Franklin David Keim

Franklin David Keim (1886-1956) was a professor at the University of Nebraska where he studied plant genetics, grasses, and grazing. He served as the chair of the University of Nebraska Department of Agronomy for 22 years from 1930 to 1952. He was elected a fellow of the American Society of Agronomy in 1937 and served as the president of the American Society of Agronomy in 1943.

Early life and education Keim was born on September 10, 1886, in Hardy, Nebraska. He attended Bethany College in 1904 and received a teacher's certificate from Peru State College in 1909. He worked as a principal for several years before moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, to attend the University of Nebraska. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1914 and a master's degree in 1918. During his time as a student he meet Rollins A. Emerson prior to Emerson's move from Nebraska to Cornell University. Wayne ultimately also became an agronomist, professor, and chair of the department of agronomy at Colorado State University.

Career After completing his bachelor's, Keim worked at the University of Nebraska as an extension agronomist. After completing his master's degree, he became a professor in the Department of Agronomy. Keim's interest in plant genetics lead him to pursue a PhD with Emerson, now at Cornell. He employed sabbaticals and annual leaves to earn a PhD from Emerson at Cornell while continuing to serve as a faculty member at the University of Nebraska, completing his PhD in 1927.

Mentoring George F. Sprague, undergraduate mentee, National Academy of Sciences member George Beadle, masters mentee, National Academy of Sciences member, Nobel Prize winner