Skip to Main Content

Visionaries: Using technology to improve farming operations

There's an old saying that goes, "No matter how far in life you go, never forget home."

I think of this phrase a lot as I ponder my career; it's a phrase that definitely applies to Dennis Buckmaster. His home (his roots) directed his professional life.

Buckmaster grew up on a farm and evolved with technology to become what he is today: a leading faculty member in the Purdue Open Agriculture Technology and Systems Center (OATS).

When he was in college, Buckmaster took a course that covered the basics of what he works in now: open-source technology. Buckmaster ended up with a not-so-great grade. It was, in fact, the worst grade he would receive as a Purdue student.

But home was calling. After graduate school and serving as a professor at other universities, Buckmaster returned to Purdue.

Home can come in many forms: school, family, and personal experiences. Be sure to revisit them every once in a while.

Meet the Filmmaker/Blogger
Courtney Maxwell Courtney Maxwell
About Visionaries

This blog and video are part of the Visionaries series, which highlights the work and lives of researchers in the Purdue University College of Agriculture. The content for this series is created by the students of ASEC 280 (Digital Storytelling).

Explore other videos and blogs created by our student-filmmakers

Videos are also available on the Purdue Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication YouTube channel

Featured Stories

Brady Hardiman
Purdue researchers find new ways to track invasive species

We tend to think of green landscapes as healthy ones. But Brady Hardiman, an associate professor...

Read More
Brenna Ellison standing in front of a mural that says, "Farming is a noble calling."
Ellison named 20225 University Faculty Scholar

Brenna Ellison, a professor and the undergraduate program coordinator in the Department of...

Read More
Alexus Arvin takes a water sample at the Agronomy Center for Research and Education.
Farm Research Prepares Students for Their Future

The Agronomy Center for Research and Education has offered students hands-on experience for 75...

Read More
Dr. Nicole Widmar & Dr. Tomas Höök
Purdue Agriculture announces new department leaders

Bernie Engel, Purdue University’s Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, has appointed new...

Read More
Thaisa Cantu-Jungles, lead author of the study, shown here extracting DNA from gut bacteria treated with fibers
Mixing fibers for gut health

Scientists have long known that fiber feeds beneficial bacteria in the human gut. Now, Purdue...

Read More
Emma Johnson in an airplane, holding a pronghorn and standing next to a drone.
Meet FNR Outstanding Transfer Student Emma Johnson

Emma Johnson transferred to Purdue after earning her associate’s degree and graduating with...

Read More
To Top