Areas of Interest: My lab is interested in studying the interactive effects of environment, management and crop genetics on the productivity and sustainability of grain cropping systems. We address this complex question with a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates agronomic and hypothesis-driven eco-physiology research with the use of crop simulation models. Main research questions in our lab try to fill knowledge gaps in soil-plant-atmosphere interactions and plant processes that ultimately determine yield and grain composition.

The goal of my research program is to develop an integrated interdisciplinary approach for increasing the productivity and sustainability of grain crop production systems in Kentucky and surrounding states. This integrated approach includes: i) the study of yield physiology and the role of environmental variables involved in grain yield determination, ii) evaluation of genotype x environment x management options that can optimize the use of light, water, and nutrients, iii) the aid of mechanistic crop simulation models as a platform for studying and predicting complex soil-plant-atmosphere interactions, and iv) collaborations with geneticists, economists and high-thoroughput phenotyping and precision agriculture techniques. The final goal of this interdisciplinary effort is the development of user-friendly decision tools and recommendations that address current and future challenges for increasing productivity with a sustainable use of resources.

Specialties: Grain Crops

Experience

2016-present, Assistant Professor. University of Kentucky

2012-2016, Postdoctoral Research Associate. University of Arkansas.

2006-2011, Research Assistant, Ph.D. program. Soils and Irrigation Department. Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragón (CITA), and Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Zaragoza, Spain.