Washington State University (WSU) has hired Jake Blauer as the new post-harvest potato physiologist. Blauer is a former graduate student of WSU potato physiologist Rick Knowles, whose retirement in 2020 opened the door for Blauer’s hire.
“I’m delighted to be rejoining the potato research team,” Blauer says. “These are amazing people, and I’m excited to be able to contribute to this great industry.”
Blauer plans to keep the foundation of Knowles’ research program moving forward and also utilize his background in variety development to expand genetics research. Topics of interest include low-temperature sweetening, tuber size issues and minimizing the potato industry’s environmental footprint.
Blauer grew up in southern Idaho on a farm that included potatoes in the rotation. After studying plant science and chemistry as an undergraduate, Blauer went to work in the potato processing industry before earning a doctoral degree in molecular plant science at WSU. He then returned to the industry to work on trait development in potatoes and, later, in alfalfa. When the physiologist position at WSU opened, Blauer saw it as a great opportunity to return to potatoes.
Colleague Mark Pavek, a WSU potato specialist, says Blauer is a good fit for the position.
“He has experience in both the private and public sectors, which will enable him to look at research projects from both angles, something the industry will appreciate. And because of his experience, he already knows many of the potato industry representatives, growers and researchers,” Pavek says.
