Allen brings a unique combination of knowledge and accomplishment in both the public and private arenas that is an ideal match with the goals of the SBC. Raised on a foundation seed production farm in Manitoba, Canada, he earned a B.S. degree in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, in 1987, a M.S. in Agriculture from the same institution in 1989, and a Ph.D. in Agriculture at the University of Guelph, Canada, in 1993. Working with Professor K.P. Pauls, he conducted genetic studies on seed characteristics and vernalization in rapeseed, then spent two years as a postdoctoral researcher at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, working with Dr. Mark Sorrells on comparative genetic mapping of grasses. From 1995 to 1999, Allen was a plant breeder for Calgene in Davis, CA, directing a breeding program to develop rapeseed cultivars engineered to produce modified oils in the seed that resulted in the commercialization of the first genetically modified oil, high laurate canola. He then joined Celera AgGen in 1999, where he directed and supervised genetic marker and genotyping programs and implemented strategies for whole genome sequencing in plants and animals. His experience in both practical breeding and genomics is a real asset to the SBC. Allen leads the research programs, writes educational materials and makes presentations on behalf of the SBC.

Sue Webster received a B.S. in agriculture science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and and Agriculture Teaching Credential from UC Davis.

She worked with the California Crop Improvement Association in seed certification prior to joining the SBC in 1999.