Dr. Cantrell is a recognized leader in cotton genetics and germplasm development. His current responsibilities include overseeing research in broad areas spanning cotton genetic improvement; biotechnology; disease, weed, insect management, precision agriculture and production economics, and cottonseed quality.
He led the effort to create the Cotton Incorporated Fellowship program in 2002 that trains graduate and postdoctoral students in cotton breeding, genetics, and biotechnology. He has served as both associate editor and technical editor for Crop Science. He was the first chairperson of the International Cotton Genome Initiative and is a technical advisor to the National Cotton Council Fiber Quality Task Force
With degrees from Texas Tech University and the University of Minnesota, Cantrell has served on the faculties of North Dakota State University and New Mexico State University.
The Society has been selecting outstanding members to the position of Fellow since 1924. Colleagues within the Society nominate worthy members and the ASA Committee on the Nomination of Fellows carefully rank the nominees with final election made by the ASA Executive Committee based on the professional achievements and meritorious service.
