Cara Pesek, January 12, 2023
Cahoon reappointed as director of UNL Center for Plant Science Innovation
Edgar Cahoon, George W. Holmes Professor of biochemistry, has been reappointed as director of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Plant Science Innovation.
The Center for Plant Science Innovation strives to improve Nebraska and global well-being through innovative plant science research and education. It grew from a late-1990s initiative to develop a signature program in plant science research that would combine faculty from departments on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s City and East campuses.
The program launched in 1999 with a goal to enhance plant science research in support of Nebraska’ agricultural industry. Since then, research from the Center for Plant Science Innovation has led to improved stress tolerance, more nutritious crops, expanded bioenergy opportunities and enhanced yields.
Cahoon, a distinguished scientist in the area of plant lipid metabolism, has led the center since 2010. Cahoon has published more than 160 peer-reviewed papers and is the inventor or co-inventor on 34 issued U.S. patents. Hhis research fuels numerous and varied real-world applications. For example, current research in the Cahoon lab funded by the US Department of Energy aims to develop renewable, low carbon footprint sources of liquid aviation and heavy equipment fuel. His lab also conducts research supported by the Nebraska Soybean Board to develop high value soybeans for sustainable aquaculture feed.
“Dr. Cahoon is an incredible leader, scientist and mentor, and the Center for Plant Science Innovation has attained great momentum under his leadership,” said Mike Boehm, NU Vice President and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “I look forward to his continued service in this role.”
For more information in the Center for Plant Science Innovation, visit unl.edu/psi.
