Dec. 2, 2005

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WESLACO – Dr. Michael Gould has been appointed the new director of the Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Weslaco.

He replaces Dr. Jose Amador, who retired earlier this year.

Gould's appointment was announced by Dr. Elsa Murano, vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences at Texas A&M and director of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station.

Gould, a biochemist, began his career teaching biochemistry and biophysics at Notre Dame University. After 10 years with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, he became director of research for the Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation in Illinois. Gould then served as vice president of research for the U.S. Sugar Corporation in Florida. His most recent position was as vice president of NuTech Solutions Inc., a leading producer of science software.

Gould will supervise the Weslaco Center, which includes the Weslaco-based operations of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Texas Cooperative Extension, and the Texas A&M-Kingsville Citrus Center at Weslaco.

Dr. Ron Rosati, professor and dean of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences at Texas A&M-Kingsville, said, "We are very excited about Dr. Michael Gould joining our team in Weslaco. His outstanding experience with industry and government will greatly benefit ongoing efforts at the Weslaco Center."

Rosati added that among Gould's many challenges would be efforts to move the Weslaco Center to a new level of performance – increasing the impact of the faculty and staff as they work to improve the quality of life and economic strength of the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley.

"Dr. Gould will address the opportunities and challenges facing the Valley, including population growth and the resultant pressures on agricultural industries, nutrition issues such as diabetes and obesity, new insect and plant disease problems, freeze challenges, water conservation issues, and the continued profitability of production agriculture," he said.

Ray Prewett, president of Texas Citrus Mutual and executive vice president of the Texas Vegetable Association, was pleased with Gould's selection.

"I'm impressed with his broad background, which includes extensive work in both basic and applied research, as well as in administration. I'm confident he'll bring innovative leadership to the position," Prewett said.

Gould sees his role as director of the centers as similar to that of the conductor of an orchestra.

"Like a conductor, my objective is to get a group of individuals, each a highly trained specialist, to work together to connect with their audience and produce a satisfying and beneficial result that is far superior to what any one of them could produce alone."

Because the Lower Rio Grande Valley is rapidly changing, Gould said, the area is fortunate to have in its midst such a large concentration of dedicated research talent.

"I hope that I can help guide that talent to provide the maximum possible benefit to Texas agriculture and Rio Grande Valley communities. I am honored to be a part of the process here, and look forward to many exciting days ahead," he said.

Dr. John da Graca, deputy director of the Citrus Center and interim director of both centers, said he was excited about Gould's appointment.

"His credentials, work history and proven track record speak volumes about his stature in the scientific community and I'm sure he will provide us with excellent leadership in these changing times. I look forward to working with him," da Graca said.

Gould said two themes have been apparent throughout his career.

"The first is broad experience across academic, government and private sector research environments as a scientist, program director and research and development executive.

"The second is involvement in a wide range of research and development projects related to agriculture, extending from the very basic to the very applied," he said.

The two themes have converged in his belief that science should lead, in a rapid and efficient manner, to "measurable, real world benefits," Gould said.

"Delivering solid benefits to the community requires basic science – to provide fundamental knowledge and tools – and applied science – which seeks to solve real world problems of high value and priority."

Communication is key, Gould said.

"The two-way movement of ideas, information and technology between the laboratory and the field or community occurs through an efficient extension process that is tightly integrated with the R&D process, and that closely links the energy, interests and resources of scientists and stakeholders," he said.

Gould was selected from among four finalists vying for the position. He is expected to begin his duties on or before Jan. 31.