Expert Profile
- Name:Alan McHughen
-
Topic:
- Science & Technology: Genetically Engineered Food
- Title:Biotechnologist and Geneticist, Department of Botany and Plant Sciences
- Degree:D.Phil., 1979, Plant Science, Oxford University
- E-mail: alan.mchughen@ucr.edu
- Phone: (951) 827-7532
- Prefered Media: Print, Radio, Video
Media Contact:
- Iqbal Pittalwala
- iqbal@ucr.edu
- 951.827.6050
Background:
McHughen's research focuses on using biotechnology and molecular genetic technology to develop improved crops contributing to more environmentally sustainable farming systems. He is also interested in analyzing products of biotechnology for their effects on the environment and on health.
A molecular geneticist with an interest in crop improvement, he has helped develop Canada's regulations covering the environmental release of plants with novel traits and US regulations governing transgenic plants.
Having developed internationally approved commercial crop varieties using both conventional breeding and genetic engineering techniques, he has first hand experience with issues from both sides of the regulatory process, covering both recombinant DNA and conventional breeding technologies.
As a public sector educator and consumer advocate, McHughen helps non-scientists understand the environmental and health impacts of both modern and traditional methods of food production.
His award-winning book, Pandora's Picnic Basket; The Potential and Hazards of Genetically Modified Foods (Oxford University Press, 2000), uses understandable, consumer-friendly language to explode the myths and explore the genuine risks of genetic modification technology.
Recognitions:
- Science in Society Journalism Award, Canadian Science Writers' Association, 2000, for the book Pandora's Picnic Basket: The Potential and Hazards of Genetically Modified Foods
- Distinguished lecturer, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2001
- Elected Fellow, American College of Nutrition. November, 2002
- Nominated to World Trade Organization dispute resolution panel in European Union v. U.S./Canada/Argentina biotech dispute, November 2004
- Certificate of Merit, USDA. October 2006
- Who's Who in Science and Engineering, from 10th edition, 2007
- Who's Who in America, from 62nd Edition, 2007
- Jefferson Science Fellow, 2011-2012.
Outside Activities:
On the subject of genetically engineered food, McHughen has given numerous invited talks and seminars to public audiences as well as many media interviews. He is also:
- Committee member, National Academies' National Research Council, 2004
- Co-author of Safety of Genetically Engineered Foods: Approaches to Assessing Unintended Health Effects, National Research Council and Institute of Medicine. National Academies Press, Washington, DC., 2004
Languages Spoken:
English
