University of Georgia

Annual Report

Students sit and walk near a tall fountain framed by red autumn trees on campus

2026 Annual Report

Profiles

C. Robin Buell

  • 2026 SEC Professor of the Year
  • GRA Eminent Scholar Chair in Crop Genomics
  • College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

“The biggest research questions are multidisciplinary and will need all of us. We need to make sure that junior faculty engage with senior faculty, that researchers with different technologies work together, and that we build connections beyond this campus. That’s how we train the next generation of scientists.”

C. Robin Buell, wearing a purple sweater and patterned scarf, stands by a glass-walled hallway

Research Takes Root

C. Robin Buell has worked in plant genomics for nearly 30 years. Her groundbreaking work unlocking the genomes of crops like rice and potatoes helps strengthen global food security and answers larger questions about sustainable agriculture.

Beyond her research, Buell is a dedicated mentor who has guided more than 150 students and scholars. As director of the UGA Plant Center, she believes that UGA students, postdoctoral researchers, and staff activities are the foundation of the successful research which benefits the entire community.