David ParrishDavid Parrish is proud to have been born and bred in Appalachia, and he counts himself fortunate to have worked and played in those same fascinating hills throughout his professional life. After earning a doctorate in plant science at Cornell, he joied the faculty of Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, where he was recognized with awards for excellence in teaching and advising. Courses he taught include crop science, crop ecology, and environmental science. Parrish has co-authored a textbook on plant science, more than 50 research articles, and several scientific reviews and book chapters. His research interests spanned plant growth regulation, seed physiology, sustainable cropping systems, and biological sources for renewable energy. In retirement, Parrish and his wife of more than 50 years remain in the mountains of southwestern Virginia on the 30 acres they call Hole in the Woods. He continues to be an avid gardener and outdoorsman, particularly in chasing catch-and-release smallmouth bass on the New River. Read More Read Less