Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M University-Commerce College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, CASNR, have hired an assistant professor to boost research and education in agronomy — the comprehensive study of soil management and crop production.
Grace Flusche Ogden, Ph.D., began her role as assistant professor of agronomy Aug. 1. Ogden will collaborate with AgriLife Research scientists across Texas on a range of research initiatives.
Her work will aim to fill existing gaps in agronomic data to benefit farmers across rural northeast Texas.
“The farmers in this area have a long tradition of excellent crop production and are passionate about growing crops here,” she said. “I am ready to get a sense of the data these growers need.”
Ogden will participate in field and greenhouse trials and trend analysis, among other research efforts, to benefit regional farmers directly. Her goal is to make overall strides toward increased production efficiency and crop quality.
She will teach classes each semester at A&M-Commerce and said she is excited to share what she learns with AgriLife Research in the classroom.
A background supporting northeast Texas agronomy
Joining Texas A&M from Muskogee, Oklahoma, Ogden’s doctoral studies focused on plant and soil sciences. She earned her doctoral and bachelor’s degrees from Oklahoma State University and her master’s from Texas Tech University. Her graduate research focused on weed control through tillage and herbicides, with a special emphasis on soil health. Ogden brings experience in weed and soil sciences as well as corn, cotton, sorghum, soybean and wheat.
“This joint hire represents our agency’s continuing commitment to strengthening Texas commodities while developing the next generation of research leaders,” said G. Cliff Lamb, Ph.D., director of AgriLife Research.
“This is the first joint professorship we have had with AgriLife Research since 2016,” said Randy Harp, dean of CASNR. “We look forward to working together to build a research team that can secure grant funding for impactful research for our area.”
