Michael P. Kenna


Kenna Picture
Michael P. Kenna

Director
Green Section Research

Dr. Michael P. Kenna has been the Director of USGA Green Section Research since February, 1990. He oversees the USGA’s turfgrass and environmental research activities, including soliciting and evaluating research proposals, grant making, and development of cooperative funding with government and commercial sources. Dr. Kenna travels extensively to visit turfgrass and environmental research sites, speak at conferences about the USGA's research programs, and serves on advisory boards and research foundations. He has worked closely with the US Department of Agriculture on water and energy conservation research that relates to golf courses. Dr. Kenna has served as editor on several books concerning turfgrass biotechnology, environmental issues, and water conservation and reuse.

Dr. Kenna received his B.S. degree in Ornamental Horticulture from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. While at Oklahoma State University, he received his M.S. degree in Agronomy and Ph.D. degree in Crop Science. His graduate studies involved turf and forage grass breeding, quantitative genetics, plant physiology and turfgrass management. In 1985, Dr. Kenna joined the faculty at Oklahoma State University as assistant professor, responsible for turfgrass research activities and a statewide extension program. He was selected for the Young Scientist position on the USGA Research Committee in 1988, and was the 2003 Distinguished Alumnus for the College of Agriculture at California State Polytechnic University.