Vance Whitaker

Vance Whitaker, Ph.D., is a professor of horticulture at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. He received his Ph.D. in plant breeding and molecular genetics from the University of Minnesota in 2009. Dr. Whitaker’s research focuses on developing strawberry varieties for Florida. His breeding program is enhanced through genetic research and through collaborations with the GCREC faculty team and Florida industry. Dr. Whitaker works closely with Florida Foundation Seed Producers, the Florida Strawberry Growers Association and Ekland Marketing Company to license and market UF/IFAS varieties in Florida and around the world.