New Weed Science Professor Set to Drive Innovation at the Ridgetown Campus

The University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Isabelle Aicklen as the new Ontario Bean Growers (OBG) Professor in Weed Management. She adds to OAC's world-class expertise in agriculture and weed science and will take an active role in driving innovation at the Ridgetown Campus. Her hiring is made possible through generous funding from OBG and an anonymous donor, with the goal of advancing weed management research and supporting the province’s dry bean industry. 

Having worked in both academia and industry, Dr. Aicklen brings a wealth of experience to the role. She completed her BSc and Ph.D. at the University of Guelph, where her research focused on herbicide resistance in green pigweed populations in southwestern Ontario. Her work provided critical insights into effective weed management strategies for Ontario growers. She previously worked at Cargill Ltd., Syngenta Canada Inc., and Bayer CropScience, where she gained firsthand experience in agronomy, pest management, and grower engagement. 

Her research will directly benefit Ontario’s bean growers by identifying innovative and sustainable solutions for weed management. She will also play a key role in teaching and mentoring students in Ridgetown’s diploma programs, helping to train the next generation of agricultural professionals. 

“OAC and U of G have a world-class reputation in agricultural research, and I am excited to be part of this legacy,” says Dr. Aicklen. “With its strong ties to Ontario’s agricultural community, Ridgetown Campus is the perfect place for me to contribute to the advancement of weed science.” 

Dr. Aicklen’s industry experience and passion for teaching make her an excellent fit for this position, explains Brett Shepherd, director of U of G’s Ridgetown Campus. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Aicklen to Ridgetown,” says Shepherd. “Her expertise in weed science and passion for knowledge-sharing will be an incredible asset to our diploma students, who will gain hands-on experience in the latest weed management strategies.” 

The Ontario Bean Growers Professorship in Weed Science is part of a broader effort to support Ontario’s dry bean sector and will boost U of G’s leadership in dry bean research. The recent renewal of the OBG Dry Bean Agronomy and Pest Management faculty positions at Ridgetown Campus, along with Dr. Aicklen’s appointment, ensures that research and extension efforts continue to serve Ontario’s bean industry for years to come. 

"We are excited to work with Dr. Isabelle Aicklen and look forward to continuing the great work of weed management research at the Ontario Crops Research Centre sites in Huron and Ridgetown," adds Jamie Payton, chairman of the Ontario Bean Growers (OBG). "Edible dry-bean growers continue to struggle with invasive weed pressures, like waterhemp, in prime growing regions. Dr. Aicklen's research is vital in helping farmers provide the best beans in the world by tackling these troublesome weeds resulting in increased yield, quality and profitability."  

Dr. Aicklen adds to OAC’s already world-class strength in plant science and weed management.  

“We are incredibly grateful to OBG for their investment in OAC’s expertise and research,” adds OAC dean, John Cranfield. “Their generosity allows us to attract top-tier talent like Dr. Aicklen, ensuring that OAC remains a leader in dry bean agronomy and weed science.” 

With Ontario producing nearly 100,000 acres of dry beans annually—most of which are exported internationally—investment in research and education remains crucial. Dr. Aicklen’s work at Ridgetown will help growers optimize production practices and stay ahead of evolving weed management challenges, reinforcing U of G’s commitment to supporting a strong and sustainable agricultural sector. 

The Ontario Crops Research Centre is owned by the Government of Ontario through its agency, Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), and is managed by the University of Guelph through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance.