What is your research focus?

My research is focused on characterizing maize (corn) heirlooms from the United States. Heirloom maize was primarily used for human and livestock consumption before hybrid corn became readily available to US farmers. I am conducting the first systematic characterization of these populations by collecting phenotypic and genotypic data on 990 heirloom accessions from across the US. In the future, this data set will help identify which heirlooms are adapted to specific growing conditions across the US and which have interesting grain characteristics that make them useful for culinary, beverage, or other industrial purposes.

Why does this field interest you?

I really enjoy my specific project and plant breeding in general because I get to spend time outside working in the field and every day is a new challenge. I enjoy working with heirlooms because they have a huge historical and scientific significance that can be impactful to both the scientific community and the public.

Why did you decide to come to Mizzou?

My lab and department are extremely supportive and welcoming. When I was interviewing and touring for graduate school, everyone I met at Mizzou was incredibly helpful and invested in my academic and professional success. The community that I have found through my lab, department, and the IPG (Interdisciplinary Plant Group) has helped me immensely throughout my degree program.    

What are your future career plans?

In the future, I see myself working primarily in the agriculture industry. I have a few different pathways that I envision for my future career, including working as a plant breeder at a small company or a data scientist at a larger company. 

Who is your advisor?

My advisors are Dr. Sherry Flint-Garcia with United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) and Dr. David Braun, director of IPG and professor of plant science and technology.