January 16, 2025
Contact:
Marjory Walker
(901) 274-9030
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Dr. Jonathan Wendel, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University is the 2024 Cotton Genetics Research Award recipient.
The announcement was made today during the 2025 Beltwide Cotton Improvement Conference, which convened as part of the National Cotton Council-coordinated 2025 Beltwide Cotton Conferences in New Orleans. Wendel, who was selected by the Joint Cotton Breeding Committee, received a plaque and a monetary award.
Dr. Wendel earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his master’s and Ph.D. from University of North Carolina. His career began in 1983 working as a geneticist for USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in North Carolina. In 1986, Dr. Wendel transitioned to academia and has been heavily involved with research, teaching, and mentorship at Iowa State University since. During his time with Iowa State University, Dr. Wendel has collaborated with researchers internationally as well as held administrative roles.
Over his career, Dr. Wendel has authored or co-authored 340 scientific journal articles and book chapters to date with over 54,000 citations and a Google Scholar h-index of 112. A majority of Dr. Wendel’s research and subsequent publications has been related to cotton genetics. His early work helped to explain the genomic underpinnings of cotton domestication and diversification and more recent research efforts have led to more practical tools for improving cotton as an agricultural crop.
Dr. Wendel is an active member of multiple scientific and professional societies. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career including American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow, Distinguished Fellow of the Botanical Society of America, Crop Science Society of America Distinguished Scholar, Fulbright Senior Scholar, and Researcher of the Year for the International Cotton Advisory Committee. Most recently in 2023, he was elected to both the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Science. He is currently the only U.S. born cotton researcher to have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Peng Chee, Professor at the University of Georgia, one of Dr. Wendel’s nominators, spoke to Dr. Wendel’s exceptional leadership and service to the scientific community as well as his dedication to mentoring students and young scientists. He has ‘cultivated a legacy of excellence’ that will continue to mold future generations of scientists in the cotton research community. Dr. Chee referred to Dr. Wendel as a ‘giant among us’ illuding to the lasting impacts Dr. Wendel will leave on the scientific community.
The annual Cotton Genetics Research Award was established in 1961 by U.S. commercial cotton breeders to recognize and encourage basic research in cotton genetics, cytogenetics, and breeding. It is administered by the Joint Cotton Breeding Committee consisting of representatives of the NCC, the USDA, state experiment stations, Cotton Incorporated, and commercial breeders.
Note: photo of Dr. Wendel is available upon request.
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