HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is seeking a Vice President for Advancement to lead strategic philanthropic engagement and help further the Institute’s mission in genomic research, education, and innovation. This executive leadership role will guide advancement strategy, cultivate meaningful partnerships, and expand regional and national engagement in support of long-term impact. View the full position description and application details below. https://lnkd.in/d8wadcc

Congratulations to HudsonAlpha’s Flo Behn, VP for Research Administration and Development, on being recognized by Business Alabama Magazine as part of their Women in Tech feature. 💙🧬 From supporting groundbreaking research in rare disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and plant science to helping strengthen the infrastructure behind scientific discovery, Flo’s leadership continues to make a lasting impact at HudsonAlpha and beyond. Business Alabama highlighted women across the state who are driving innovation, advancing technology, and shaping the future through leadership, research, and collaboration. We are proud to see Flo recognized among this inspiring group of leaders helping move Alabama forward. #HudsonAlpha #WomenInTech #STEM #Innovation #Leadership

At HudsonAlpha, we study the science of life in all its forms, from plants and people to the DNA that connects us all. 🧬🌱 Through genomics, researchers are turning discovery into real world progress, advancing healthcare, strengthening agriculture, and helping create a healthier, more sustainable future for communities around the world. From the lab to the field to the classroom, our mission is rooted in using science to improve lives and inspire what’s possible for the future. 🌍✨ #HudsonAlpha #Genomics #STEM #PlantScience #Innovation

It’s official, our 2025–2026 field trip season has come to a close as we hosted our final field trip last week, and let’s just say our Educational Outreach team has been busy! 🎉 This year, HudsonAlpha welcomed 89 school groups to campus and connected with nearly 3,100 middle and high school students through hands on learning, exploration, and discovery. Field trip registration for the 2026–2027 school year in both Huntsville and Dothan will open in early August, and we can’t wait to welcome the next group of students to campus. 💙 #HudsonAlpha #STEMEducation #FieldTrips #HandsOnLearning #FutureScientists

Inside the Kathy L. Chan Greenhouse, researchers in the Harkess Lab are studying apomixis, a fascinating process where plants can form embryos without fertilization. But how can a plant produce seeds without pollination? 🌸🧬 A wild blackberry species collected in Tennessee and Malus sargentii, an ornamental crabapple native to Japan, are helping researchers better understand how this trait evolved independently across species and why the genetic “recipe” behind it can look so different. Postdoctoral Fellow Charity Goeckeritz, PhD, is leading an NSF funded project comparing the genomes of these species to identify the DNA segments controlling this process.The long term goal is to provide plant breeders with tools that could help strengthen and improve future crops. 🌍🌱 #HudsonAlpha #PlantScience #Genomics #STEM #AgInnovation

A heartfelt thank you to the Paul Salmon Cancer Foundation for its continued support of cancer research and for supporting the important work happening at HudsonAlpha and the Russell Hill Cancer Foundation. 💙 We also want to thank the brothers of Alpha Tau Omega for helping make this impact possible through their incredible efforts and dedication. These funds directly support cancer research in HudsonAlpha’s Sara Cooper Lab, helping advance critical work that makes a difference for patients, families, and the future of cancer care. 🧬 #HudsonAlpha #CancerResearch #CommunityImpact #SupportScience #Genomics

We were glad to welcome members of the Alabama Master Gardeners Association to our greenhouse during their 2026 Annual State Conference in Huntsville. 🌱🧬 The visit, hosted by the Extension Master Gardener Associations of Limestone, Madison, and Morgan Counties, brought together volunteers from across the region. During their tour, guests explored our 14,000 square foot greenhouse facility and learned how researchers at HudsonAlpha are using genomics to advance plant science and support sustainable agriculture. Thank you to this dedicated group for your continued commitment to horticulture education and community outreach across Alabama. 💙 #HudsonAlpha #PlantScience #MasterGardeners #Genomics #SustainableAgriculture

When you’re browsing the produce aisle this spring, those bundles of bright green asparagus may look simple, but behind them is a genetic mystery researchers at HudsonAlpha are helping solve. 🌱🧬 In a recent study from the Alex Harkess Lab, first author Philip Bentz, PhD, and collaborators published the most complete genetic map of garden asparagus to date. Their work uncovered new insights into how asparagus evolved separate male and female plants and why that matters for the future of agriculture. In commercial farming, male asparagus plants are preferred because they produce larger, more uniform spears and live longer than female plants. But identifying those traits early in the breeding process has historically been difficult. With these new genetic tools, researchers are helping breeders more efficiently select for desirable traits like higher yield, disease resistance, and climate resilience. The study also revealed that asparagus evolved sex chromosomes independently in different parts of the world, offering scientists a rare window into how plant sex chromosomes evolve across species. From the lab to the field, this work is helping turn groundbreaking genomics into stronger harvests and a more resilient food system for the future. 💙🔬 #HudsonAlpha #PlantScience #Genomics #Asparagus #AgInnovation

We would like to take a moment to thank Irma and Jack Tuder for their generous support of HudsonAlpha’s Catalyst Campaign. 💙 In recognition of their significant gift, the Cell Culture space used by Dr. Rick Myers’ team has been named in their honor as the team continues its important research efforts. We are deeply grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to this mission. #HudsonAlpha #BrainHealth #NeurodegenerativeDisease #Genomics #SupportScience

Welcome to a brand new season of Tiny Expeditions! 🥜🎙️ This season, we’re heading to the heart of Alabama’s Wiregrass region to explore the groundbreaking HudsonAlpha Wiregrass Peanut Project. While Dothan is known as the “Peanut Capital of the World,” today’s growers face growing challenges like drought, disease, and changing environmental conditions. Researchers at HudsonAlpha are using genome directed breeding to help develop more resilient peanuts built for the future. But this story goes beyond the lab. Throughout the season, you’ll meet local high school students stepping into the world of biotechnology through hands on experiences like DNA extraction and genomic analysis, helping support the next generation of crop innovation. This season explores: 🧬 How genomics is helping future proof our food supply 🎓 How local schools are becoming hubs for biotech education 🚀 How the Wiregrass Innovation Center is helping drive innovation and opportunity in the region Learn more about the initiative! 👉🔗 https://lnkd.in/gkESJg89 Subscribe and follow along as we explore the science, students, and stories shaping the future of agriculture in the Wiregrass. 📲 #HudsonAlpha #TinyExpeditions #Wiregrass #PlantScience #AgInnovation