Davis, California, USA
October 06, 2023
Doctoral student Marie Klein’s career is getting bolstered with recognition and connections after being named a 2023 Borlaug Scholar by the National Association of Plant Breeders.
“Being a part of an exceptional community of plant breeders offers me invaluable opportunities for learning and growth,” said Klein. She is a third-year doctoral student in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, working in the lab of department Chair Gail Taylor.
Part of the research of doctoral student Marie Klein is to see how poplar trees do when they don't get enough water. At this field near UC Davis, she's looking for individual trees that do relatively well despite drought. (Trina Kleist/UC Davis)
Along with an all-expenses paid trip to the NAPB Annual Meeting, she and 22 other up-and-coming scientists have each been paired with a leading figure within the plant breeding industry. Klein has been partnered with NAPB’s pioneering Director Hannah Senior, CEO of U.K.-based Pollination Bag Specialists International. “She has been instrumental in providing career advice and introducing me to her fantastic network," Klein said.
At the NAPB Annual Meeting, hosted by South Carolina’s Clemson University earlier this year, Klein presented her research on poplar trees to fellow scientists.
Klein studies poplar genetics to develop a supply for plant-based, renewable jet fuel. Her work in the Taylor lab contributes to the Biden administration’s goal of a sustainable energy future. Klein earned her bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Bonn, Germany, and has completed research in Germany, West Africa and the Philippines.
"I've had a lot of experiences all over the world that give me a deep appreciation for the value of plant breeding,” Klein said.
Related Links
National Association of Plant Breeders
Articles about the poplar tree research:
"DOE grant extends poplar tree project for Taylor Lab," March 24, 2023
"Jet fuel from poplar trees is on the horizon," June 8, 2022
Topics
Species
