Robert is a course author, instructor, and former PMA Chief Science & Technology Officer. Prior to joining PMA, his experience includes a 16-year tenure with DNA Plant Technology Corporation (DNAP) where he served as Vice President for Vegetable Research and Development, and Vice President of Product Development, managing the development of products ranging from extended life tomatoes to seedless watermelons and tobacco varieties. He has been intimately involved in the development of the leafy greens GAP Metrics and also serves on both the California and Arizona Leafy Greens Technical Committees. In 2007, Dr. Whitaker was named to the Executive Advisory Board for the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) and serves as Chairman for the CPS Research and Technology Council (2008) which oversees the solicitation, review and funding for research projects focused on produce food safety. Dr. Whitaker received his Ph.D. in Biology from the State University of New York at Binghamton.