Arkansas Turfgrass Association

Email: my.xiang@okstate.edu

Dr. Mingying Xiang is an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science at Oklahoma State University. She earned her M.S. in Horticulture from Oklahoma State University and her Ph.D. from Kansas State University. Dr. Xiang’s research centers on turfgrass stress physiology, with emphasis on low-temperature injury, water conservation, and the development of climate-resilient bermudagrass for athletic and landscape systems. Her work includes evaluating drought- and cold-tolerant cultivars, identifying management practices that improve winter survival, and developing sustainable strategies for turfgrass grown in water-limited or climate-challenging environments. Her research has been published in leading turfgrass science journals and contributes to improving both performance and resiliency in sports turf. In extension, Dr. Xiang supports Oklahoma’s turfgrass and horticultural industries through field days, hands-on workshops, applied demonstrations, and train-the-trainer programs that deliver research-based solutions to practitioners across the state.

Email: matucker@auburn.edu

Aaron is an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management at Auburn University. A native of Carthage, Mississippi, he received his B.S. From Mississippi State University in Golf and Sports Turf Management, his M.Sc. from Mississippi State University in Plant Pathology, and his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech in Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science. His masters work focused on ectotrophic root-infecting fungi in ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens, and his Ph.D.  focused on working closely with the lance nematode and the effects they have on creeping bentgrass greens in Virginia.  His current research focus is on turfgrass diseases and nematodes in Alabama and the Deep South. 

Email: gmcdonal@uark.edu

Dr. Garry McDonald is a Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture, University of Arkansas. He received a B.S. and M.S. in Floriculture and a PhD in Horticulture all from Texas A&M University.  Dr. McDonald teaches the curriculum in landscape horticulture in addition to plant propagation and horticulture career development.  He is a regular guest lecturer in Plants, People, and You which is the general survey class geared to non-majors. Previous experiences include operating a self-owned business in the landscape design and build industry. His research background includes field and greenhouse studies in rose production, extensive experience in bedding plant production and landscape performance evaluation trials.  Research interests include sustainable landscape design, resource efficient landscape plant development, and ethnobotany and medicinal plants. Dr. McDonald is currently the chair of the horticulture undergraduate program committee and serves as a university faculty senator representing the Bumper’s College AFLS in addition to serving on multiple university, college, and departmental committees. He is also the horticulture department’s internship coordinator.

Email: Grahamk@bvvpoa.com 

X handle:  @GrahamKornmeyer

LinkedIn:  Linkedin.com/in/Graham-Kornmeyer-CGCS-8293603

Graham Kornmeyer, CGCS is currently the Director of Golf Course Maintenance for the Bella Vista POA in Arkansas since April 2024.  Previously, he was the Golf Course Superintendent at Southern Trace Country Club from 2020-2024, the Director of Agronomy at Black Diamond Ranch from 2016-2020, and a Regional Superintendent for Clubcorp from 2012-2016.  He has 20 years of experience as a Golf Course Superintendent and became certified through the GCSAA in 2018.  He is a graduate of the University of Georgia obtaining his Bachelors of Science degree in Turfgrass Management.

Email: gregj@bvvpoa.com

X handle:  @GrahamKornmeyer

I have been at The Highlands as the Golf Course Superintendent for 16 years. Prior to that, I worked for Agra Turf for 5 years in sales for the Fisher family. From 1996-2003, I was at Pinnacle Country Club as Superintendent. I have worked on golf courses in Indiana, Georgia, Colorado, and grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where I first got the bug to work on a golf course way back in 1981. I graduated from Penn State University in 1993 after completing their 2-year turf program.

Personally, I have two teenagers, a boy and girl who are both currently negotiating and presenting reasons why they each need their own vehicle which is full of good times.

I love what I do, I fish when I can and spend a lot of time going between my kids’ different sport activities. 

Email: dobrien@usga.org

Dr. Daniel O’Brien joined the USGA in 2024 as Green Section Research Manager. In this role, Daniel provides support for the USGA’s approximately $2 million annual commitment to turfgrass research across the United States, which includes the Mike Davis Program for Advancing Golf Course Management, the 15/30/45 Initiative, and other projects.

Daniel earned his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, and his master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas, working under Drs. Doug Karcher & Mike Richardson. Prior to joining the USGA Daniel worked as a sports field manager in Maryland and Alabama. During his time in graduate school, he also worked as a research technician. His graduate research focused largely on technologies for evaluating putting green surfaces, and on turfgrass soil surfactants.