Benjamin Culver

In his own words ...

Where are you from, and why did you choose to study at UGA CAES?
I grew up in South Bend Indiana. During high school I decided I wanted to do something with plants so I applied to Purdue University to the Plant Genetics Breeding and Biotech degree. While there I fell in love with plant breeding and research. My academic advisor was a graduate of UGA and was a great researcher who I greatly respected so I applied to UGA at her suggestion. I was applying to grad school during the pandemic when research funding, etc... was very uncertain and Dr. Peng Chee offered me a position at his lab doing cotton disease research. Cotton breeding in Georgia was not what I expected to do, but Dr. Chee and the rest of the people in the lab taught me a lot about the difficulties and joys of research. I am glad of the opportunity to get a M.S. at UGA and despite the difficulties would not trade the experience for any other at the time. 

Tell us about your thesis/dissertation research.
My research involves finding candidate QTLs for resistance to the cotton leaf disease Ramularia Leaf Spot using multiple bi-parental F3 populations with a resistant parent and a susceptible parent.

Who is your major professor?
Dr Peng  Chee

Why did you choose your major(s)?
I chose my major because I really enjoyed my major at Purdue; the very similar and similarly named Plant Genetic, Breeding and Biotech degree and particularly because of my interest in plant breeding and thus IPBGG was a perfect fit. 

What is your favorite class you have taken?
Genomic Selection (PBGG 8874)

Who has been your favorite instructor?
Dr Jason Wallace

What has been the best experience you've had so far at the college?
I have most appreciated when I have been able to collect data in the cotton fields for my and others' research. 

How has your experience at UGA changed you?
I gained a much deeper appreciation for the difficulties and joys of scientific research.

Thinking of the word agriculture - what does agriculture mean to you? In what ways does agriculture impact your life and your culture?
Agriculture is the art and science; the craft, of growing food as well as other useful materials for human use such as textiles, building supplies, and other products. All using animal and plant resources.  

What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
I love gardening, growing herbs and occasionally flowers. I grow bonsai trees of which I currently have eight. I also dabble in various crafts including making jewelry, pottery, wood carving, and some others. I also collect antique books.