, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM. 1989 to present
- Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM. 1986-1989
- Head, Department of Horticulture, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM. 1983-1986
- Adjunct Professor, School of Forestry, Auburn University, Auburn AL. 1984 to present
- Regeneration Specialist, Southern Forestry Research Center, Weyerhaeuser Co., Hot Springs, AR. 1974-1983
- Research Assistant, School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO. 1971-1974
- Laboratory Instructor, Chemistry Department, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO. 1973 (two semesters)
- Assistant Curator of the Herbarium, Biology Department, New Mexico State University, Albuquerque, NM 1969-1971
Research Interests:
Research interests include tree physiology, nursery production, reforestation, establishment of plants in harsh environments, mycorrhizal symbiosis, and seed biology. Most of my work is with conifers, but increasingly my interests include native shrubs and tropical woody plants. I have over eight years experience in research with the forest industry, with work focused on reforestation and nursery production. I have been at NMSU 11 years, including three years as the Head of the Horticulture Department.
I teach Introductory Plant Science; Nursery Operation; Research Orientation and Perspectives.
AWARDS and RECOGNITIONS:
- CAHE Distinguished Research Award (2003)
- Blasker Environmental Science Award (nominee in 2000)
- Rio Grande Border Environmental Award (2000)
- Honorary State FFA Degree (1997)
- SW Forest Disease Workshop Award (1985)
- Weyerhaeuser Co. Research Awards (2 in 1980)
MEMBERSHIPS:
- Society of American Foresters
- American Society of Horticulture Science
- New Mexico Academy of Science
- Pi Alpha Xi
- Gamma Sigma Delta (President 1988-1989)
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE:
- Serbia (2005)
- Mexico (1991 to present)[see Addendum for publications]
- Chile (2002-2003)
- Egypt (1999 to 2001)
- Chile (1995-1996)
- India (1990)
- Honduras (1984)
- New Zealand/Australia (1978)
- BHP Minerals, Farmington NM 1991-1995, 1999
- Auburn University, School of Forestry 1990, 1992-1994
- Indian Mound Nursery, Texas Forest Service 1995
- City of Las Cruces Wastewater Treatment Plant 1999
- International Garment Processors, El Paso, TX 2000
- Arizona State University, 2001
- Brinkman and Assoc., New Westminster, BC, Canada, 2005
- Entrix, Inc. Vancouver, WA 2005
Presented lectures on sustainable agriculture to farmer groups.
a. Reforestation Training (4 yrs)
1) Training in US for ~30 students/yr (3 yrs)
2) Training in Mexico for ~50 students (1 yr)
b. Ongoing research programs in states of Chihuahua, Quintana Roo and "Distrito Federal" (1995-present)
c. Seminars in Mexico City, Morelia, Chihuahua, Merida, Torreon and Durango
d. Grants exceeded $600,000.
Nursery and Reforestation training course.
a. Wastewater land application project in Ismailia, Egypt
b. Grants = $75,000
a. Reforestation of Nothofagus in Tierra del Fuego, Chile
b. Grants = $350,000
Reforestation and nursery production training in Madurai, India (Auburn U.)
Visit agriculture research programs
CONSULTING ACTIVITIES:
Professional Resources
Other publications
Dr. Mary O'Connell
Title: Regents Professor
Research Area:Plant Secondary Metabolism, Drought and Disease Resistances
Office location:179 Gerald Thomas Hall
Phone: (575) 646-5172
Fax: (575) 646-6041
O'Connell Lab - Recent publications, descriptions of research projects, and lab personnel
Education:
- Ph.D.: Biochemistry, Cornell University
- B.S.: B.S.: Biology and Chemistry, College of Mt. St. Vincent
Positions and Responsibilities
1975-1980 Research Assistant, Cornell University
1980-1982 Postdoctoral Trainee, Dept. Chemistry, University of California, San Diego,
1982-1985 Research Associate, Dept. Biology, University of Virginia
1985-present Assistant, Associate, Full Professor, Dept. Plant & Environmental Sciences, (former Agronomy & Horticulture, NMSU)
1993-1999 Director, NIH sponsored Minority High School Student Program, NMSU
1996-1998 Outreach Coordinator, National Biotechnology Information Facility, NMSU
2000-present Director, Medicinal Plants of the Southwest Project, NMSU
2001-2005 Steering Committee, NM Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network
2002-2006 Panel Member, NIH NIGMS MBRS sub-committee
Efforts in Minority Student Training
NIH Minority Access to Research Careers, mentor 1986 to present
NIH Minority Biomedical Research Support/RISE program, mentor 1990 to present
NIH Bridges to Native Americans Program, mentor 1992 to present
NIH RISE Medicinal Plants of the Southwest, director 2000 to present
NCI Building Minority Research Capacity Project: NMSU & FHCRC, director, 2003 to present
Honors
1997 Distinguished Research Award, College of Agriculture & Home Economics, NMSU
2004 NACTA Teaching Award of Merit, College of Agriculture & Home Economics, NMSU
2006 Regent's Professor, NMSU
Teaching
Hort 310 Medicinal Herbs
Gene 452 Applied Bioinformatics
Agro/Hort/Biol/Eppws 530 Plant Physiology: Metabolism
Research Interests: Genomic DNA sequencing efforts have been completed on several plants, and extensive genome characterization efforts are proceeding on many other crop plants. Collaborative efforts between plant breeders, biochemists, physiologists and molecular biologists will be required to determine the function or functions of these genes. This project outlines two objectives whose goals are to understand and manipulate genes important in biotic and abiotic responses and important in selected pathways in plant secondary metabolism. The methods proposed to undertake these objectives include plant biochemistry, plant molecular genetics, phytochemistry and bio-informatics, using both crop plants and plants indigenous to arid and semi-arid environments.
Much of the work will be performed in Capsicum. We have extensive experience on the impact of drought and disease on gene expression in Capsicum in leaf and root tissues. The quality of the chile crop in New Mexico is of central importance to agriculture in New Mexico. Continued production of this iconic crop for the state will require attention to production issues like mechanical harvesting, disease resistance, and improvements in irrigation methods. Increases in the harvested value of the chile crop, by development of lines that produce unique secondary metabolites or increased production of important secondary metabolites will also work to maintain the value of this crop for farmers in New Mexico. Ultimately, this research will describe how the secondary product accumulation for carotenoids and capsaicinoids respond to environmental signals during fruit development.
Objective 1: Provide student mentoring and administrative support for extramurally funded research on functional genomics and bioinformatics studies in plants adapted to arid and semi-arid regions
Objective 2: Provide student mentoring and administrative support for extramurally funded research on analyses of chemical compositions and molecular genetics of secondary metabolites in crop plants like Capsicum spp. and native plants with biomedical properties adapted to arid and semi arid regions.
Dr. G.A. Picchioni
Title: Professor
Office location: N334 Skeen Hall
Email Address: gpicchio@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (575) 646-1820
Office Fax: (575) 646-6041
Education:
- PhD., Horticulture, Texas A&M University, College Station (1989)
- MS, Horticulture, University of Arizona, Tucson (1981)
- BS, Agricultural Science, University of Arizona, Tucson (1979)
Courses Taught:
Research Emphasis:
- Preharvest and postharvest factors affecting product quality
- Minimizing environmental impact of fertilization
- Water reutilization
- Salinity stress
- Calcium
- Ion translocation
- Sodicity
- Senescence
- Lipid biochemistry
Professional Resources
Dr. Naveen Puppala
Title: College Assistant Professor
Research Area/Expertise: Crops, Water, Office Location: Clovis Science Center
Email Address: npupalla@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (505) 646-5171
Office Fax: (505) 985-2292
Research area: Peanut breeding and Genetics
Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire
Title: Professor
Research area: landscape and ornamental horticulture, environmental stress physiology, molecular ecophysiology
Office location: N352 Skeen Hall
Email Address: rsthilai@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (575) 646-3638
Office Fax: (575) 646-6041
Education:
- Ph.D., Horticulture, Iowa State University, 1998
- M.S., Horticulture, M.S., Horticulturem 1994
- B.S. (Magna cum laude), Horticulture, University of Puerto Rico, 1992
- Diploma (Honors), Agriculture, Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (E.C.I.A.F.), Trinidad, 1985
Additional Qualifications
Diploma, Teaching Techniques Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology of Canada 1987
Certificate, Vegetable Production Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Taipei, Taiwan
Academic Distinctions
1994-98 Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D.)
1992-94 Caribbean Scholarship Program Award (M.S.)
Ralph S. Garwood Award (Top of the horticulture class),
University of Puerto Rico
1988-92 Caribbean Scholarship Program Award (B.S.)
1985 Proficiency Award in Farm Practicals, E. C. I. A. F.
Caroni Prize, E.C. I. A. F.
Agricultural Development Bank Prize, E. C. I. A. F.
Federation Chemicals Prize, E. C. I. A. F.
Director's Prize, E. C. I. A. F.
1984 Barbados General Agricultural Society Prize, E. C. I.A.F.
Student of the Year Award, E. C. I. A. F.
1983-85 Canadian International Development Agency Scholarship (Diploma-Agricultural Engineering Specialization)
Research Interests:
Ecology and Conservation, Gardening and Landscaping
Employment
2004 - present Associate Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture, New Mexico State University (NMSU)
2003 - 2004 Director, NMSU Research and Engineering Apprenticeship Program of the Academy of Applied Science
1998 -2003 Assistant Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture, NMSU
1994 -1998 Graduate Research Assistant, Horticulture, Iowa State Univ.
Research on environmental stress physiology of hard maples
1993 -1994 Teaching Assistant, Department of Horticulture and Department of Agricultural Mechanization, University of Puerto Rico
Responsible for laboratory practicals for HORT 6669 - Growth Regulators in Horticulture, and HORT 6611 - Advanced Plant Propagation.
Taught a unit of laboratory practicals for TMAG 4016 -Agricultural Mechanization.
1992-1993 Graduate Assistant, Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, teaching assistant for Quim 3002 - Inorganic Chemistry.
Teaching (landscape horticulture and environmental stress physiology)Instructor,
- HORT 200 - Special Topics/Ornamental Plants II, New Mexico State Univ. (NMSU)
- HORT 210 - Ornamental Plants I, NMSU
- HORT 211 - Ornamental Plants II, NMSU
- HORT 308 - Landscape Construction, NMSU
- HORT 307 - Landscape Design, NMSU
- HORT 465 - Landscape Case Studies, NMSU
- AGRO/BIOL/HORT 533 - Environmental Stress Physiology, NMSU
Awards and Honors
Campus Leadership Award, Iowa State University, 1997.
First place poster presentation, Chavez, S. and R. St. Hilaire, Adventitious rooting and development of terminal and single-node cuttings of Nepeta cataria L., NMSU Graduate Research and Arts Symposium, April 27, 2001.
Patricia Christmore Faculty Teaching Award, (University-wide award for junior faculty excellence in Teaching), New Mexico State University, 2001
Faculty Teaching Award for the College of Agriculture and Home Economics, New Mexico State University, 2002.
Faculty Team Research Award for the College of Agriculture and Home Economics, NMSU, 2005
Membership in Departmental, College and University Committees (NMSU)
- Departmental
- Direct Assessment of Learning, Curriculum, Multimedia, scholarship College of Agriculture
- Student Appeals, Recruitment and Retention, Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) Advisory committee University
- Advisory Board for Teaching Academy at NMSU
Membership in State and National Boards and Regional committees
- Landscape Advisory Committee - Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute
- New Mexico State Board of Landscape Architects
Theses, Dissertations Directed: Chair (4 M.S., 2 Ph.D.); Committee (6 M.S., 4 Ph.D)
1998 - 2000 Balok, M. S. student, Chair of Graduate Committee
Thesis 2000: Water deficit stress responses of seven trees used in Southwestern landscapes
1999 -2002 Jane Spinti, M. S. student, Chair of Graduate Committee
Thesis 2002: Balancing landscape preferences and water use in a desert environment
2000 -2003 Cathleen Feser, M. S. student, Chair of Graduate Committee
Thesis 2003: Plant water relations, evapotranspiration, and development traits of Mexican elder plants subjected to various irrigation regimes
2001-Present Emad Bsoul, Ph.D. student, Chair of Graduate Committee
2001-Present Clare Bowen O'Connor, Ph.D. student, Chair of Graduate Committee
2005 Victoria Frietze, M.S. student, Chair of Graduate Committee
Undergraduate advising, New Mexico State University Faculty Advisor to Student chapter of the Plant
National Service
Grant review panelist for Corporation for National Service, Washington, D.C.
Grant review panelist for 1890 Capacity Building Grants Program, USDA-CSREES
Peer reviewer for the journals, HortTechnology, HortScience, Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, Journal of Plant Foods.
Consulting Editor - Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science
Honorary and Professional Societies
Alpha Zeta
American Society for Horticultural Science
American Society for Landscape Architects - Full Member
Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) -Faculty Advisor to NMSU Student Chapter
Gamma Sigma Delta - (Current President of the NMSU chapter 2004-2005)
Membership in other Societies
Western Coordinating Committee (Production, transition handling, and reestablishment of perennial nursery stock)-Secretary Elect-2000, President 2001-2002
Metropolitan Tree Alliance Association - Assistant Director
Proposals Funded
A Landscape Inventory of the Parks in the city of Las Cruces, St. Hilaire, R. Service Learning of Southern New Mexico, 1999
Improving intergenerational mentoring through real-world landscape projects, St. Hilaire, R. 2000-2001, Paso Del Norte Health Foundation
Minority Biomedical Research Support/Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (MBRS/RISE)-NMSU 2000-2003
Determining landscape choices, plant water use and minimum irrigation requirements in the urban environment, Rio Grande Initiative-Efficient Irrigation for Water Conservation in the Rio 2001 - 2003
Physiological responses of two woody plants and two turf grasses grown in soil amendments, project funded by Watch-IT-Grow, Inc., 2001-2003
2003 - Ecophysiological basis for the landscape use of Acer grandidentatum -Landscape Plant Development Center, 2002-2003
Research and Engineering Apprenticeship Program, Army Research Office, 2003-2004
Client-based, collaborative and experiential learning projects: a model to improve minority participation in landscape horticulture, USDA-CSREES, 2002-2005
An integrated approach to demonstrating water-conserving landscapes plants-NMSU Rio
Grande Irrigation Project thru Texas A&M Agr. Expt. Sta., 2004 - 2006
Dr. Mark Uchanski
Title: Assistant Professor of Vegetable Physiology
Office Location: Skeen Hall, N 350
Email Address: uchanski@nmsu.edu
Office Phone: (575) 646-1914
Office Fax: (575) 646-6041
Education:
October 2007 Combined M.S./Ph.D.
Ph.D.: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
Horticulture, vegetable crops
Certificate of Business Administration
Dissertation Title: Yield and Quality of Pathogen-Free Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) Planting Stock.
May 2002, B.S.:
University of Illinois (UIUC)
Major: Horticultural Science
Minor: Spanish
Academic Expertise Title: Assistant Professor/ Fruit Specialist Research Area: Tree fruit/small fruit, conventional/organic production, orchard floor and soil fertility management Office location: Sustainable Ag Science Center at Alcalde Email Address: yaos@nmsu.edu Office Phone: (505) 852-4241 Office Fax: (505) 852-2857 Education: Employment History: Professional Association: American Society for Horticulture Science
Current projects/research
Dr. Shengrui Yao
