Ines Hanrahan, WTFRC, USA

The Smart Orchard of the Future

Ines Hanrahan has served the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC) as Executive Director since August 17, 2018. Hanrahan provides administrative leadership, oversight for WTFRC staff, and contributes to strategic planning for the WTFRC. Hanrahan grew up in East Germany and studied horticultural engineering at Humboldt University in Berlin (degree completed in 1999). In 2005 she received a Ph.D. in Postharvest Physiology from Washington State University (WSU) and subsequently joined the WTFRC as a Project Manager. In that position she managed collaborative research projects on fruit quality, storage technology and food safety. Although her recent focus has been on pre- and post-harvest physiology of tree fruits, Hanrahan has broad experience in processes and practices in fruit, vegetable, and nursery production from the grower to the consumer. She has gained valuable practical and multicultural experience in Europe, South Africa, and the USA, building an active worldwide network with scientists and extension professionals. As a special emphasis, she is dedicated to connecting with the next generation of industry professionals, both as a mentor and as an industry leader, setting a positive example for an increasingly diverse work force.

Profile: https://treefruitresearch.org/staff/ines-hanrahan/; https://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/hanrahan-lead-washington-tree-fruit-research-commission/