Forage Agronomist in Texas

As a Forage Agronomist, I research the plant-animal interface specifically the integration of legumes into agriculture systems.

Jamie Foster Malone
Associate Professor of Forage Agronomy
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
Academia

I consider myself a: Agronomist

My Highest Degree: Doctorate

I received my degrees from: Ph.D., University of Florida M.S., Texas A&M University B.S., Tarleton State University

I received my degree(s) in: Ph.D., Ruminant Nutrition with minor in Agronomy M.S., Agronomy B.S., Animal Science

Length of Career: I began my career as an M.S. student in 2002, that gives me 15 years experience in 2017.

What was your career path to your current position?
I always had interest in science, and worked in a Forage Agronomy lab as a B.S. student and loved the work. The scientist invited me to stay for my M.S. degree and then I obtained a Fellowship for my Ph.D.

What projects are you working on now? What interesting projects have you worked on/led in the past?
Currently I'm working on screening novel cool-season legumes for adaptation to my local environment. Also, evaluating cropping systems (tillage and cover cropping) for nutrient cycling and water use in semi-arid environments. An interesting project I led in the past was the evaluation of lipid-extracted algae (biofuel) as a soil amendment.

What do you find most interesting about your work (either currently or a story of a past experience)?
Each and every research question scratches the surface of an answer, and that result always gives more questions. Science is a constant satisfying of curiosity and search for questions, more than finding of answers.

What do you like best about your job and/or what do you like best about being in your profession?
I love that my job is always different. Everyday is a new challenge to solve or a new project to work on.

What’s the one thing you would change about your job/profession that would make it better?
Grants are competitive and time consuming to write. You must write many more than you expect to be funded in order to have enough funds to operate your research program.

What would you say to someone thinking about entering the profession? What advice would you give for succeeding in this field?
First and foremost, build teams. You will increase your research capacity by working with colleagues, students, and other people. Make sure you contribute to these teams so that it is give-and-take, and thus sustainable for the long haul of your career journey.

What do you like doing in your free time?
I enjoy time with my family, fishing or enjoying the beach, gardening, and baking. It is important to turn off email and other work items and enjoy your family, the kids are only young once and the email can wait (believe it or not!).

If you have more questions about my career, feel free to contact me at:

Jamie Foster Malone
Professor
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
Beeville, TX
+1 (361) 585-7956
jlfoster@ag.tamu.edu