01/26/1993

Forage Ecologist Joins Auburn University Faculty

AUBURN, Ala. - Bridging the gap between Auburn University's forage breeding and grazing management programs will be the focus of research conducted by Mary S. Miller, a newly appointed faculty member in Auburn's Department of Agronomy and Soils.

Miller, who comes to Auburn from a post-doctoral position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joined the Auburn faculty in January as assistant professor of forage ecology, according to Joe Touchton, head of the Department.

Miller received her bachelor's and master's degrees in agronomy from Louisiana State University and the doctorate in range science from Colorado State University. She has been a member of the range and forage faculty at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln since 1990. Her position at Auburn will include teaching in the College of Agriculture and research responsibilities in the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station.

According to Touchton, the forage ecologist position was established to meet the needs of Alabama agriculture. Alabama has more acres of forages than any other agronomic crop and the State has the potential to be a leader in forage-livestock production, Touchton noted.

Auburn University already has instituted productive forage breeding and grazing management research efforts. However, to make the leap from development of new varieties to utilization of these varieties, more information is needed on how forages interact with other plant species and react to various environmental pressures. The forage ecologist position was designed to bridge that gap.

Miller's research priorities will include exploring solutions to practical problems relating to forage production and management, such as stand establishment. She also will study problems relating to the ecological and physiological responses of forages to stresses caused by weather, soil conditions, animals and humans. In addition to her research efforts, Miller will teach undergraduate courses in crop production and a graduate level course in crop ecology.

"Dr. Miller is highly qualified for this position and we feel fortunate that she agreed to join our faculty. Her efforts at Auburn will benefit the Department and the producers in Alabama," said Touchton.

"I am impressed by the diversity and productivity of Alabama's forage resource," said Miller. "It is very exciting to be part of a research and teaching program that plays such a critical role in the state's agricultural base and quality of life."

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News from:

Office of Ag Communications & Marketing

Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 Comer Hall, Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)

Contact Jamie Creamer, 334-844-2783 or jcreamer@auburn.edu
Contact Katie Jackson, 334-844-5886 or smithcl@auburn.edu

January 26, 1993