Wendel Receives 2024 Cotton Genetics Research Award
January 20, 2025 Dr. Jonathan Wendel, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University, is the recipient of the 2024 Cotton Genetics Research Award.
The announcement was made during the 2025 Beltwide Cotton Improvement Conference, convened as part of the Beltwide Cotton Conferences in New Orleans. Wendel, who was selected by the Joint Cotton Breeding Committee, received a plaque and a monetary award.
Wendel earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his master’s and Ph.D. from University of North Carolina. He began his career in 1983 as a geneticist for USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in North Carolina. He moved to Iowa State University in 1986 where he has been heavily involved with research, teaching, and mentorship. He also collaborates with researchers internationally and has held administrative roles with the university.
During his career, Wendel has authored or co-authored 340 scientific journal articles and book chapters to date, with a majority of his research and subsequent publications being related to cotton genetics. His early work helped explain the genomic underpinnings of cotton domestication and diversification, and his more recent research efforts have led to more practical tools for improving cotton as an agricultural crop.
Wendel is an active member of multiple scientific and professional societies. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career including American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow, Distinguished Fellow of the Botanical Society of America, Crop Science Society of America Distinguished Scholar, Fulbright Senior Scholar, and Researcher of the Year for the International Cotton Advisory Committee. He was elected to both the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Science in 2023 and is currently the only U.S.-born cotton researcher to have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Peng Chee, Professor at the University of Georgia and one of Wendel’s nominators, praised Wendel’s exceptional leadership and service to the scientific community and his dedication to mentoring students and young scientists.
The annual Cotton Genetics Research Award was established in 1961 by U.S. commercial cotton breeders to recognize and encourage basic research in cotton genetics, cytogenetics, and breeding. It is administered by the Joint Cotton Breeding Committee consisting of representatives of the National Cotton Council, USDA, state experiment stations, Cotton Incorporated, and commercial breeders.
Information from the National Cotton Council
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