LU Hemp Institute

Our Industrial Hemp Team

Dr. Babu Valliyodan (ValliyodanB@LincolnU.edu) is the Chair of the LU Hemp Institute and an Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and Genomics at Lincoln University in Missouri. He is an expert in deploying genetic and genomic tools for sustainable agriculture. Dr. Valliyodan uses his genomic expertise to develop and assess industrial hemp cultivars. Also, his laboratory is conducting molecular and biochemical fingerprinting of hemp towards trait discovery. He applies genomics-assisted breeding strategies including genome editing technologies for hemp variety improvement. Dr. Valliyodan is an author of more than 70 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Eleazar Gonzalez (GonzalezE@LincolnU.edu) is an Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist in Agriculture Economics and Marketing at Lincoln University. His research and educational programs include activities for enhancing civic awareness of the hemp industry and maximizing the economic benefits of Missouri producers. His current involvement at the Hemp Institute includes hemp industry analysis, economic benchmarking, and marketing and financial management training.

Chris Boeckmann (boeckmannc@lincolnu.edu) is the Superintendent of Farms at Lincoln University.   As the Superintendent of Farms, Chris is responsible for the coordination and oversight of the research and demonstration activities at the Lincoln University Farms.   His role in the Hemp Institute is to insure the resources to support the research activities at the Lincoln University farms are available to the Research personnel.   Chris will also work closely with the researchers to coordinate field activities and field days at the University facilities. Busby Farm.