524 Bradford

This interview is with Kent J. Bradford, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Plant Sciences. He was appointed in 1982 (initially in the Vegetable Crops Department) and retired in 2019. 

Kent’s research focused on diverse aspects of seed biology, particularly in crop plants. He used genetic and molecular approaches to identify genes involved in seed dormancy and germination. He also developed mathematical models that described germination responses to temperature, water, hormones, aging and other factors affecting seed performance for crop propagation. He led a US Agency for International Development project that developed improved seed drying and storage methods for tropical climates. 

Kent taught undergraduate courses in seed biology, plant sciences and biotechnology. He also created and taught a graduate course on philosophy of science.

Kent served as Chair of the Vegetable Crops Department from 1993 to 1998 and as Interim Director of the UC Davis World Food Center in 2018-2019. In 1999, he founded the UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center and served as its director for 20 years. In 2010, he co-founded Seed Central, an organization that connects UC Davis to the California seed industry and promotes professional opportunities for students. 

He is interviewed by his long-time friend and colleague, Alan Bennett, Distinguished Professor of Plant Sciences.