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Dr. Leah BrilmanAfter receiving her master's and Ph.D from the University of Arizona, Leah Brilman worked in research for five years, then enjoyed two years of teaching at her alma mater, Cal State Bakersfield. She loved teaching but missed the research, so when Seed Research of Oregon offered her the position of Director of Research sixteen years ago — in a place she'd always wanted to live — she said YES. Leah’s outstanding reputation as a scientist is founded on solid research and a love of her work. She developed Velvet and Colonial bentgrasses, and improved fine fescues. When discussing current projects, Leah says, "Our emphasis is on producing grasses that can survive with less water, and are highly disease resistance, reducing or eliminating the need for fungicides and fertilizers." "We like talking directly to the customers," Leah emphasizes. "We've been doing more outreach to customers and distributors, helping them understand why these new species or varieties are beneficial. By interacting with our customers and distributors, we determine their needs and then find solutions to |
satisfy the requirements of their projects. We like doing that!" To reach her audience Dr. Brilman speaks at conferences, and has even initiated a popular team competition for university students called the Turf Bowl, with about 70 teams competing for honors in 2005. But her real love remains research, where she works primarily on developing species that have not been used at all, or as much, for turf. Leah and her staff are also working to increase the tolerance for salt stress in all the company's species, as more and more golf courses switch to using effluent (recycled water) in their watering programs. "The species and cultivars that we use for golf courses in some areas will change over time," Leah says, "partially due to the demands of golf, but partially due to restrictions. I think we're going to see continuing pressure due to water quality and quantity." And whatever those future demands, Leah Brilman and Seed Research of Oregon will be leading the effort to meet them. |
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