Thomas Ranney

Thomas G. Ranney is the JC Raulston Distinguished Professor of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University (NC State), leading research at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, NC. He specializes in plant breeding, bioenergy crops, and crop improvement. With a B.S. from The Ohio State University and advanced degrees from Cornell University, he has been at NC State since 1989.

His research focuses on developing new nursery and bioenergy crops, with notable work on Albizia, Calycanthus, and Miscanthus. He has authored over 230 publications and holds numerous awards, including the H. Marc Cathey Award and Porter Henegar Memorial Award. Ranney has advised 30 graduate students and contributed to plant patents like 'Invincibelle™ Spirit' hydrangea and 'My Fair Maiden™' miscanthus.

Ranney’s labs, including the Mountain Crop Improvement (MCI) Lab, emphasize sustainable production and genetic innovation. His work spans cytogenetics, tissue culture, and non-invasive plant development, addressing ecological and economic needs in horticulture and energy.