Bonnie Johnson
January 13, 2025
Media ArticleTexas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has welcomed Dr. Ahmed Darwish as a new faculty member, emphasizing the importance of crop quality in modern horticulture.
Darwish serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences, focusing on secondary metabolites in crops, crucial for plant resilience and human health.
Dr. Darwish’s research explores how these compounds enhance a plant's ability to withstand various stresses such as drought and diseases, while also improving flavor and nutritional value.
This innovative work not only supports crop durability but also addresses how these plants can contribute to human health, including gut health, through beneficial compounds.
Dr. Darwish is actively involved in developing a new horticulture course aimed at undergraduate students for the spring semester.
This course will delve into plant metabolomics, studying metabolite interactions within biological systems, and understanding how plants respond to environmental challenges and pests.
His educational initiatives are paving the way for comprehensive learning paths for both undergraduate and graduate students in horticulture.
Dr. Darwish is also collaborating with industry partners in wine grape, vegetable, and fruit production to tailor his research to real-world agricultural challenges, enhancing the practical impact of his studies.
Dr. Darwish plans to extend his research to support NASA’s initiatives on plant-based proteins for deep space travel, underscoring his commitment to applying agricultural science in groundbreaking ways.
Photo by: agrilifetoday.tamu.edu
