Michael Mazourek is the co-founder of Row 7 Seed Company and an Associate Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Michael’s work in agriculture began as a child growing butternut squash, cucumbers, peas and peppers in his family’s garden. A deep interest in human health led him to study biochemistry, which illuminated the links between plants and the important phytochemicals in our diet. Today, Michael specializes in the same varieties he grew in his family’s garden, as he aims to strengthen the connection between plants and human health by breeding improved vegetables and training others in his craft.