New appointments at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Vineland, ON – The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre has announced five new appointments, which are:

– Michael Kauzlaric, horticulture technology scout
– Travis Banks, research scientist, bioinformatics
– Dr Rumen Conev, research scientist, plant breeding
– Dr Ben Campbell, research scientist, horticulture economics
– Dr Rose Buitenhuis, research scientist, biological control

Michael Kauzlaric will search around the world for new technologies of value to the horticulture sector.

Travis Banks joins Vineland following seven years with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. His research will focus on integrating data from high-throughput molecular technologies into breeding programs, and developing software to facilitate scientific discovery.

Dr Rumen Conev earned his PhD from the Plovdiv Agrarian University, Bulgaria, followed by postdoctoral research in Japan, Israel and Canada. He was previously assistant professor, ornamental plant breeding at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and at Vineland, he will develop germplasm with novel traits in high value crops.

Dr Ben Campbell comes from Texas A&M University where he completed post doctorate research. His work will target horticulture market expansion through the introduction of new or enhanced products.

Dr Rose Buitenhuis is an entomologist specializing in integrated pest management and biological control in horticulture. She received her PhD from Laval University, and at Vineland she will focus on insect biocontrol beginning with biological thrips control in greenhouse ornamentals.

“Vineland has received significant support from both the federal and provincial governments. As our research capacity grows we also enhance our ability to partner effectively with research departments in both levels of government, industry and with academia and other research institutions. Together with these partners we are building a stronger research network that is accessible and responsive to the needs of Canadian horticulture industry from grower through to retail,” said Donald Ziraldo, chair, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.