Education

• Ph.D., Crop and Weed Sciences, North Dakota State University.  1987.
• M.S., Plant Pathology Department, Montana State University.  1982.
• B.S., General Agriculture, Aleppo University, Syria, 1977.

Professional Experience

• Professor, Durum Wheat Breeding and Genetics, North Dakota State University, 2003 to present.
• Associate Professor, Durum Wheat Breeding and Genetics, North Dakota State University, 1996 to 2003.
• Assistant Professor, Durum Wheat Breeding and Genetics, North Dakota State University, 1990 to 1996.
• Associate Scientist, Maize Hybrid Program, Centro Internacional de Mejoramento de Maiz Y Trigo (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center), CIMMYT, 1988 to1990.
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Maize Germplasm Improvement Unit, CIMMYT, 1987 to 1988.

Current Research 

Durum wheat breeder at NDSU’s durum wheat breeding and genetics program.  The ultimate goal of the program is to release improved durum cultivars that maximize the economic return to the producers with minimum input and provide excellent quality durum wheat to the pasta industry and the international export market.  Conduct basic research on agronomic, disease resistance, and quality traits using classical and molecular mapping techniques that will facilitate cultivar development.