As director and assistant vice president of research and innovation, Dr. Douglas Buhler is responsible for all research investments in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) and serves as the administrative leader of Michigan State University (MSU) AgBioResearch. MSU AgBioResearch engages in innovative, leading-edge research that combines scientific expertise with practical experience to generate economic prosperity, sustain natural resources and enhance the quality of life in Michigan, the nation and the world. It encompasses the work of more than 300 scientists in seven MSU colleges—Agriculture and Natural Resources, Communication Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Natural Science, Philosophy, Social Science and Veterinary Medicine—and has a network of 13 research centers across the state as well as a total annual budget of over $100 million per year.
Buhler is a native of Wisconsin and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He earned his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Nebraska. He was on the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1984 to 1989 and research scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service from 1989 to 2000. He then joined MSU as professor and chair of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, a position he held from 2000 to 2005. From October 2003 to March 2005, he also served as state leader for Agricultural Programs for MSU Extension. From 2005 to 2010, he was associate director of the MSU AgBioResearch and associate dean for research for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Buhler served as interim dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources from 2011 to 2013.
Buhler’s professional activities have generated over 330 publications, including 130 refereed journal and review articles. Buhler has authored or edited three books. He has presented 90 invited seminars, symposia and workshops. He is a fellow of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Weed Science Society of America and North Central Weed Science Society. He is also a distinguished alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Buhler serves on numerous boards and advisory panels including the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, Center for Food Integrity, Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Commission and Michigan Crop Improvement Association. He is also secretary for the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research’s Board of Directors.