Leading Canadian soil scientist, Dr. Bill McGregor, will bring his knowledge to students and faculty members at the University of Lethbridge as the inaugural Agri-Scientist in Residence, the week of February 3 to 7, 2014.
McGregor, who received his PhD in soil biochemistry from the University of Saskatchewan, has lent his expertise to government committees, industry boards and university researchers and students. His 40-year career includes contributions to the University of Manitoba, Canada Center for Inland Waters, Elanco div. Eli Lilly Canada Inc. and Dow AgroSciences Canada.
“Over the course of his career, Dr. McGregor has distinguished himself by his practical and active role in developing solutions to eliminate or reduce inefficiencies in crop production systems,” says Dr. Danny Le Roy, Chair of the Department of Economics at the University of Lethbridge. “He is well known for integrating fundamental knowledge in crop production science with identifying producer needs and innovations in new research discoveries.”
While on campus, McGregor will lecture to geography and biological science students. He will speak with students about career opportunities and meet with University officials about collaborative opportunities. McGregor will conclude his week at the U of L with a free public lecture Friday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. in B660.
The opportunity to host McGregor as the inaugural Agri-Scientist in Residence at the U of L has been made possible by the generous financial support of DOW AgroSciences Canada. In addition, DOW AgroSciences Canada has previously supported the Agriculture Studies program at the U of L. With employees throughout Canada, Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. is an affiliate of DOW AgroSciences LLC, a $6.4 billion global company based in Indianapolis, Ind.
Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Andy Hakin says executive-in-residence opportunities provide multiple benefits for the University community.
“Connecting with external expertise allows both our students and faculty members to gain an understanding of some of the challenges industry, governments and society face,” says Hakin. “It also is a tremendous opportunity to promote the U of L’s world-class research and teaching activities, as well as to identify potential collaborations.”
McGregor’s public lecture, entitled Innovation in Canadian Cereal Production: Past, Present and Future, will take place in classroom B660 (University Hall) beginning at 2 p.m. This free event is open to the public.