Ithaca, New York, USA
September 11, 2024
Mike Gore, professor of molecular breeding and genetics at Cornell University, has been honored with the Public Sector Impact Award from the National Association for Plant Breeding (NAPB). This award recognizes public sector scientists who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of plant breeding, with impacts in research, technological innovation, germplasm development, cultivar release, education and leadership.
Gore, a Liberty Hyde Bailey professor in Cornell’s School of Integrative Plant Science, has made significant advances in applying quantitative genetics, genomics, analytical chemistry, and high-throughput phenotyping to crop improvement. His research delves into the genetic basis of complex trait variation in key crops such as maize, oat, cassava, and cotton. By unraveling the genetics behind nutritional quality traits, Gore has provided transformative insights for molecular breeding, ultimately delivering critical tools for improved crops on a global scale.
In addition to his academic achievements, Gore actively leads research initiatives within the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Crop Improvement (ILCI) and the Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS). At ILCI, he co-leads phenomics research, focusing on the development of low-cost, accessible tools that allow plant breeders in low-resourced countries to collect and analyze field data. By utilizing technologies like handheld spectrometers and digital data collection software, Gore helps streamline the measurement of vital crop traits, such as nutritional quality, advancing global food security through better crop selection.
“All the acknowledgments Mike receives certainly are warranted. His commitment to research, education, and outreach are significant and he serves to catalyze progress across a range of programs and disciplines,” said ILCI director Stephen Kresovich, professor of plant breeding and genetics at SIPS and the Robert and Lois Coker Trustees Chair of Genetics at Clemson University.
At CROPPS, Gore serves as associate director for research partnerships and leads efforts to discover extreme phenotypes and novel diversity in plants. His work harnesses programmable plants and the Internet of Living Things (IoLT) to reveal a dynamic range of phenotypes across diverse genetic backgrounds. By studying phenotypic plasticity, this research enhances the selection of plant genotypes with optimal traits for specific environments, leading to more resilient and productive crops.
“Alongside Mike's creative technical work, he stands out for his qualities as a collaborator, mentor, and convener. Mike has excellent vision and brings the right people together from across his extensive network to achieve positive outcomes for the individuals and organizations involved,” said CROPPS director Abe Stroock, the Gordon L. Dibble ’50 Professor in the Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Cornell.
Gore’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including Fellow of the Crop Science Society of America and Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The Public Sector Impact Award adds another achievement to his distinguished career, highlighting his pivotal role in advancing plant breeding and genetics.
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