Robert Sharp, director of the Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG) and professor of plant sciences, received the Brady J. Deaton Fellow in International Agriculture Award at CAFNR’s 2019 Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony, held Thursday, April 11.

Sharp has a research/teaching appointment in plant physiology. His research focuses on the regulation of root and shoot growth responses to drought, using maize and soybean as model systems. In particular, he is interested in the roles and mechanism of action of abscisic acid (ABA) and other hormones, and in the regulation of cell wall yielding properties. He teaches a graduate course on Advanced Plant Physiology.

“Dr. Robert Sharp, professor and director of the Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG), is a strong advocate for MU plant sciences, both nationally and internationally,” said Felix Fritschi, C. Alice Donaldson Professor in Bioenergy Crop Physiology and Genetics. “He spearheaded several efforts to enhance collaborations between the broader MU plant sciences community with institutions and colleagues in Asia, Africa and South America. His efforts have led to faculty and student exchanges as well as research collaborations between MU and partner institutions. Importantly, as indicated by continued efforts to establish longer-term agreements that are at various stages of development, his efforts will have a lasting impact on CAFNR international activities.”