Romaine named to Swayne Chair in Spawn Science at Penn State.

C. Peter Romaine, professor of plant pathology in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has been named the first holder of the John B. Swayne Chair in Spawn Science. Made possible by an endowment from the late John B. Swayne Jr., a 1934 Penn State alumnus in agricultural economics, the chair is aimed at enhancing programs in mushroom science by providing support to a faculty member for the advancement of scholarly excellence through instruction, research and public service.

Romaine's research focuses on transgenic breeding of cultivated mushrooms for germplasm enhancement and for the production of human biopharmaceuticals; the diagnosis and control of mushroom diseases; and innovations in mushroom cultivation. His work, which has resulted in five patents for technologies related to mushroom cultivation, has contributed to the success of Pennsylvania's commercial mushroom industry.

"Pete Romaine's work has resulted in advances that have helped Pennsylvania's mushroom industry retain its national leadership position," says Robert Steele, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences. "The Swayne family's generous support of Dr. Romaine's research and extension efforts will help us sustain and enhance our programs, while building on the family's legacy as mushroom pioneers."

Income from the Swayne endowment will help cover research, training and travel expenses and support research staff and graduate student assistantships.