Dr. Scott Lowman is Vice President of Applied Research at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, Virginia. He and his team are focused on developing and integrating advances in biology and technology to improve plant productivity. As a biologist focused on plant-microbe interactions, he seeks to identify promising microbial biostimulant and biocontrol agents that increase plant growth and health while safeguarding the environment. Technology, such as computer vision and data mining, is used to gain accurate, precise, and timely information to determine the effectiveness of these treatments. Scott earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from Virginia Tech, his master’s degree from the College of William and Mary, and his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. Prior to joining IALR, Scott co-founded Lynchburg Grows, a 7-acre urban farm in the heart of Lynchburg, Virginia. Now in its 20th year of operation, the non-profit farm supports a 150-member vegetable subscription program while providing opportunities for people with special needs to share their talents while learning life changing job skills.