Researchers
Dr. Patrick Tranel
Areas of Expertise:
- Weed Management
- Herbicide Resistance
Ainsworth Professor & Associate Head
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
217-333-1531
tranel@illinois.edu
Dr. Tranel joined UIUC in the late 1990s and has been teaching undergrad and graduate students about weed science both on campus and more recently through the online Master of Science program. As weeds have evolved over the years, so has the research Dr. Tranel conducts. He uses molecular and genomic approaches to better understand how weeds evolve to the various tools farmers use to control them. A native of Galena, Ill., Dr. Tranel earned his Bachelor of Science in agronomy from Iowa State University, master’s in weed science from Washington State University and doctorate in botany from Michigan State University.
Fun Facts!
Dr. Tranel has a difficult time getting away from weeds. At home, he tends to a large garden, small orchard, wooded area and prairie – where he spends much of his time controlling weeds! The family farm near Galena still draws him home. He spends his time there enjoying the scenery of spring-fed streams and abundant wildlife. During football season, Dr. Tranel takes at least one trek further north for a Minnesota Vikings game. He’s a fan by default – growing up, they were the “home” team of the television stations reaching his northwest corner of Illinois!
