Matthew A. Jenks, Ph.D.

Special Interests: My lab seeks to develop efficient protocols for transformation of recalcitrant plant species, with a primary focus on cowpea.  I also have a general interest in plant environmental stress physiology, with a primary goal to elucidate plant cuticle genetics and the role of cuticle as a drought avoidance mechanism.  Through this research, I hope to contribute to the genetic improvement of cowpea and other important crop species.

Position: Associate Professor of Plant Physiology.  Currently, I am an active participant in the MUCIA Agricultural Export for Rural Income Institutional Linkage project funded by USAID through the Capacity Building component working with five faculties of agriculture in Upper Egypt .