our team of

Experts, Advisors

and stakeholders

Experts, Advisors

and stakeholders

The Coalition for Grain Fiber brings together a world-class team of experts, advisors, and stakeholders.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Chair
Stephen Baenziger, PhD

Emeritus Professor and Wheat Growers Presidential Chair, University of Nebraska

Former primary small grains breeder at the University of Nebraska and a world leader in wheat breeding, Dr. Baenziger’s laboratory successfully developed and released dozens of wheat and other crop cultivars and germplasm. The author of over 300 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Baenziger’s research focuses on developing improved breeding methods, with an emphasis on use of biotechnology. Stephen Baenziger served as advisor to multiple projects, including the Golden Rice initiative, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the International Rice Research Institute. 

Board Treasurer
David Baltensperger, PhD

Professor and Head of Texas A&M University's Soil and Crop Sciences Department

Dr. David Baltensperger leads a multifaceted program encompassing research, teaching, and extension. The department, known for its breadth and excellence, conducts internationally acclaimed research ranging from genetics to crop science. Dr. Baltensperger assumed his current role in 2006, after roles in plant breeding at the University of Florida and University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His cultivars are grown on over 15 million acres of cropland. Dr. Baltensperger also held key advisory roles, including to the Secretary of Agriculture, and President of influential science and agriculture organizations such as the Crop Science Society of America.

Board Secretary
Steven Greenspan, PhD

Former Distinguished Member of Technical Staff AT&T/Bell Labs and Vice Pres. Research, CA Technologies

An Information and Communications Technology researcher and innovator, Dr. Greenspan’s eighty US patents include the first description of 2-factor, 2-device authentication and authorization. This work has aided secure access to web services around the world, and showcased the value of keeping humans-in-the-loop in machine-based decision-making. Previously, a Senior Vice President of Strategic Research at CA Technologies, and a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff at AT&T Bell Laboratories, he serves on the A4BGU/Philadelphia Academic Bridge advisory board, and on the steering committee for Community Climate Shift, a multi-city consortium of community-based organizations and decarbonization analysts. 

Board Member
Tyson Narjes

Fifth Generation Farmer and member, Nebraska Wheat Board of Directors

A fifth-generation farmer and rancher, Tyson Narjes operates a diversified agricultural operation consisting of hard red winter wheat, hard white winter wheat, corn, proso millet and annual forages in Cheyenne County, Nebraska with his brother, Ryan and his mother, Susan. Tyson, his wife Regina, and their three children, Isaac, Clara, and Reid also run a commercial cow-calf and yearling beef operation. Beyond the fields, Tyson’s commitment extends to community leadership, actively participating in the Cheyenne County Farm Bureau, Cheyenne County Extension and Sidney High School Career Pathways. Tyson is broadly recognized for his dedication to delivering the next generation a prosperous farm and healthy farming community in the heart of Nebraska.

Foundation President (non-voting Board Member)
Rod Wallace

Business Strategist and Economist, formerly with Cargill, Ardent Mills

With a background combining international business, economics, and technology, Dr. Wallace leads teams integrating diverse expertise into a coherent purpose that benefits society while delivering stakeholder value. Wallace received his PhD from the University of Michigan and was a Fulbright Fellow researcher for the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. He then worked in corporate strategy and frontline business leadership with global food company Cargill. In the US and Europe, Wallace led multi-organization, billion-dollar business initiatives in flour milling, oil refining, cocoa and chocolate, pharmaceutical distribution, and other industries. Wallace co-developed the concept for the Foundation for Innovation in Healthy Food, based on ideas introduced in his TEDx presentation. He believes that pragmatic innovation is critical for society to flourish in this generation and the next.

COMMERCIAL TEAM AND ADVISORS

President-elect of International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philadelphia, and director-at-large Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Philly.

Rick Alcantara, MA

Principal, Rick Alcantara Consulting

Accomplished executive experienced in innovation, technology, systemic change navigation, and front-line management.

David Henkin

Former Chief Innovation Officer,
Vertex Inc.
Dedicated to reducing suffering by noticing and having missing conversations. Former member of Vanguard Leadership and Executive Team.

James Barnes

Founder of JB Innovation; Former Chief Relationship Officer Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program

Recognized with two David Ogilvy and two Effie Awards for creativity and marketing effectiveness. Favorable contact with intent to participate.

Gerry Lantz, MA

Founder of Stories that Work; honed marketing tools at three of top five global ad agencies

Professional delivering strategic insight that maximizes personal and organizational potential, including on Board for Zebra Technologies, Villanova Unitas, XPrize.org, and Inner Strength Education Foundation.

Anthony Holland

Vice President of SAP Partner Solutions and Sales Engineering, Synactive Inc.

Alumna of the rigorous editing program at the University of Washington and specialist in true storytelling.

Jenny Bartoy

Literary Editor

Brings strategic insight as a former Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Co and Managing Director at JP Morgan Chase, together with nonprofit CEO expertise.

Vibhat Nair, PhD

CEO nonprofit Magnolia Impact Solutions, and former MD JP M Chase

Led high profile planning and execution projects including in flour milling, grain handling, and food ingredients. Develops collaborative business approaches to deliver organization value aligned with social interest.

Rod Wallace, PhD

Business Strategist and Economist, formerly with Cargill, Ardent Mills

Experienced grains research and development manager with trans-Atlantic experience.

Sean Finnie, PhD

Director, USDA Western Wheat Quality Laboratory

Mission, values, and impact driven commercial leader and strategist, bringing insights in healthy ingredient innovation.

HT Fish, PhD

Former President Cargill Health and Food Technologies Business, and Managing Director Cargill Strategy and Business Development 

Executive with close connections to all aspects of agriculture from people, production, processing, and global marketing.

Royce Schaneman

Executive Director,
Nebraska Wheat
Executive with close connections to all aspects of agriculture from people, production, processing, and global marketing.

Charlie Vogel

Chief Executive Officer,
Minnesota Wheat

Agri-food executive and PhD student in nutrition and exercise science with background in the science of wheat quality.

Claudia Carter, MS

Executive Director, California Wheat Commission

Leading a research and technical 'bridge' between growers and customers, with experience managing businesses across the wheat supply chain.

Mike Moran

Executive Director,
Wheat Marketing Center
Internationally recognized for food science insight that reaches across the wheat and baking supply chain.

Jayne Bock, PhD

Technical Director,
Wheat Marketing Center
Global food commercial leader, especially in innovative marketing of food ingredients. Built business from Nobel Prize winning chemistry, others.

Fernando Arias, MBA

Former Commercial VP, NA at Roquette and CEO of leading food companies.

Dedicated to strengthening Nebraska agriculture and food systems, inspiring Nebraskans and their communities, and enhancing the health and wellbeing of all Nebraskans.

Nebraska Extension

University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Vice President of R&D, MGP Ingredients

Tanya Jeradechachai

Vice President of R&D,
MGP Ingredients

Scientist dedicated to matching animal-based foods to enhance humans’ search for health, longevity, and quality of life.

Payam Vahmani, PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of California Davis
Plant breeder and geneticist optimizing protein quality in maize and related cereals.

David Holding, PhD

Professor and Associate Department Head, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska Lincoln

SCIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Stephen Baenziger, PhD

Emeritus Professor and Wheat Growers Presidential Chair, University of Nebraska

Former primary small grains breeder at the University of Nebraska and a world leader in wheat breeding, Dr. Baenziger’s laboratory successfully developed and released dozens of wheat and other crop cultivars and germplasm. The author of over 300 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Baenziger’s research focuses on developing improved breeding methods, with an emphasis on use of biotechnology. Stephen Baenziger served as advisor to multiple projects, including the Golden Rice initiative, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the International Rice Research Institute. 

Andrew Benson, PhD

Food for Health Presidential Chair and Director, Nebraska Food for Health Center WW Marshall Distinguished Professor of Biotechnology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Dr. Benson’s research group studies the complex sets of host and dietary factors that influence composition and function of the gut microbiome. His group is spearheading the discovery component of the Nebraska Food for Health Center using complex trait analysis in crop plants to define components and molecules that can impact the gut microbiome of humans. For complex phenotyping, Dr. Benson’s team uses in vitro microbiomes in high-throughput screens of milled grains from large genetic resource populations of crop plants. This approach enables rapid measurement of genetic variants, and define pathways and molecules capable of influencing members of the gut microbiome.

Barbara Schneeman, PhD

Emeritus Professor, University of California, Davis Former Director of the Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements, US FDA

Dr. Schneeman is recognized for her work on dietary fiber, gastro-intestinal function, development and use of food-based dietary guidelines, and the connection between science and policy development. She is a former Director of the Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). At the University of California, Davis, she was Chair of the Department of Nutrition and Dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Dr. Schneeman was Chair of the FDA’s 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.

Peter Shewry, PhD

Former Assistant Director, Rothamsted Research

Peter Shewry led Rothamsted Research Designing Future Wheat lab, including developing high-fiber germplasm. A globally noted plant geneticist and winner of the Thomas Burr Osborne Medal for insights into cereal chemistry, Dr. Shewry is dedicated to improving grain quality for processing and health, based on understanding the mechanisms that determine grain structure, composition, and properties. The author of over 500 publications, Peter Shewry has provided many critical insights into grain quality, proteins, dietary fiber, phytochemicals, and diet and health.

William Wilson, PhD

University Distinguished Professor, North Dakota State University

As a sustained, high-quality, balanced, and impactful contributor, Dr. Wilson is named a University Distinguished Professor, the highest honor awarded North Dakota State University faculty. William Wilson believes that the adoption of new technologies and public-private partnerships in technology will increase farm profitability. He is a notable expert on risk and strategy applied to commodity marketing, agricultural technology, logistics, and supply chain that keeps crops competitive. He was the 2013 presenter of the Daryl F. Kraft Lecture at the University of Manitoba, in honor of the outstanding Canadian Agricultural economist.

Jennifer Yates, PhD

Wheat Breeding Lead, Bayer Crop Science

Dr. Yates leads line breeding efforts for wheat in key market classes in North America. With more than 15 years of experience in commercial wheat breeding, Jennifer Yates is recognized for partnering with stakeholders in commercial and other functions to enable delivery of profitable, innovative solutions for wheat growers. By enabling adoption of new technology and tools to unlock yield potential and increase genetic gains in wheat, Dr. Yates’ research has supported profitable growth for her organization and wheat growers, and critical tools to help feed the world’s growing population.

Margaret R. Bath, PhD

Chair, CIMMYT Board of Trustees and Former Chief Technology Officer, Kellogg Company

Dr. Bath brings a strong background in research and development (R&D) and quality systems in food. She spent 17 years with the Kellogg Company, including over twelve years as Chief Technology Officer. During her tenure, global staff increased almost 50% to over 900 professionals, including an increased presence in emerging markets. Broader talent access, external knowledge, and new technologies followed. Dr. Bath is currently Founder & Managing Partner at Strong Harbor, LLC, a consultancy helping food companies with R&D and quality challenges. She also serves on the Boards of several non-profit organizations, including Chair of the CIMMYT Board of Trustees.

Jan Delcour, PhD

Professor Emeritus, KU Leuven, and Chairman of the Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe)

Dr. Delcour, an ISI highly cited author, focuses on generating and communicating basic insights into starch, non-starch poly-saccharide, and protein constituents of cereals, as well as on plant and microbial enzyme systems converting such constituents. He applies such insights in cereal based biotechnological processes to develop and optimize processes, develop the production of health promoting constituents, and contribute final product organoleptic properties. Throughout his career, Jan has attached importance on covering the complete knowledge chain from fundamental research to applications, collaborating with companies including Cargill, Danisco, Kellogg, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Bin Zhao, PhD

Senior Principal Scientist, Grupo Bimbo

Dr. Zhao’s professional perspective covers many aspects of food science and cereal chemistry. As the Ingredient Technology Lead (Senior Principal Scientist) at Bimbo Bakeries North America, Dr. Zhao oversees development of new ingredients, processes, and technologies for commercially delivered baked goods. He is knowledgeable about wheat breeding, flour milling, wheat research for health benefits, and flour functionality for bread, cakes, bagels, cookies, crackers, and biscuits. Over his career, Dr. Zhao has brought to life baking innovations in many areas, including whole wheat, gut health improvement, and sugar reduction.

Ed Souza, PhD

Research Consultant, Former Global Director of Wheat Breeding, Bayer, and Director of a USDA Wheat Quality Laboratory

Dr. Ed Souza, a distinguished plant breeder and wheat quality scientist, is a research consultant to the agri-food industry and an adjunct professor at Kansas State University. Committed to rural communities and agricultural research, he mentors diverse young professionals for critical roles in global food security. Dr. Souza formerly led a global team of wheat breeders for Bayer across North America, the EU, Ukraine, and Australia, and directed a USDA wheat quality laboratory. Ed developed over 30 commercial wheat varieties and made significant contributions to plant breeding methods, disease resistance, and milling/baking quality genetics.

SCIENCE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Leading small grain lab at University of Nebraska, Lincoln that’s breeding range covers full breadth of Nebraska.

Katherine Frels,
PhD

Science Team Lead, Plant Breeding Lead

Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska

Leading wheat chemistry and quality lab at globally recognized research laboratory.

Maria Itria Ibba,
PhD

Science Team Co-Lead, End-use-Quality Lead

Head of the Wheat Chemistry and Quality Lab at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

Breeding wheat in local climate similar to UK. Initiative aligns w/ USDA Soil to Society Grant, linking nutrition to human health outcomes.

Kimberly Garland-Campbell,
PhD

Plant Breeding Team Co-Lead

USDA and Adjunct Faculty, Washington State University

Cereal chemist with strong industry relations. His highly recognized publications include research on innovative wheat fiber growing and health impacts.

Devin Rose,
PhD

Nutrition / Health Team Lead

Professor, University of Nebraska Lincoln

SCIENCE TEAM

Continuing a long Oklahoma State University tradition of wheat breeding.

Brett Carver, PhD

Wheat Genetics Chair in Agriculture and Eminent Faculty,
Oklahoma State University
Leads Pacific Northwest wheat breeding lab with unique irrigation capabilities.

Jianli Chen, PhD

Professor, Aberdeen Research Center, University of Idaho

Plan to breed UK arabinoxylan varieties after success breeding other UK varieties previously.

Robert Zemetra, PhD

Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics,
Oregon State University

Small grains endowed chair in agricultural economics, experienced in multi-disciplinary and economics research.

Randy Fortenberry, PhD

Professor, Thomas B. Mick Endowed Chair, Washington State University

Breeding wheat in local climate similar to UK. Initiative aligns w/ USDA Soil to Society Grant, linking nutrition to human health outcomes.

Michael Pumphrey, PhD

O.A. Vogel Endowed Chair of Spring Wheat Breeding and Genetics,
Washington State University
Favorable contact and agreement in principle to provide milling technical perspective to core team.

Brian Walker

Former Director Technical Sales, Miller Milling, Ardent Mills, Others

Collaborating with growers and other researchers to develop best practices for today and future generations.

Jochum Wiersma, PhD

Small Grains Extension Professor,
University of Minnesota
Cereal chemist expert in carbohydrate chemistry and dietary fiber, including developing industrial food applications.

Yong-Cheng Shi, PhD

Professor, Grain Science and Industry,
Kansas State University

Positive outreach with intention to provide commercial baking perspective.

Aaron Clanton, MBA

Bakers National Education Foundation Instructor,
Kansas State University
Improving starch quality in wheat to reduce the impact of obesity-related diseases.

Brittany Hazard, PhD

Research Leader,
Quadram Institute Bioscience (UK)
Grain scientist with expertise in baking science, nutrition, and ingredient development.

Elisa Karkle, PhD

Assistant Professor,
Kansas State University

Wheat breeding innovator cited more than 15,000 times; winner Wolf World Award in Agriculture.

Jorge Dubcovsky, PhD

Distinguished Professor,
University of California, Davis

Has been breeding high-arabinoxylan wheat as a member of the UK Designing Future Wheat team for over a decade.

Alison Lovegrove, PhD

Section Head Cereal Improvement: Sustainable Soils and Crops, Rothamsted Research
Crop geneticist leading forward-looking UK BBSRC ISP breeding increased-fiber wheat.

Simon Griffiths, PhD

Group Leader,
Designing Future Wheat
Director, College of Allied Health Professions Division of Medical Nutrition Education.

Corrine K Hanson, PhD, RD, LMNT, FAND

Professor,
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Cereal and food chemist with wide experience in both plant science, food science and analytical chemistry.

Senay Simsek, PhD

Professor and Head of the Department of
Food Science at Purdue University
Wheat breeder with focus on genomic selection.

Clay Sneller, PhD

Professor,
The Ohio State University
Hard red and hard white winter wheat breeder, especially for Western Kansas and surrounding.

Guorong Zhang, PhD

Professor,
Kansas State University
Globally recognized expert on small grains genomics and nutritional quality, notably fructans.

Mark Sorrells, PhD

Professor,
Cornell University
Manages research in wheat flavor, starch chemistry, wheat quality and nutrition. Dissertation focused on arabinoxylan.

Alecia Kiszonas, PhD

Research Biologist, USDA Western Wheat Quality Lab

Professor of wheat breeding and quantitative genetics.

Mohsen Mohammadi, PhD

Associate Professor,
Purdue University
Specialist in plant cell wall carbohydrates and fibers, including research in arabinoxylan.

Rachel Schendel, PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of Kentucky
Small grains breeder extending Utah States century-long history of innovation.

Margaret Krause, PhD

Assistant Professor,
Oregon State University
LSU wheat breeding program with strong history of variety releases for the region.

Noah DeWitt, PhD

Assistant Professor,
Louisiana State University
Leads Olson Wheat Breeding Laboratory serving the wheat community and industry of Michigan.

Eric Olson, PhD

Associate Professor,
Michigan State University
Small grains breeder and quantitative geneticist helping to sustain people and the environment.

Jessica Rutkoski, PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of Illinois
Winter wheat breeder developing increasingly improved, stress-resistant cultivars.

Sunish Sehgal, PhD

Associate Professor,
South Dakota State University
Winter wheat breeder with more than 30 years global research experience.

Gideon Marais, PhD

Professor,
North Dakota State University
Spring wheat breeder attempting to develop regionally adapted varieties.

Karl Glover, PhD

Professor,
South Dakota State University
Researcher on wheat genetics and genomics.

Vijay Tiwari, PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of Maryland
Spring wheat breeder and geneticist developing adapted varieties for Montana.

Jason Cook, PhD

Assistant Professor,
Montana State University
Spring wheat breeder and geneticist researching principles for crop improvement.

Jim Anderson, PhD

Professor,
University of Minnesota
Project Leader for small grains breeding program in Texas.

Amir Ibrahim, PhD

Regents Professor,
 Texas A&M University

Project Leader for hard red winter wheat breeding program in Texas.

Jackie Rudd, PhD

Regents Fellow,
Texas A&M University
Small grain genetics and genomics for wheat breeding program in Texas.

Shuyu Liu, PhD

Professor,
Texas A&M University
Leading food and agricultural economist who studies what we eat and why we eat it. Author of over 350 articles.

Jayson Lusk, PhD

Vice President and Dean, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University
Expert in cereal grain chemistry and functionality with experience in industrial collaboration.

George Annor, PhD

Assistant Professor, General Mills Endowed Professor in Cereal Chemistry and Technology, University of MInnesota

Internationally recognized expert in dietary fiber, whole grains, carbohydrates, and diet for disease prevention.

Joanne Slavin, PhD

Professor of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota

Experienced leader, designer, and implementor of outcome-driven healthcare approaches that are customer, workforce, and results focused.

Therese Narzikul, PhD

Professor of Practice in Systems Thinking and Leadership, Villanova University

Marla breeds hard winter wheat for the Central and Southern Great Plains, focusing on wheat improvement, genetic resistance to insects and pathogens, and improving grower profitability.

Marla Barnett, PhD

Senior Wheat Breeder, 
Limagrain Cereal Seeds
Nutritional microbiologist focused on maximizing the health benefits of non-digestible compounds that influence the gut microbiome.

Edward Deehan, PhD, RD

Assistant Professor,
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Fundamental and applied cereal chemist supporting whole grain and fiber consumption for human thriving.

Andrew Ross, PhD

Professor,
Oregon State University
End-use quality focused wheat breeder.

Nikayla Strauss, PhD

Product Development Specialist, Bayer U.S.– Crop Science
Clinical and epidemiologic researcher relating nutrition, dietary patterns, and cancer.

Mariah Jackson, PhD, RDN, LMNT

Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center