Starting July 31, Greg Cuomo will lead two research initiatives focused on advanced agriculture and biotechnology: the Future of Advanced Agricultural Research in Minnesota (FAARM) initiative in partnership with CFANS, and the Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation Center (BBIC).
Cuomo is returning to the University of Minnesota after a three-year tenure at Utah State University’s (USU) College of Agriculture and Applied Science. Prior to his time at USU, he spent over 20 years with the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). During his time there, he held several leadership positions including associate dean for research and graduate programs, deputy director of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, and division head of the Research and Outreach Center (ROC) System.
Throughout his career, Cuomo has focused his efforts on building research capacity, developing effective public-private research partnerships, incorporating diverse voices and opinions, and inspiring researchers and administrative groups to incorporate new tools and innovations into their work. With FAARM and BBIC, he will focus on accelerating cross-disciplinary research, fundraising, federal and state appropriations, entrepreneurship, education and training, and innovative partnerships to ensure Minnesota is at the forefront of driving innovation, biomanufacturing, precision agriculture and economic development.
"Both FAARM and BBIC have a common goal, that is to propel Minnesota to the forefront of discovery and innovation in the fields of nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and biomanufacturing," said Vice President for Research and Innovation Shashank Priya. "Greg’s extensive experience working with CFANS, agriculture and technology leaders and stakeholders across the state will be vital as we continue to grow these efforts. Claudia Schmidt-Dannert, founding director of BBIC, will be focusing on her role as director of the BioTechnology Institute, which will continue to be a key partner for BBIC. Claudia has and continues to provide tremendous leadership in growing the biotechnology and biomanufacturing research at the University."