Have You Met ... Gurcharn Brar? | The Quad

Have You Met … Gurcharn Brar?

Meet Gurcharn Singh Brar, assistant professor and wheat breeder at University of Alberta and an affiliate assistant professor in plant science at the University of British Columbia. Gurcharn is well-known for his work in Canadian crop science research.

April 18, 2024

Meet Gurcharn Singh Brar, assistant professor and wheat breeder at University of Alberta and an affiliate assistant professor (Plant Science) at the University of British Columbia.

What is your first U of A memory?

The greenhouses on the rooftop of the AgFor building. I visited the U of A campus for the first time in October 2013 to see a friend who was doing their PhD here. I then came back for my interview in September 2023, and now I am part of ALES - a wonderful faculty to be part of!

What's something your coworkers don't know about you?

I love loud music in my car, and I listen to my favourite songs (just a handful) over and over again for months and even years sometimes.

What's your favourite distraction?

Indian chai and food, particularly one that includes wheat and sugar.

If you were enrolling in one course, program or degree right now, what would it be?

World history, particularly Middle East and Europe.

You can invite anyone - alive or dead, real or fictional - to dinner. Who would it be?

Maharajah Ranjit Singh (often known as 'Sher-e-Panjab', i.e., 'Lion of Panjab') who led the Sikh Empire in the 19^th century.

If you could see any live performance tomorrow, what would it be?

Diljit Dosanjh (our Punjabi star artist)!

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Never think or assume that you are always right!

What's one thing you can't live without?

Other than my family, parents and siblings, it's wheat.

What three words describe your U of A experience?

Friendly, science-friendly, yet 'slow' in admin.

Do you have any upcoming projects or initiatives you are looking forward to at work?

So many. I can't list them all but nearly all on wheat! I can't wait to name my wheat varieties. I have so many names in mind.

About Gurcharn

Gurcharn Singh Brar is a well-recognized face among Canadian crop science researchers, an assistant professor and wheat breeder at University of Alberta and an affiliate assistant professor in plant science at the University of British Columbia. Gurcharn received his MSc and PhD in plant science from the Crop Development Centre of the University of Saskatchewan.