Small Grains Molecular Geneticist and Department Head Dr. Gary Muehlbauer

In episode #28 David Nicolai and Seth Naeve chat with Gary Muehlbauer, head of the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota.  Although Gary no longer has an official research appointment, he continues a very active research program with a large lab and significant outputs.  His research position is focused on wheat and barley molecular genetics. One research area is directed towards Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat and barley. Another is focused on developing and integrating genomics resources into barley breeding programs.  Others involve identifying genetic variation in wild barleys for use in germplasm enhancement, and to genetically characterize a collection of barley tillering mutants.In his role as Department Head, Gary has been instrumental in modernizing the physical space and teaching efforts within the department.  Gary managed the remodeling of classrooms and conference spaces as well as the main office.  He is supporting faculty teaching more engaging courses and working to recruit both undergraduates and graduate students from across the state of Minnesota and beyond.  Join Dave and Seth for a discussion with Gary Muehlbauer on this week’s edition of Minnesota Crop Cast.