Jackson

As an undergrad, I fell in love with genetics. However, I didn’t really know what one did with that until I met a geneticist who worked with plants. He showed me that as a geneticist, I could work on practical problems with real-world impact. In this case, helping to feed the world. 

My research has covered a broad range. I have worked on developing new tools and technologies that would accelerate crop improvement through researching how various traits were genetically controlled. This led to gaining insights into mechanisms of plant domestication, evolution and adaptation. More recently, I have been focused on how to use data tools, like artificial intelligence, to take massive amounts of data that are generated on the genetics of the crops and the environments they are grown in to better understand how to develop crops that are more resilient and sustainable. 

The University of Georgia provides outstanding resources and dedicated faculty to help me conduct my research. As a land-grant institution, UGA has a strong connection with the agricultural industry both in the state of Georgia and abroad. It’s a rare thing to be part of academic research programs that have near-term dividends in making a difference in a grower’s fields. 

While accelerating crop improvement is critical to helping feed a global population that is rapidly expanding, it is also very beneficial economically to farmers and communities. For example, when farmers in Africa can grow peanuts, which are hearty and nutritious, they’re earning a living to care for their families while also keeping their communities healthy. I’m inspired daily by the impact that our work has on people’s lives, even if they do not know it.