BHM Weekly Highlight– Dr. Jerreme Jackson, UTK Alumni and Amira Cornish, MS Candidate
This week, the Diversity and Inclusion committee is highlighting UTK Alumni, Jerreme Jackson, and EPP MS Student, Amira Cornish!
This week, the Diversity and Inclusion committee is highlighting UTK Alumni, Jerreme Jackson, and EPP MS Student, Amira Cornish!
Abstract: Genome wide association studies, GWAS, are performed to determine potential associations between phenotypic (traits observed) data and genotypic (genome) data. Ipomoea batatas, sweetpotato, is a vital crop for combating both visible and invisible hunger, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the genetic diversity of the sweetpotato germplasm and the genetic architecture underlying agronomic traits is crucial to maintenance and utility of the genetic resources for the crop’s improvement. We will perform a GWAS study to determine potential genes and genomic features associated with traits of interest including disease and pest resistance traits, culinary traits, phytonutritional traits, and morphological traits. We intend to determine potential genes of interests and functional markers for breeding programs.