Last Updated on August 30, 2024 by Stella Canfield
Heqiang “Alfred” Huo has been promoted to associate professor with tenure at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC). This significant achievement highlights Huo’s exceptional contributions to research, education and the field of horticultural sciences. Huo was promoted July 1.
“This promotion is a tremendous honor and a significant milestone in my career,” says Huo. “Not only does it acknowledge the contributions I’ve made to advancing the field of horticultural sciences but also the collaborative efforts and support I’ve received along the way. I’m excited to continue contributing to the success and growth of our field and MREC.”
Since joining UF/IFAS MREC as an assistant professor in the Environmental Horticulture Department in 2017, Huo has made significant strides in the study of ornamental plants and vegetables through cutting-edge biotechnology tools, including the use of CRISPR, a powerful tool researchers use for editing genomes and DNA sequences and modifying gene function.
While at MREC, Huo’s lab has grown to new heights. Specializing in molecular biology, biotechnology and planting breeding, the lab focuses on developing biotechnology tools, breeding stress-resilient horticultural crops using model plant systems and evaluating germplasm to improve stress tolerance and plant quality. Huo’s lab is home to one of the largest begonia collections in the world with over 105 species and 150 unique cultivars thanks to donations from germplasm centers, botanical gardens and private begonia enthusiasts.
Before his promotion, Huo was honored with the 2023 Excellence Award for Assistant Professors. The prestigious award honors assistant professors who have high-performing research programs as demonstrated by securing external grants, training undergraduate and graduate students, producing quality peer-reviewed publications, and creating national and international impacts with research. Huo was one of two in UF/IFAS who received the esteemed award. He is the first faculty member from MREC and UF’s Environmental Horticulture Department to receive this award.
Huo holds a bachelor’s degree in horticultural sciences from Qingdao Agricultural University, a master’s degree in horticultural sciences from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and his doctorate in horticultural science from the University of Georgia.
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