Alum of the Month
Monica Prias-Blanco
Currently a research assistant at the Research Center of Sugar Cane in Colombia (Cenicaña), Prias-Blanco's duties include genetic transformation of sugar cane through biolistics and molecular evaluation of transgenic events. Her research goal includes validation of genes involved in water stress and resistance to plagues.
IPBGG Grad Student Spotlight
Aasish Pokharel
We're proud of our awesome graduate students and want to recognize their excellence!
The Institute for Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics has a vibrant graduate program that offers both a Master's degree and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics.
Congrats to PBGG Member Patrick Conner
CAES horticulture professor among eight UGA faculty named NAI Senior Members
The National Academy of Inventors has selected eight University of Georgia researchers as 2025 NAI Senior Members, surpassing its own record of five inductees set last year. UGA now has 24 Senior Members overall. “We are thrilled to celebrate these latest UGA elections to the country’s leading organization for groundbreaking inventors and innovators,” said Chris King, interim vice president for research. “Their dedication to translating research into tangible impact embodies the university’s land-grant mission and our commitment to serving society through innovation.”
Grad Student Awards
Soybean Breeders Workshop
Graduate student Jake Spittle took 2nd place at the 2025 Soybean Breeders Workshop held in St. Louis. Congradulations, Jake!
PBGG Faculty Excellence
Branch named National Academy of Inventors Fellow
William “Bill” D. Branch, Georgia Seed Development Professor in Peanut Breeding and Genetics in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, has been elected as Fellow for the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).
Branch is the 17th UGA faculty member to receive this honor, which recognizes inventors whose innovations have had a significant impact on society, economic development and quality of life.