Josh Clevenger, PhD has joined the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology where he will be involved in plant research.

Clevenger, who earned his PhD from the University of Georgia, was previously a research scientist with Mars Wrigley Chocolate, specializing in peanut genetic improvement by leveraging genomics technologies, and developing computational tools for high-throughput sequence-based genotyping. He also played a large role in the industry-led Peanut Genome Initiative, developing genomic tools and markers for molecular breeding.

HudsonAlpha's work in plant genomics includes research looking for genetic markers that can help make agriculture more efficient through increased yields, improved disease resistance and reduced water use.

"My lab will focus on using genomics for crop improvement, especially crops in the southeast and in Alabama," Clevenger said. "I look forward to joining HudsonAlpha's team of plant genomics researchers and using the tools that we develop to improve disease resistance for crops in the state. I'm passionate about getting farmers the varieties they need to be successful."