By Whitney Baxter
Erik Vollbrecht aims to improve the yield and crop resilience of maize for peak performance during less-than-ideal growing conditions. In recognition of his work and to support its continuation, Vollbrecht, professor of genetics, development and cell biology, has been named the Pioneer Hi-Bred Chair in Molecular Biology of Maize.
Vollbrecht, a highly accomplished maize molecular biologist, joined Iowa State University’s Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology in 2003. His research focuses on the genetic mechanisms of plant reproduction and molecular genetic regulation of plant development. Recent efforts include using genome editing to study plant architecture and hormone signaling. This work aligns with the GDCB department’s focus on addressing food security via research.
The named chair position will provide funding for Vollbrecht’s research and graduate student positions.
“We are pleased to present the Pioneer Hi-Bred Chair in Molecular Biology of Maize to Dr. Vollbrecht,” said Daniel J. Robison, endowed dean’s chair in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “His outstanding contributions and ambitions to understand the genetic basis for maize growth, adaptability, plant architecture and productivity are all key to the meaning of this named position and aligned with the inspiration of the founders of the Pioneer Hi-Bred Seed Company many years ago, including Henry A. Wallace. Dr. Vollbrecht and his colleagues exemplify the impressive research strengths of the Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology.”
Vollbrecht has a bachelor’s degree in biophysics and a doctoral degree in plant biology from the University of California. His work has been published in several top scientific journals, including Nature, Nature Genetics, PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America) and Plant Cell.
He has secured $30.6 million in grant funding since 2005, with $7.2 million directed specifically for his lab.
Vollbrecht has also taught the principles of genetics and transmission genetics courses for the GDCB department throughout his time on campus.
Recognition for his research and teaching successes have come via several awards, including the Mid-Career Achievement in Research award from CALS and the Teaching Excellence award from the Interdepartmental Genetics program at Iowa State.
“It’s a great honor to receive this recognition from CALS,” Vollbrecht said. “The award will underpin our most recent research thrusts to understand when and how leaves are produced to produce optimal shoot architecture in corn.”
The Pioneer Hi-Bred Chair in Molecular Biology of Maize was established by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., partly to financially support programs that address rural economic and social issues. Matching funds are provided by the Iowa Department of Economic Development.