Dr. Rebecca Grumet recently retired as a Professor in the Department of Horticulture, at Michigan State University, specializing in reproductive development in Cucumis; regulation of sex-expression; disease resistance; biotechnology biosafety; & cucurbit genomics. Her appointment was 84% research and 16% teaching. Rebecca had been in this role since July 1987, and is now in the process of completing a long and successful career through a ‘working retirement’. Rebecca wore many hats during those years: CucCAP project director, Regular Faculty, Molecular Plant Sciences Program Faculty, Genetics & Genome Sciences Program, and Professor, BioMolecular Science Gateway. Rebecca gained experience and earned her degrees at: Postdoctoral Fellowship, Duke University, 1985-1987; Ph.D., Michigan State University, 1985; M.S., Michigan State University, 1980; and B.S., Cornell University, 1978.
The most recent research in the Grumet lab focused on fruit development and disease resistance in Cucumis (cucumber and melon) crops using a combination of molecular genetic, genomic and transgenic approaches. They were especially interested in early stages of fruit growth and factors influencing fruit size, shape, cuticle and surface properties and resistance to infection by the oomycete pathogen, Phytophthora capsici.
Another long-term area of interest of Rebecca’s was biotechnology biosafety. Activities in this area include research, teaching, and international development work, including participation in MSU, USDAID, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation- based projects.
Source: msu.edu
Photo Credit: gettyimages-valentinrussanov
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables