Ames, Iowa – July 3, 2024

With summer comes transition for a few familiar faces to the Iowa State University (ISU) Department of Agronomy. For those who have attended the Plant Breeding Seminars frequently, Diana Escamilla is a familiar name. As a plant breeding data analyst, she has made significant contributions to the field. Likewise, Aaron Kusmec, known to many within the Department for years, has been a key figure in crop genetics.

Diana joined the lab of Dr. Jianming Yu as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. During her time at ISU, she had the opportunity to work on three different projects. First, designing a genomic selection strategy to incorporate exotic diversity into elite germplasm as part of the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project led by Dr. Adam Vanous. Second, writing a genomic selection review to reveal the essence, showcase the applications, and share prospects of genomic selection. Third, studying phenotypic plasticity and the quantitative genetics theory underlying genotype-by-environment interactions. In addition, she participated in several career development activities, expanding her professional knowledge base.

She is embarking on an exciting new chapter as a plant breeding specialist with Avalo in Durham, NC. In her new role, Diana will focus on designing a genomic selection strategy for breeding stress-resilience cotton. Diana’s last day will be July 17^th, 2024. 

Aaron Kusmec joined Iowa State in 2014 as a Ph.D. student in the Interdepartmental Genetics and Genomics program in the lab of Dr. Patrick Schnable. Aaron’s dissertation research focused on genotype-environment interactions in maize. His projects included mapping the genetic architecture of phenotypic plasticity, developing variable selection methods for environmental covariates, a retrospective analysis of hybrid maize heat tolerance, and an assessment of climate change impacts on maize yields. 

Aaron then completed a 2-year postdoc also with Dr. Schnable. During that time, he worked on additional projects involving mutant analysis of candidate phenotypic plasticity genes, analysis of multivariate phenotypic responses to selection, and heterosis in historical maize inbreds. 

In 2023, Aaron joined Dr. Jianming Yu’s lab as a research scientist, where he has continued to study phenotypic plasticity; developed methods for genetic mapping in complex, interacting contexts; and explored applications of AI to agriculture. Aaron is now leaving ISU Agronomy to become an Assistant Professor of Crop Quantitative Genetics at Kansas State University. His expertise will continue to shape the field. Aaron Kusmec’s last day will be on July 18^th, 2024.

We want to wish both Diana and Aaron the best in their future endeavors! For those close to Diana or Aaron, a farewell lunch will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024. Please reach out to them for details.