Lawrence B. Smart

Lawrence B. Smart is a Professor at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science, with appointments in the Horticulture Section and Plant Breeding and Genetics Section. He earned his B.S. in Biology from Cornell (1987) and Ph.D. in Genetics from Michigan State University (1992), followed by an NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC-Davis.

• Research Focus: Genomics-assisted breeding of bioenergy crops (shrub willow), industrial hemp, and hop
• Key Projects: Hybrid vigor in willow, hemp cultivar development for New York State, hop adaptation to local growing conditions
• Awards: No explicit honors mentioned in available text

His lab investigates fundamental genetic mechanisms in sex determination, pest/disease resistance, and nutrient uptake in perennial woody plants. Recent publications emphasize genomic approaches to optimize biomass yield and chemical composition for bioenergy, along with hemp's cannabinoid profiles and hop's regional adaptation. Extension work connects research to stakeholder needs in agricultural sustainability.

Contact: lbs33@cornell.edu, 630 W. North Street, Geneva, NY. He teaches PLSCI 5030: Hemp Breeding and Genetics.