The Department of Crop Sciences honored D.K. Lee as the Jack A. and Marjorie S. Cavanah Professor in Plant Breeding and Genetics during an investiture ceremony hosted by the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on Sept. 16.

Lee is an internationally recognized bioenergy crop agronomist who brings an extensive background in crop production, perennial grasses, soil science, and international agriculture to the role. His work is dedicated to advancing perennial grass production systems to generate sustainable biomass and bioenergy feedstocks while enhancing ecosystem services. He has championed integrating these grasses into existing row cropping systems to bolster ecosystem benefits such as soil carbon sequestration and water quality.

Lee develops economically and environmentally sustainable biomass crops by advancing the genetics and abiotic stress tolerances of perennial grasses coupled with an understanding of best management practices. Two excellent examples of his innovations in plant breeding and genetics are the release of the improved C4 grass cultivars ‘Savoy’ prairie cordgrass and ‘Independence’ switchgrass. In addition, his research has helped to elucidate the role of harvest and fertility management in maximizing biomass production, while maintaining and improving soil health, particularly increasing soil organic carbon and microbial population diversity that are critical for the sustainable production of energy grasses. Another important aspect of integrating these highly productive bioenergy crops into row cropping systems is improving the overall sustainability of production agriculture at the landscape levels and helping climate change mitigation through soil carbon sequestration, soil greenhouse gas reduction, and improving water quality. 

"D.K. Lee's unparalleled dedication to advancing the science of bioenergy crops has positioned him as a pivotal figure in the field of agricultural sciences and very deserving of the Jack A. and Marjorie S. Cavanah Professorship in Plant Breeding and Genetics," said College of ACES Dean Germán Bollero. "His groundbreaking work not only propels our understanding of the genetics and management of bioenergy grasses but also directly contributes to the global effort towards environmentally responsible agriculture."

Lee earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural chemistry and a master’s degree in agro-environmental chemistry and environmental soil physics, both from Chungnam National University, Taejon, Korea. He went on to earn a doctorate in agronomy and environmental soil science at South Dakota State University, where he then worked as a biomass program coordinator as part of his postdoctoral work. Lee served as the lead agronomist at the North Dakota State University's Carrington Research Extension Center for one year before joining U. of I. as an assistant professor of biomass and bioenergy crop production in 2008. He rose to associate professor in 2014, and ultimately to full professor in 2019. 

Lee is committed to the land-grant pillars of research, teaching, and extension on campus and across the globe. He has garnered more than $10 million in research funding and published over 130 publications that have been widely cited. His work has been recognized by many honors and awards, including several recognitions for his teaching excellence and pursuits to maximize socio-ecological services through energy crops. In 2015, he was named a Fellow of the Brain Pool Program by the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies, a competitive program designed to attract top foreign researchers to Korean research institutions to conduct joint research in scientific and technological fields. He has mentored nearly 30 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers and served on more than 20 graduate committees. In addition, he has served on countless other committees and as an editor for several publications, including Agronomy Journal. 

About the Cavanah Professorship  

The Jack A. and Marjorie S. Cavanah Professorship in Plant Breeding and Genetics was established in 2007 to honor Jack’s longstanding association with the university and the education he received from the College of ACES. Through this support, future generations of students interested in plant breeding can develop the skills necessary to reach their potential and contribute to improving humanity’s ability to feed the world.

Jack Cavanah earned his bachelor’s degree in 1960 and his master’s degree in 1962 in agronomy. Following graduation, he was hired by Pioneer Hi-Bred International as a corn breeder where he would develop products to serve as the building blocks for current and future generations of corn products, significantly impacting North American and international agriculture. During his 38-year career with Pioneer, Jack was recognized as a superior corn breeder, administrator, and globally effective diplomat. Jack emphasized understanding market needs and maintaining open communication to ensure the optimal placement of varieties to maximize farmer profitability. His work was crucial to Pioneer's growth and its establishment as a leader in the seed industry. He held key positions, including vice president and director of corn research, as well as vice president and director of international research. 

Jack married Marjorie, his high school sweetheart, in 1961. Together they have two children and four grandchildren. Marjorie earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics in 1961 from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Iowa State University in 1993. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she taught home economics at a high school near Dayton, Ohio, for a year. She then chose to focus on raising their growing family, balancing her role at home with substitute teaching. Marjorie was an active volunteer at her children’s school, church, and various community organizations. The Cavanahs are enjoying their retirement years in Iowa.