Dr. Lamkey is the Chair of the Department of Agronomy and Pioneer Distinguished Chair in Maize Breeding.  From 1984 to 2002 he was a research geneticist and lead scientist with the Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit of the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Ames, IA. Dr. Lamkey is a member of the cooperative federal-state corn breeding project on the Iowa State University campus. The main focus of Dr. Lamkey’s research has been quantitative genetics, recurrent selection methodology, and selection theory.  He has recently been focusing on modify the amino acid and phosphorous concentration of corn for animal feed developing production systems for pharmaceutical corn, and modifying corn as a lignocellulosic feedstock for bioenergy applications.He has a national and international reputation as an expert on corn quantitative genetics and selection response.  He has authored or co-authored over 70 papers in refereed journals and numerous papers in conference proceedings, book chapters, published abstracts, and technical research reports. 

Robert Mitchell is an Associate Professor. He received his B.S. in  Natural Resource/Wildlife at University of Nebraska, his M.S. in Agronomy/Range & Forage at University of Nebraska, and his Ph.D. in Agronomy/Range & Forage at University of Nebraska. His research interests are Grassland Management, Grassland Ecology, Grassland Establishment, Grass Growth and Development, and Fire Ecology. His extension areas of interest are Range management and Grassland establishment and management. His major projects are in conducting research that will help producers find ways to stay in business. I currently have about 15 projects ranging from the economics of livestock grazing on established grasslands to developing better techniques for establishing perennial warm-season grasses.                                                    

Aaron Schuchart joined Mendel in July 2007 with twenty years of experience in both the biotechnology and energy industries. Prior to Mendel, Aaron structured and negotiated many collaborations and alliances at Amgen, Inc where he was responsible for global out-licensing activities. Prior to Amgen, he held various positions in operations, finance, and business development at Atlantic Richfield Company. Aaron holds a BBA from Texas Tech University and an MBA from UCLA.