Bolivar-Medina joins Tree Fruit team as Information Tech Transfer specialist

Head and shoulders photo of Bolivar-Medina
Jenny Bolivar-Medina

Jenny Bolivar-Medina joined Washington State University’s tree fruit research and Extension team Nov. 15, 2019, as a Tree Fruit Extension Information Technology Transfer Specialist (ITT).

As an integral member of the Tree Fruit Extension Team, Bolivar-Medina’s program will focus on tree fruit horticultural issues including apple rootstock evaluation, abiotic stress outreach programs, and emerging industry needs. Her position is made possible through an endowment from the tree fruit industry.

Dr. Bolivar-Medina completed her Ph.D. in plant breeding and plant genetics at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She earned her master of science in biology at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, and her bachelor of science degree in biology at the Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia.

Through her academic formation, Bolivar-Medina acquired skills in in vitro plant tissue culture of ornamental, forest, fruit, and crop species important for farmers in Colombia, Puerto Rico and USA. Her Ph.D. research and work as a research associate at Wisconsin were focused on physiological and genetic aspects of reproductive buds of cranberry. Specifically, she studied the formation and development of floral meristems in reproductive buds of cranberry through the growing season and dormancy, and its implications in fruit production. These studies were funded by the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association.

Other aspects complementing her professional development includeexperience in optical and electron microscopy, designing and performing field experiments, teaching, and participation in cranberry extension programs.

As a mother of three, she enjoys spending time with them in outdoor activities, reading, watching movies and crafting.

Bolivar-Medina is based at the WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee. She can be reached at 509-333-8813 or by email at j.bolivarmedina@wsu.edu