Dr. Tuinstra joined the faculty at Purdue University as Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics and Wickersham Chair of Excellence in Agricultural Research in 2007. He coordinates crop improvement programs for maize, popcorn, and sorghum to enhance the performance of these crops in stress-prone environments. He serves as an advisor for students in plant breeding and was recognized with the 2016 Spotlight Educator - Student Choice Award for his courses in plant breeding and global agriculture. He currently serves as Scientific Director of the Institute for Plant Sciences to deliver innovative, forward-looking approaches to crop production. He contributes to numerous professional societies including the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, National Association of Plant Breeders, and the Sorghum Improvement Conference of North America.