Kevin M. Folta

I have been a scientist in public research since 1987, researching physiology, molecular biology and genomics of crop plants. I currently work in a fruit and vegetable producing state, working closely with farmers, and farm fruits and vegetables on a family operation. I have a unique lens that meshes test tubes to test plots, understanding agricultural technology as a continuum, and relevant to food security.

My lab has produced somewhere over 140 peer-reviewed publications, almost exclusively with public funding.

I also am a leader in science communication, and have studied (and still teach) critical thinking, rhetoric and argument. It is helpful in discussing hot ag topics like genetic engineering, fertilizer use, water conservation and insecticides.

I write for many popular science outlets, and my podcast (Talking Biotech) has over 400 episodes and 2.0 million downloads since 2015. (www.talkingbiotech.com). I'm excited to write for venues like The Conversation to present scientific and communications topics that can inform the public and inform the broader scientific community.