Bob Koester (He/Him)
About Bob Koester (He/Him)
Bob Koester serves as the Senior Scientific Manager for Product Assessment and Analytics at Benson Hill, where he oversees the Breeding and Trait Introgression teams. He has a strong background in plant physiology and has made significant contributions to crop research, particularly in relation to climate change and soybean efficiency.
Work at Benson Hill
Bob Koester currently serves as the Senior Scientific Manager for Product Assessment & Analytics at Benson Hill, a position he has held since 2021. His career at Benson Hill began as a crop physiologist in the corn program. Over the years, he has transitioned through various roles, including Research Scientist in Plant Physiology, Scientific Manager for Physiology, and Product Assessment Scientist. In his current role, he oversees the Breeding and Trait Introgression teams, focusing on enhancing product assessment methodologies.
Education and Expertise
Bob Koester earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Plant Physiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied from 2009 to 2014. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Honors Integrative Biology with a minor in Chemistry at the same institution from 2005 to 2009. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in crop physiology and plant biology.
Research Contributions
During his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Missouri from 2015 to 2016, Bob Koester conducted research that focused on understanding crop responses to climate change, as well as the efficiencies of light interception and energy conversion in soybeans. His research has contributed significantly to the field of plant physiology, particularly in relation to sustainable agricultural practices.
Achievements and Recognition
Bob Koester received The Mockler Innovator Award for his substantial contributions to the field through creative problem-solving and scientific excellence. This recognition highlights his impact on agricultural research and innovation, particularly in the context of crop physiology and breeding.
Career Progression
Bob Koester's career has included various roles at Benson Hill and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He worked as a Graduate Research Assistant from 2009 to 2014, followed by his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Missouri. His progression at Benson Hill includes roles as Research Scientist, Scientific Manager, and Product Assessment Scientist, showcasing his growth and development in the field of plant physiology.