معرفی
Mark P. Bridgen is a Professor at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science, affiliated with the Horticulture Section and Plant Breeding & Genetics Section. He serves as Director of the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center (LIHREC), a role he has held for 21 years. His expertise spans ornamental plant breeding, plant tissue culture, greenhouse floriculture, and in vitro techniques like somaclonal variation and micropropagation. Bridgen holds a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech (1984), an M.S. from Ohio State University (1979), and a B.S. from Penn State (1977).
His research emphasizes new plant development, genetic modifications, and sustainable horticultural practices. Notable achievements include patented Alstroemeria cultivars ('Tangerine Tango' and 'Mauve Majesty') and contributions to hemp micropropagation studies. He teaches courses on plant propagation and experiential learning in plant sciences.
Bridgen's awards include the 2024 Long Island Farm Bureau Citizen of the Year, ASHS's 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award, and the 2018 APLU Innovative Teaching Award. He leads Pi Alpha Xi as its national president and has held roles in industry associations like the Long Island Flower Growers Association.
His work bridges academic research with practical applications, focusing on ornamental crops, floriculture, and sustainable agriculture. LIHREC, under his leadership, has secured four permanent endowments and remains a hub for horticultural innovation.
