Dr. Jerzy Nowak joined us in mid-August as the new head of the Department of Horticulture. He brings an extensive background in agronomy and soil science, edible horticulture, plant breeding, and biotechnology. Dr. Nowak attended the Agricultural-Technical University in Olsztyn-Kortowo, Poland, earning his M.Sc. in food biochemistry and Ph.D. in plant physiology and biochemistry. Following his early career at that university, he served as visiting senior lecturer at the University of Lagos and visiting research fellow at the University of Alberta. From there Dr. Nowak moved to the Nova Scotia Agricultural College where he was head of the Department of Plant Science.

Dr. Nowak has had a busy fall getting better acquainted with Virginia horticulture and many of our alumni, but there are so many more of you to meet. Please plan a visit when you are in the Blacksburg area or at one of the regional horticulture events. You will be delighted to meet him.

 

 

Maura Wood joined the Horticulture staff October 1998. Maura works for the Extension faculty in the department, does her share of the bookkeeping duties, and maintains the departmental web page. Maura is married to Rodney Wood. They have a son, Nicholas.

 

 

 

John James, field technician for Dr. Ronald Morse, joined the Hort staff in October 1999. He contributes to all aspects of Dr. Morse's research.