Alabama farmers have a new researcher in their corner. Alex Harkess was recently hired as a research faculty member through Auburn University (AU) and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville.

Harkess joins the AU College of Agriculture as a faculty member in the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences.

Harkess specializes in plant reproductive, evolutionary and comparative genomics. His previous research focused on the evolution and function of small RNA pathways, the evolution of plant chromosomes and broad-scale comparative genomics.

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

Harkess earned his doctorate from the University of Georgia and a bachelor’s in botany from the University of Miami.

This is the first in a series highlighting researchers and Extension staff working on behalf of Alabama farmers.