PRINCIPAL SPEAKERS

DOUGLAS D. BUHLER

9 a.m. | College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture

As Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation, Dr. Douglas D. Buhler supports the research and innovation activities at Michigan State University. His work focuses on the food, environment, and international research portfolios of the university.

Buhler graduated from UW-Platteville in 1979, earning a bachelor’s degree in soil and crop science. He received his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Nebraska. Buhler joined Michigan State University in 2000 as professor and chair of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. He also served as associate director of AgBioResearch, associate dean for research for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and interim dean of CANR. Most recently, he was director of MSU AgBioResearch from 2013 to 2021 and assistant vice president for Research and Innovation from 2015 to 2021.

Throughout Buhler’s career, he has generated more than 330 publications. Buhler has presented over 100 invited seminars, symposia, and workshops. He has made presentations or represented MSU in more than 20 countries. Buhler serves on numerous boards, including UW-Platteville Foundation, the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, Center for Food Integrity, and Michigan Crop Improvement Association.

Anna Johnson Stewart

12:30 p.m. | College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science

Anna Johnson Stewart is a civil engineer, teacher, and former Minnesota State Senator. She graduated from the UW-Platteville in 1986 and holds a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

After spending the early years of her career working for HNTB and Braun Intertec, she started her own construction inspection and materials testing business, Professional Engineering Services, and grew it to employ over 30 people. She recently sold the business, but continues to work as a civil engineer. Johnson Stewart has taught both undergraduate and professional courses at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities since 1995 and is also involved as a mentor to the Engineers Without Borders student group.