“I see Cooperative Extension serving as a conduit for helping local communities make informed decisions about use and development of alternative energy resources,” he says. “There’s a lot of potential for rural Pennsylvania to be a player in the alternative-energy sector, and Penn State has a lot of expertise to contribute to development of resources.”

As the governor and General Assembly develop a vision for a renewable-energy future, Roth says Penn State’s agricultural sciences faculty can provide resources to help frame the issues. “We want to help,” he says. “I see us as having a lot to offer in engineering solutions that are compatible with animal-based agriculture in the state.”

Roth earned a bachelor's degree in agronomy (with distinction) from Penn State in 1979, a master's degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1981, and a doctorate in agronomy from Penn State in 1987. He is a recipient of multiple Certificates of Excellence for Educational Materials from the American Society of Agronomy and an Extension Award from the Northeast Branch of the same organization.

As an extension grain crops specialist, Roth has conducted research on the suitability of various crops for use in the production of biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. He also has developed educational programs for extension educators, agribusiness groups, and producers on managing drought stress, GMO issues, specialty corn hybrids, grain quality, organic grain production, and producing corn silage using different hybrids and management strategies. Because the program leadership position is a half-time appointment, he will continue many of his activities in grain crop management and production.

—Gary Abdullah