Keynote Nicholi Vorsa

Beginning in 1985, Dr. Nicholi Vorsa initiated a cranberry-breeding program that he now runs out of the Rutgers' Philip E. Marucci Blueberry and Cranberry Research Center, where he serves as director.

After propagating more than 20,000 progenies, Vorsa and his staff have released five cranberry varieties that produce more plentifully than the average plant and exhibit an accelerated bed establishment. Further, the team's research led to the discovery that cranberries and blueberries fight urinary tract infections -- now a remedy so common that people joke about the connection. (Reproduced from NJ Spotlight)

Dr. Vorsa was named fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and recognized for his outstanding commitment to academic invention (2014). He was also awarded "Inventor of the Year" from the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame, honoring his scientific research and contributions to disease-resistant cranberries and the cranberry industry (2013). He also received the Thomas Alva Edison Award from the R&D Council of New Jersey (2008).

Dr. Vorsa holds six U.S. patents, an international patent, and two Canadian patents.

Photo Courtesy of Fruit Growers News