Ek Han Tan
University of Maine
I am currently an Associate Professor in the School of Biology and Ecology at the University of Maine where I teach genetics and upper-level genetic engineering courses, and lead the diploid potato breeding and research program which interface closely with UMaine’s conventional potato variety development and enhancement program as well as with the USDA ARS Eastern potato breeding program in Orono, ME. Our work is focused on improving, developing and selecting disease resistant potato varieties that fit potato grower and industry needs by utilizing genetics and genomics technology that are available to us. I double majored in Biology and Visual Arts (Duke University, 2005), obtained my PhD in Molecular Genetics and Genomics (Washington University in St louis, 2011) and did a postdoc on chromosome engineering at the University of California, Davis before joining UMaine in 2017.
I have been a member of the PAA since 2016, and felt instantly welcomed by the PAA community ever since. As a member of the Breeding and Genetics section, I served as Secretary (2017), Vice Chair (2018) and Chair (2019) for this section and gained valuable experience in these roles. Since joining PAA, I have also served as an ad-hoc reviewer for the American Journal of Potato Research. Previous leadership roles I have held include being the Maine state representative for the Plant Breeding Coordinating Committee multistate (SCC80) from 2017 – 2022 and as Secretary, Vice Chair and Chair for the Eastern regional potato breeding multistate (NE2231) from 2023 – 2025.
It would be my goal to contribute to PAA’s science-based mission as a Director on topics that are relevant to my experiences that range from teaching/training, breeding, biotechnology and outreach. At the same time, my focus would also include my desire to continue to make PAA a welcoming, vibrant and forward-looking community for all members. This is an opportunity for me as well, to learn and build connections with leaders at PAA from all phases of our national and international potato industry.
