Education

BS, Biology, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
PhD, Genetic Area Program, University of Missouri

Description

Using Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding to Understand Agronomic Traits in Maize
My lab is interested in several aspects of genetic diversity in maize.  Artificial selection has impacted maize diversity during its domestication from teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis) to landrace varieties, and during plant breeding from landrace varieties to modern inbred lines.

One specific research project is examining the impact of artificial selection on protein and amino acid composition of maize kernels.  A more broad interest is diversifying the genetic base of maize by utilizing landraces and teosinte, the ancestor of maize.