Chase Straw
Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Soils // Penn State University
2025 Class of Pioneers in the Field

If you had told 17-year-old Chase Straw that he’d one day feel most at home in front of a classroom, sharing his passion for turfgrass science, he would have had a few questions—starting with, “What’s turfgrass science?” 

While his high school self might be shocked at where he is today, it’s no surprise that he credits his success to his upbringing, a supportive family, and a strong network of mentors, all of whom have helped create a strong foundation for his career.

Chase’s story begins in Kentucky, where he comes from a long line of hardworking, determined Straw men. That DNA, combined with a love for basketball and an influential high school coach, led him to the University of Kentucky.

His coach, Donnie Mefford, was also the Head Groundskeeper at the University of Kentucky and asked Chase to join his crew with the invitation to mow Commonwealth Stadium.

“So, I went to Kentucky to mow grass,” Chase recalled. It wasn’t long before he realized he could turn groundskeeping into a career, and declared his major accordingly.

Over the next four years, Chase prioritized gaining hands-on work experience. He left home for the first time to intern with the Boston Red Sox, where he worked under David Mellor and Weston Appelfeller for two summers.

Appelfeller laughed as he remembered their first meeting.

“I never would have guessed that the kid who rolled up to Fenway Park in basketball shorts, with a strong Southern accent, would one day become a professor. But looking at Chase’s career, it’s clear he had the drive to succeed from the start."

"Pioneers in the Field represent legacies that last, and Chase’s ability to instill that same drive and passion in the next generation will be his lasting legacy."

"The students who have come through his program will become leaders in this industry and go on to lead this thing long after we're all gone.”

Next, in his undergraduate finale, Chase would get his chance at the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. Looking back on the experiences that shaped his career, he expressed gratitude for all the people he met along the way who changed the course of his career.

“You never really know where friendships or opportunities will lead you. Gaining mentors like Marcus Dean, Weston Appelfeller, and James Hlavaty as a college student—and now being able to call them friends—is really special. And I believe if my mentors, like Darian Daily and A.J. Powell, could see where I am today, they’d be surprised by my path but also proud.”

It was Darian Daily, his boss in Cincinnati, who encouraged Chase to meet the research team at the University of Tennessee during their visit to the Bengals’ stadium. That introduction to John Sorochan, Jim Brosnan, Adam Thoms, and Tom Samples opened Chase’s eyes to another career path within the industry.

At this pivotal moment, Chase was also considering his future with his now-wife, Elizabeth. Pursuing graduate school and an academic career would allow him to stay ingrained in the industry but allow him to be home on the weekend with his family.

He took a position at Texas Tech University with Gerald Henry, which launched his academic career. Six months later, he followed Henry to the University of Georgia, where he completed his master’s and Ph.D. over the next five years.

Reflecting on Chase’s impact in academia, Henry shared, “Chase was an invaluable asset to my research program—one of the most resilient, reliable, and responsible graduate students I’ve ever had. His cutting-edge research has placed him at the forefront of moving this industry forward.”

"I love being the CEO of my own brand, my own program. Being in the classroom and making a course mine is very rewarding to me. The students and teaching are really why I wanted to get into academia, and so many of them have impacted me without even realizing it."

Chase Straw

Chase continued his turfgrass world tour at the University of Minnesota before joining Texas A&M as an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management and Physiology.

For many turfgrass professionals, the relationships and camaraderie within the industry are paramount, and Chase is no exception.

Reflecting on his 20 years in the field and five years at Texas A&M, he expressed deep gratitude for the mentors and colleagues who shaped his career, including Weston Floyd, Brad Finn, and Nick McKenna.

Looking ahead to his new role, Chase joked, “I need to find me a Weston here.”

His time at Texas A&M was fulfilling, both in research and teaching. “I had a great gig at Texas A&M. I was passionate about the research and I loved the students, the facility, and the coursework”, he said.

“So many people have influenced my career, many who probably didn't even realize it—especially my students. Their feedback or success really kept me going."

"Overall, that’s the most rewarding element for me, teaching and playing middle man in a student’s turfgrass journey."

"One of the reasons I was looking forward to coming here and filling these large shoes was because of the program at Penn State and the potential to reach even more of the next generation."

"Nothing would bring me more joy than having students sprinkled all over the world.”

Today, Chase Straw serves as the Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Soils at Penn State University. True to form, the same compass that led him into academia also influenced his direction to take the role in State College - his team at home. Taking his talents to Penn State brought Chase, Elizabeth, and their three boys closer to home and loved ones.

 Elizabeth, who has known Chase since fourth grade, has been with him every step of the way. Elizabeth said that no matter where Chase is around the world, he is always all-in. “Chase as a professor and Chase outside of the job are very much intertwined."

"He is passionate about this industry and I have always felt like he’s one step ahead because he’s incredibly innovative and always thinking about the future of turfgrass. I envision him happiest when he’s able to brainstorm with his peers and ask the questions, 'what’s next, where can we take this?’

"He is the same way personally. He’s a wonderful friend and husband to me, and an amazing father who loves being present and active with his three boys. He is happiest when we’re all together. That’s how we all are, happiest being together. He’s all-in with everything he does.”

"When I consider research that will contribute to my legacy, I’m really invested in community level sports fields and catering to those user groups. How do we provide communities with the information they need to make informed decisions about their sports field? And that’s a very loaded question. That goes way beyond turfgrass science, it’s construction, it’s economics, it’s health/safety. I hope to find avenues to push the sports field manager forward."

Chase Straw

Having a partner who trusted him and supported his passions from the very beginning is what Chase says has served as the foundation for his life and career. The foundation that has allowed Chase to build a legacy that will endure.

The students he has mentored across Georgia, Minnesota, Texas, and now Pennsylvania, will carry his passion and innovations forward. As he embarks on new initiatives, such as bringing turfgrass career development to the FFA and resources for community-level sports fields, his impact on the industry—and the next generation—will continue to grow.

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