Benjamin Fallen

Dr. Benjamin Fallen is a Research Geneticist at the USDA-ARS Soybean and Nitrogen Fixation Research Unit in Raleigh, NC, and concurrently serves as Assistant Professor at Clemson University's College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences. He leads the Soybean Breeding and Genetics program focusing on genetic solutions for improved soybean production.

Educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Plant Sciences (Soybean Breeding & Genetics) from University of Tennessee (2012)
• M.S. in Plant Sciences from University of Tennessee (2009)
• B.S. in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences from Virginia Tech (2006)

Research expertise spans:

• Genetic diversity enhancement: Utilizing wild soybean germplasm to improve pest resistance, seed composition, and stress tolerance
• Drought tolerance mechanisms: Developing slow-wilting soybean lines that increase yields by 5-8 bu/ac under stress
• Flood tolerance: Investigating connections between drought and flood response pathways
• Seed quality improvement: Enhancing oleic acid, meal protein, and oil content traits

Recent publications (2018-2020) predominantly focus on soybean stress tolerance mechanisms, genomic selection strategies, pest resistance, and lipidomic responses to environmental stresses. Research demonstrates strong emphasis on field validation of genetic improvements.

Professional activities include extensive collaboration networks and development of 6 commercial soybean varieties. Manages field evaluation programs screening thousands of soybean lines annually for stress tolerance traits.