COLLEGE STATION – Dr. Russ Jessup has joined Texas AgriLife Research as a perennial grass scientist.
Jessup’s research will focus on breeding methods for improved perennial grasses to be used in biofuels, turfgrass production, forages, ornamentals and renewable construction materials and products.
“His research will focus on developing germplasm that will be used in biofuels, and he will also work on the development of improved turf and forage grasses,” said Dr. David Baltensperger, head of the department of soil and crop sciences at Texas A&M University.
Additionally, Jessup will teach undergraduate courses through a partial appointment with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M.
He earned his bachelor’s of science degree in plant and environmental soil sciences, and master’s and doctorate degrees in plant breeding – all from Texas A&M.
Prior to joining AgriLife Research, Jessup was a plant breeder with Mendel Biotechnology at Auburn, Ala. There, Jessup led a biomass breeding program involving Miscanthus, switchgrass, sorghum and other grasses. Jessup has also served as a post-doctoral research associate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service.
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