B.S., University of California-Davis, Wildlife Biology

M.S., University of Illinois-Urbana, Ecology

Ph.D., University of Illinois-Urbana, Animal Science

• Influence of plant cell wall structure on forage utilization by dairy cattle.
• Genetic modification of cell wall development and digestibility in alfalfa, maize, and other forages.
• Use of alfalfa for bioenergy and bioproducts.
• Role of dietary fiber in human health.

• Interactions of tissue cellular organization and cell wall chemical composition and their impact on digestibility of forage crops.
• Selection for improved fiber digestibility in alfalfa.
• Evaluation of alfalfa and switchgrass lines for production of potentially fermentable sugars for ethanol.
• Efficacy of dietary fiber for people suffering from fecal incontinence.

• Richard T. Jeo (Biological Science Laboratory Technician)